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Audi's new car extravaganza
By
Ben Whitworth
14 December 2007 09:30
Audi is preparing a slew of almost a dozen new models over the next eighteen months – headlined by a new twin-turbo diesel-powered TT – and we’ve got lowdown on these key models that will, Audi hopes, make it the world’s best-selling premium motoring brand by 2015.
A diesel TT?
Indeed. Caught here undergoing initial cold-weather trials, this diesel TT mule even features a dash-mounted warning to remind the driver to refuel only with diesel. But contrary to numerous reports, the TT will not run Audi’s current 2.0-litre 170bhp – CAR’s sources claim Audi is prepping a twin-turbo version of its common rail diesel. Like BMW’s superb new biturbo diesel, the TT unit will feature a small responsive blower for instant throttle response at low revs, and then a bigger turbo for high-rev punch.
Expect at least 200bhp from the transversely-mounted four-cylinder unit, and a mighty 295lb ft of torque for a 0-60mph time of 6.5 seconds, a 145mph top speed and some serious in-gear go – not bad for something that should return around 40mpg in the real world. Audi is currently developing a new seven-speed S-tronic transmission to handle the engine’s massive torque as the current six-cog box has a threshold of 260lb ft, and naturally, the diesel TT will be quattro all-wheel-drive only. It should debut in early 2009 – probably at the Geneva motor show – and arrive here in the summer with a £28,000 price tag.
What about a TT with an RS badge?
You'll get that, and an S-version. Before the diesel TT arrives, Audi will unveil two hotter petrol-powered TT quattro models – the S and RS. The S will be officially launched in both coupe and roadster guise at the Detroit Motor Show in January, powered a heavily uprated version of Audi’s frisky turbo-charged 2.0-litre direct injection engine. Official outputs have yet to be announced, but our spies say expect at least 265bhp and a 258lb ft driving all-four wheels through six-speed manual or S-tronic double-clutch boxes. Expect a £33,000 price tag when it arrives here next summer.
