This is the new Audi TT Quattro Sport concept car, a four-wheel drive über-coupe with 414bhp and designs on the Porsche 911. It’s been unveiled today at the 2014 Geneva motor show.
‘We wanted to demonstrate what the new TT’s technology can do if you take it a step further,’ said Ulrich Hackenberg, R&D boss for the whole Volkswagen Group. ‘This car is designed for racing – an extreme driving machine for the motorsports enthusiasts among our customers.’
So the Audi TT Quattro Sport is the new TT turned up to 11?
That’s right. Audi only unveiled the all-new TT and TTS last night, and this morning it’s already focusing the limelight on this harder, faster TT Quattro Sport concept car.
Power comes from the same 2.0 TFSI four-cylinder petrol engine you’ll find in the TT and TTS, but here it’s been cranked up to 414bhp. Peak power comes in at 6700rpm, the engine is redlined at 7200rpm, and there’s also 332lb ft available from 2400 to 6300rpm.
A cast alloy cylinder crankcase, revised turbocharged, new aluminium pistons and an ultra-high-strength forged steel crankshaft help produce (and cope) with the increase outputs.
Add in a 1344kg kerbweight, Audi’s Quattro four-wheel drive system and a dual-clutch S-tronic gearbox, and the Audi TT Quattro Sport is claimed to scamper to 62mph in just 3.7 seconds. And the Quattro system is pretty trick too: the clutch pack located on the rear axle is electronically controlled, as on a Ferrari 458 and Mercedes SLS Black Series.
What else should I know about the new TT Quattro Sport?
Aluminium suspension components help cut weight, and the set-up is stiffer overall too; aluminium body panels trim off further kilos; and the front splitter is made of carbonfibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP) and claimed to increase downforce on the front axle.
The blistered wheelarches are also 30mm wider than the standard TT on each side, and made from CFRP too. They shroud 20in wheels with a race-style centre locking mechanism and semi-slick tyres.
And at the rear there’s more CFRP in the form of a big rear wing and diffuser, two huge exhausts and some extra venting as well.
Is the interior of the Quattro Sport just as extreme?
The interior is clad in Alcantara, and it’s been stripped of a stereo system, and other niceties such as armrests. Racing bucket seats feature four-point harnesses, and the luggage compartment has space for a pair of helmets. A big red starter button, and the Drive Select button to toggle between driving modes, are both located on the steering wheel.
As for whether this is the new TT RS… Our sources say there will be a new TT RS, but we hear it’ll still be powered by the 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbo, and produce around 380bhp.