The big feature of the concept is the engine. Based on the EA888 series engine which is already used for the TT, its output is boosted to a striking 420 PS at 6700 rpm – equivalent to 210 PS per litre, which is pretty phenomenal, and is more than was achieved with the 2001 R8 racing sportscar. The maximum torque of the engine is 450 Nm, and this is available from 2400 to 6300 rpm.
According to Audi, the 0-62 mph standing start time is 3.7 seconds. Few changes were required to the existing EA888 engine which has variable valve timing, dual camshaft adjustment and dual injection, but the special pistons have cooling channels and the crankshaft is made from high-strength forged steel. The crankcase itself is made from a high-strength cast alloy, while a newly-developed turbocharger has optimised flow and generates up to 1.8 bar pressure.
As you would expect, the drive is taken through an S tronic gearbox and fed to all four wheels by the Haldexbased four-wheel-drive system The chassis is virtually the same as the regular version of the new TT, but the coil springs are stiffer, and the ride height is lower. The wheels fitted to the concept have a diameter of 20 inches. At the front, a carbon-fibre reinforced polymer splitter increases downforce on the front axle and the side intakes are much more prominent. Altogether, the front end looks quite aggressive. The wheelarches are more muscular, extending 30 mm further than those of the production TT. At the rear, the tailpipes are further apart than on the production car, and emerge through a prominent splitter. A fixed rear spoiler is used, supported on skeletal brackets.
The interior is stripped out in comparison with the production TT, the door panels having no armrests or speakers and the door pulls are simple lengths of Alcantara fabric. The lowset bucket seats are fitted with fourpoint harnesses, the black belts having contrasting white stripes.
The steering wheel is rather special and is fitted with stop/start buttons and rotary controls which operate the new digital instrument panel, instead of the regular MMI switches on the console. With the very high output from the 2.0 TFSI engine, one has to wonder whether the TT quattro sport concept will ever enter production, particularly when there is certain to be a new TT RS with the five-cylinder engine. It would be great if both were available for enthusiasts to choose from.
