INGOLSTADT: Wide add-on parts, a powerful rear wing and a power output of 592bhp are what the Audi TT clubsport turbo is made of.
Inspired by the successful Audi 90 IMSA GTO of the late 1980s, the clubsport also possesses a new feature under the hood – an electric twin-turbo system for its five-cylinder 2.5-litre TFSI engine with 650Nm of torque from 3,000 to 7,000rpm mated to a manual six-speed transmission.
While bathed in Ferro Titanium, the car stands 4,330mm long, 1,970mm-wide (140mm wider than standard) and has a track width of 1,736mm (front) and 1,729mm (rear).
Weighing in at 1,396kg, the car gets to 100kph from standstill in 3.6sec and onwards to 310kph, thanks to its electrically driven compressor (e-turbo) that boosts torque by up to 200Nm and lets it cover up to 16m within the first 2.5sec.
This operating principle for the additional e-turbo makes it possible to design the conventional turbocharger more specifically for high charge pressures and consequently for high engine power and without any perceptible delay.
A dedicated 48V electrical sub-system, developed by Audi, supplies electrical energy to the turbocharger via a compact lithium-ion battery in the luggage compartment and gets charged by recuperation when coasting. A DC/DC converter provides the connection to the 12V electrical system.
In an acceleration duel, the TT clubsport turbo is able to pull away from a counterpart with an identically powered engine but without an e-Turbo.
The TT clubsport turbo uses Audi’s legendary Quattro permanent all-wheel-drive (AWD) system with a multi-plate clutch mounted on the rear axle for better weight distribution and gets electronic stabilization control and torque vectoring.
Other mechanical parts include a free-flowing exhaust with a side pipe to the ambient air, coilover suspension with an electric lifting function along with racing-type parts such as the muffler and radiator.
The car rides on 20-inch wheels with a six twin-spoke design with 275/30 series tyres that partially hide lightweight carbon-fibre ceramic brake discs.
The TT clubsport gets a host of carbon-fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) parts from the air inlets, large front splitter side panels, side sills, rear diffuser and the manually adjustable rear wing.
Inside, the black Alcantara and CFRP combination for the cabin has been fitted with ultra-high-strength titanium tubes along with a pair of lightweight racecar bucket seats upholstered in coral orange Alcantara and comes equipped with four-point harnesses.
Following the colour concept are the air vents and gear shifter with an aluminium gear shift level that travels in an open shift gate, while a multifunction steering wheel with four satellite buttons allow the driver to control all key driving parameters.
“The electric biturbo signifies a new dimension in driving enjoyment (by) boosting sprinting ability and torque and enables high peak power,” said Audi technical development board member Prof. Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg.
He added that they are also close to production readiness with this technology for their TDI engines.
The Wörthersee Tour in Reifnitz, Austria will take place from May 13 to 16, where Audi will be showcasing the TT clubsport turbo concept.
Keyword: Audi to showcase TT clubsport turbo at Worthersee