*NOW UPDATED WITH VIDEO. Clever engine tech means big horsepower for this race-inspired TT.
[Not a valid template]Although Volkswagen usually garners the most limelight at the annual Wörthersee gathering in Austria, Audi is part of the party too. And this year, its gift to the four-rings faithful is the Audi TT Clubsport Turbo concept – a 592bhp electric biturbo monster Audi says is filled with technology that we’re seen likely to see on production vehicles.
Although the TT Clubsport Turbo uses electrical assistance in generating its big power, it’s not a hybrid in the sense that we’re used to. The car runs a 2.5-litre TFSI engine with an electric biturbo system, or eTurbo, which means that the turbocharger is electrically driven rather than purely relying on exhaust gasses to spool up. This all but eliminates lag and means the turbo is spinning even when pure drive energy is waning. In other words, it’s always boosting, giving loads of power to all four wheels, anywhere in the rev range.
The look of the car is inspired by the Audi 90 IMSA GTO of the late 1980s, with wide parts bolted on, and a big rear wing. The weight has been kept down to 1396kg, which means a 0-100kph time of 3.6 seconds and a top speed of 310kph.
Other technical highlights include coilover suspension and carbon-ceramic brake discs all round, nestled under 20-inch alloy wheels. The interior is all business, with a titanium roll cage, bucket seats and digital instruments.
Source: Audi
