The drivetrain

The new Audi TT is powered by two transversely installed petrol engines – a four-cylinder turbo and a V6. Both units provide it with high levels of power and performance. Their performance enables the TT Coupé to perform impressively on the road.

The optional S tronic dual-clutch gearbox and quattro drive for the V6 – both of them exclusive technologies in the sports coupé segment – transmit the engine's power into propulsion with magnificent effect.

The four-cylinder turbo engine, with the abbreviation TFSI, develops its power from a swept volume of 1,984 cm3. An international jury of experts voted it "Engine of the Year" for two years in succession, in 2005 and 2006 – praise indeed for its innovative technological package. The TFSI combines the Audi-developed petrol direct injection technology FSI, which has impressively demonstrated its superiority in the R8 racing car, with a turbocharger – a perfect combination.

The four-valve engine responds spontaneously to the throttle and is ultra-refined. It puts 280 Nm of torque onto the crankshaft even at engine speeds as low as 1,800 rpm, and is able to keep this high level of torque constant up to 5,000 rpm. The nominal power output of 147 kW (200 bhp) is delivered between 5,100 and 6,000 rpm. The 2.0 TFSI accelerates the Audi TT Coupé to 100 km/h in just 6.4 seconds (in the version featuring the S tronic dual-clutch gearbox) and on to a top speed of 240 km/h. It uses an average of just 7.7 litres of fuel per 100 km.

Even more power is on tap from the V6 engine, with its 3,189 cm3 capacity. It develops a maximum torque of 320 Nm between 2,500 and 3,000 revs, and at 6,300 revs delivers a power output of 184 kW (250 bhp). The characteristic features of the long-stroke unit are the continuous adjustment of all four camshafts – by 52 degrees on the intake side and 42 degrees on the exhaust side – and the extremely narrow cylinder angle of just 15 degrees.

On the road, the 3.2-litre V6 unit reveals itself to be high-torque and high-revving. It produces a fascinatingly sonorous response at every engine speed, emphasising above all the intake sound. The TT 3.2 quattro sprints from a standing start to 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds (with S tronic). Its top speed is 250 km/h (governed) and its average fuel consumption 9.4 litres per 100 km.

The standard-spec transmission is a six-speed manual gearbox in a weight-saving magnesium casing. A technical highlight, and a unique feature in its class for the TT, is the optional S tronic dual-clutch gearbox. The system's dual-clutch technology enables it to change gear in just 0.2 seconds, producing no discernible interruption to the power flow. In manual mode, the driver does the gear-changing, either by tapping the selector lever or by pulling one of the shift paddles mounted behind the steering wheel, like on a racing car.

The four-cylinder TT is a front-wheel-drive model, while the V6 features permanent four-wheel drive. Its quattro drive system operates with an electronically controlled and hydraulically actuated multi-plate clutch. In order to improve the distribution of axle loads, the clutch is placed at the rear of the TT. The mechanical construction and control efficiency of the unit have been further enhanced relative to the predecessor model. In normal conditions, the clutch directs 85 percent of the torque to the front wheels, but in extreme circumstances it is able to transmit as much as 100 percent of the forces to one of the two axles.

The chassis

The sports suspension on the new TT Coupé also helps to deliver top-class dynamics. This is thanks in part to its elaborate layout, as well as its 9 mm lower centre of gravity. The Audi dynamic suspension layout has been redeveloped and retuned. The emphasis here has been placed on the wider track, the larger wheel cross-sections with diameters ranging from 16 to 19 inches and the extensive elastokinematic measures.

The front suspension is pivoted on an aluminium subframe. It has a wide track of 1,572 millimetres. The steering comprises a rack-and-pinion assembly that supplies its electromechanical servo assistance as a function of road speed. The steering is characterised by direct transmission and a high degree of precision.

A new feature compared with the torsion-beam design of the predecessor is the four-link rear suspension with a track of 1,558 mm. In this instance, the coil springs and shock absorbers are separate. The trailing links absorb the propulsive and braking forces. As an aid to ride comfort, their configuration is relatively soft.

The three wishbones per wheel, on the other hand, are connected rigidly in order to introduce the transverse forces into the body precisely.

The TT 2.0 TFSI features 16-inch cast aluminium wheels, fitted with 225/55 R 16 tyres as standard. The 3.2 quattro features forged 17-inch lightweight alloy wheels, fitted with 245/45 R 17 tyres. All Audi TT models are fitted with newly developed disc brakes on every wheel. The new brake pads develop particularly high friction coefficients, thereby improving brake responsiveness and performance. The newly developed ESP electronic stabilisation program is designed to maintain a dynamic driving style – it promotes the TT's self-steering behaviour, which is in the range of neutral to slightly understeering. This sporty characteristic delivers thrilling agility, maximum driving fun and magnificent handling.

The high-tech damping system Audi magnetic ride is available as an option – an innovative technology that resolves the age-old conflict between comfort and driving dynamics. The shock absorber pistons on the TT do not contain conventional oil, but a magneto-rheological fluid in which microscopically small magnetic particles are enclosed. When a voltage is applied to them, they alter the damping characteristics within milliseconds. This adaptive system simultaneously maintains astonishingly high levels of ride comfort and thoroughly sporty dynamism with perfect roll stabilisation, according to the specific driving scenario and the preferences of the driver. The driver can choose between the basic programs "Normal" and "Sport" at a switch. None of the TT's competitors offers a similarly advanced technological concept.

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