March 3, 2008 The terms "sportscar" and "diesel engine" don't exactly go hand in hand, but Audi has brought the two together by adopting a diesel powerplant for its latest TT Coupe and Roadster models which will debut at the Geneva Motor Show. The 140mph TT 2.0 TDI quattro has a 50mpg-plus fuel economy, is EU5 compliant, and shows a 23% reduction in CO2 output compared to the pertrol equivalent. The six-speed Coupe achives 0-62mph in 7.5 seconds, with a top speed of 140mph while the Roadster can go from 0-62km in 7.7 seconds, with a top speed of 138mph. The cars on show in Geneva are "production ready" with first deliveries expected in summer 2008.
Billed as "the world’s first bona fide diesel-powered sports car", the space-efficient shape of the 2.0-litre, four-cylinder TDI introduced in the Audi A4 Saloon in 143PS/105kW form has been transferred to the compact engine bay of the TT with more power (170PS/125kW) and more torque than the 3.2-litre V6 petrol model (350Nm). The engine includes common rail fuel injection that incorporates advanced piezo injection technology, capable of performing up to five distinct injection sequences per cycle. The 170PS is reached at 4200rpm and the 350Nm maximum torque (assisted by the inclusion of a new turbocharger with adjustable vanes) from 1750rmp to 2500rpm. The cars have a 5000rpm limit, and improvements in combustion chamber thermodynamics mean they can run on up to 60% recycled exhaust that has been cooled by the radiator.
In terms of economy and emissions, the Coupe boasts 53.3mpg combined consumption with a CO2 output of 140g/km and the Roadster has 51.3mpg combined consumption with a CO2 output of 145g/km.
Kerb weight is just 1370kg for the Coupe and 1415kg, for the Roadster via the use of aluminum and steel hybrid body shell – which is also responsible for the car’s comfort and nimbleness on the road. The suspension can be further enhanced by installing the Audi magnetic ride adaptive damping system, which employs specially developed dampers filled with a magnetic fluid that reacts to electrical charge.
The standard UK specification for the TT 2.0 TDI quattro includes 17-inch Trapez alloy wheels, leather and Alcantara-upholstered sports seats, electronic climate control and an MP3-compatible 140-watt Audi Concert audio system with single CD drive. The Roadster adds a fully automatic electrically operated soft-top and integrated wind deflector.
The vehicles will be available to buy this year from £26,350.
