Click above for a high-res gallery of the Audi TT 2.0 TDI quattro
After Audi unveiled the almighty R8 V12 TDI at the Detroit Auto Show, I asked the obvious question and they made it clear that they had no plans to build a production version. Now that the disappointment has subsided somewhat, Audi is offering up a consolation prize, although it's not known yet if the US market will get a crack at it. For the first time since the original TT debuted ten years ago, Audi will be offering a version with a diesel engine. A 170 hp, 258 lb-ft 2.0L TDI will be available in both the TT Coupe and Roadster. Putting the torque down through all four wheels by way of a six-speed manual gearbox, the coupe will run 0-62 mph in 7.5 sec, with the ragtop accomplishing the feat in 7.7sec. While by no means blistering speeds, the nature of diesel engine torque will mean that the TTs will feel quick everywhere. The real upside to all of this is the fuel economy of this claimed world's first diesel sports car. The lighter, more aerodynamic coupe will be capable of 44.3 mpg (US) while the convertible is just behind again at 42.7. Pretty impressive when gas prices as likely to go ever higher. The Audi press release is after the jump.
[Source: Audi]
Ingolstadt, 2008-02-27
The new Audi TT 2.0 TDI quattro:
Powerful performance with maximum efficiency
Audi is once again setting standards, this time with the new Audi TT and its TDI engine-a model that combines pure sportiness and powerful performance with sensational efficiency. The Audi TT 2.0 TDI Coupe quattro and Audi TT Roadster 2.0 TDI quattro are the first series-production sports cars to feature diesel engines. It's a compelling union:
The two-liter engine generates dynamic propulsion with 125 kW (170 hp) and 350 Nm (258.15 lb-ft) of torque, yet the TT Coupe and TT Roadster consume an average of only 5.3 liters and 5.5 liters of fuel per 100 km (44.38 mpg and 42.77 mpg) respectively-unparalleled in the sports car segment.
Audi is setting the pace with this synthesis of excellent dynamism and low fuel consumption, as it has done for many years: Since debuting in 1989 the TDI engines from the brand with the four rings have been paving the way for the world's most successful efficiency technology and acting as trendsetters for the entire automobile industry. Today, these powerful, refined and highly fuel-efficient engines represent a modern, smart take on sportiness. The run of victories achieved by the Audi R10 TDI diesel race car at the Le Mans 24 Hours and in the American Le Mans Series are impressive evidence of the tremendous potential of this technology.
The dynamic diesel engines from Audi exert an exciting impact not just in racing but also in series-production models-and now indeed in a sports car. The TT Coupe quattro with the 2.0 TDI sprints from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 7.5 seconds and achieves a top speed of 226 km/h (140.43 mph). The Audi TT Roadster, likewise equipped with quattro permanent all-wheel drive, requires only an extra tenth of a second for the standard sprint, and continues up to a top speed of 223 km/h (138.57 mph). Both versions serve as outstanding examples of the success of the Audi efficiency strategy, thanks to their fuel efficiency ratings of 5.5 liters per 100 km (42.77 mpg), a figure that corresponds to CO2 emissions of only 145 grams/km.
Powerful, refined and efficient: The 2.0 TDI
The new four-cylinder TDI engine (engine displacement = 1,968 cc) represents a fresh take on the all-round compelling qualities of the TDI concept. Designers of the dual-camshaft, two-liter model looked to its predecessor-the most-produced diesel engine in the world-and expanded upon its major strengths: driving pleasure, efficiency and refinement.
The new common rail injection system is equipped with highly modern piezo injectors, whose eight-hole injection nozzles can perform up to five distinct injection sequences per cycle. This fine degree of modulation creates a modest pressure increase in the combustion chambers, resulting in a significantly reduced noise level. The system pressure of 1,800 bar allows fuel to form a fine dispersion, enabling precise, highly efficient combustion.
The turbocharger is also part of a new generation and operates with adjustable vanes that allow torque to build up rapidly. The positions of swirl flaps on the intake manifold are controlled by electric motors in order to adapt the flow of air to the current load and engine speed. The geometry of the engine's pistons has been modified, and the acoustics of the camshaft drive belt have been overhauled. Just as they did in the preceding model, two balancing shafts reduce the vibrations arising in the crankshaft drive.
The cumulative result of this progress is a high maximum engine speed of 5,000 rpm and, most importantly, improved thermodynamics in the combustion chambers. What this means is that the engine can run on up to 60 percent recycled exhaust that has been thoroughly cooled by the radiator. This results in a drastic reduction in untreated NOx emissions, with the 2.0 TDI already meeting the threshold values of the upcoming Euro 5 standard.
Dynamic road performance
The 2.0 TDI in the Audi TT Coupe and the Audi TT Roadster delivers 125 kW (170 hp) at 4,200 rpm and sends a full 350 Nm (258.15 lb-ft) of torque to the crankshaft at engine speeds between 1,750 and 2,500 rpm. Operating quietly and generating little in the way of vibration, this model delivers a hefty amount of power at the lowest rpm levels and is highly responsive to input from the gas pedal. Its supreme power development lends this engine its own unique, fascinating character-that of a muscular, smart sports engine.
The Audi TT Coupe 2.0 TDI quattro easily leaves the gasoline-powered competition behind when accelerating from a standstill. It sprints from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in just 7.5 seconds and never looks back until it reaches 226 km/h (140.43 mph). The TT Roadster accelerates to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 7.7 seconds and keeps going up to 223 km/h (138.57 mph).
These models-the world's first diesel sports cars-consume an average of only 5.3 liters and 5.5 liters of fuel per 100 km (44.38 mpg and 42.77 mpg) respectively, which corresponds to CO2 emissions of a mere 140 g/km and 145 g/km. In so doing, they are setting a benchmark that represents a veritable quantum leap in the sports car segment. With the TDI engine in the TT series, Audi once again establishes its leading role on the diesel market. The brand with the four rings is advancing progress and starting at the top.
In keeping with the theme of sporty performance, Audi has combined its two diesel-engine sports cars with highly effective manual six-speed transmissions whose short lever travel allows the driver to shift quickly, easily and precisely. The housings for these transmissions are made of lightweight, high-tech magnesium materials. Relatively long final transmission ratios have been employed to bring the drivetrain in line with the character of the TDI engine.
In light of their high torque values, Audi is equipping both of its new TT models with quattro permanent all-wheel drive. The heart of this system is an electronically controlled, hydraulically activated multi-plate clutch, which is located in the rear of the vehicle for improved weight distribution. This clutch generally distributes up to 85 percent of the engine power to the front axle and 15 percent to the rear axle; in extreme situations it can divert up to 100 percent of the power to either axle.
The overall concept: An exercise in uncompromised sportiness
Consistent efforts to reduce vehicle weight are also part of the efficiency strategy pursued by the brand with the four rings. Both sports cars are very lightweight: the 2 + 2-seater TT Coupe weighs only about 1,370 kilograms (3020.33 lbs) when empty, while the two-seater TT Roadster with soft top weighs roughly 1,415 kilograms (3119.54 lbs). Underlying these low weights is an innovative hybrid body construction developed by Audi. Front components are made of aluminum and utilize Space Frame technology; rear components are made of steel. This solution guarantees that the frame is as rigid as possible and optimizes load distribution between the axles.
The Audi TT Coupe and TT Roadster are dynamic, emotion-packed sports cars. As was the case with preceding models, these cars are impressive for their powerful design, whose dynamic flow continues on into the interior. The cockpit contains multiple nods to the circle motif, and the sports steering wheel with its flat-bottomed rim fits the driver's hand like a glove. The sport seats are deep-set, providing a sporty seated position and firm lateral support. The backs of both rear seats fold down in the TT Coupe, making the trunk space grow from 290 to 700 cubic liters (10.24 – 24.72 cubic ft). The Roadster (250 liters, 8.83 cubic ft) comes with a practical load-through hatch upon request.
The sports suspension likewise offers extraordinarily dynamic features. The front suspension is pivoted on an aluminum subframe and has a wide track measuring 1,572 millimeters (61.89 inches).
A highly precise rack-and-pinion steering system with a direct steering ratio provides an intimate link between the driver and the road. Power steering with servo assist, which decreases as speed increases, is generated by an electromechanical drive that is even more efficient than a hydraulic pump.
The coil springs and shock absorbers in the four-link rear axle are situated in separate areas. The links are also finely differentiated: The layout of the trailing links, which absorb the propulsive and braking forces, is relatively soft to promote a comfortable ride. The connections to the three transverse links per wheel, on the other hand, are rigid in order to direct transverse forces into the body with precision.
The Audi TT Coupe 2.0 TDI quattro and Audi TT Roadster 2.0 TDI quattro roll on 16-inch, cast aluminum wheels fitted with 255/55 R16 tires. Behind the wheels are large disk brakes with pads that develop large coefficients of friction. The ESP stabilization program supports the neutral to slight understeering feel of the TT-the finishing touch on an overall portrait of exciting dynamics, exhilarating driving pleasure and stability you can count on.
Audi magnetic ride, a high-tech shock-absorber system available as an option, is an adaptive system that resolves the traditional conflict of interests between comfort and handling. A magneto-rheological fluid circulating in the shock absorbers changes the direction of the magnetic particles within milliseconds when electricity is applied; this alters the overall characteristics of the fluid and, in turn, modifies the damping characteristic. The driver can choose between "Normal" and "Sport" programs by flipping a switch.
Equipment makes a statement of refined style
Standard equipment for both of the new TT models reflects the sporty character and refined style of the series. Faux aluminum accents add a shine to gray inlays and various other components in the interior. The sports steering wheel comes with a Nappa leather cover. The climate control system (standard for the TT Coupe) regulates heating and ventilation in response to the level of sunlight. The driver information system and chorus audio system round out the standard equipment.
A wide array of high-tech equipment is available as options, including a highly modern generation of audio devices, electrically adjustable front seats, the adaptive light dynamic cornering light system and two navigation systems with a user interface based on the Audi MMI concept-a cut above the competition.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 5)
matt @ Feb 26th 2008 8:43PM
prius > that
Eric @ Feb 26th 2008 8:59PM
pfff.. riiiiiiiiight
psarhjinian @ Feb 26th 2008 8:59PM
Now, I'm a Prius fan and all, but the TT and it aren't comparable. At all.
fourtydays @ Feb 26th 2008 9:10PM
O>K not sure what the other post's mean but this is an awesome news bit. The TT is one of the most refined sporty cars on the market- it blows the BMW z4 and mBenz out of the water just on fit and finish. The interior quality and comfort cannot be touched in this price segment and you can get around 40 mpg. Im in!
Dondonel @ Feb 26th 2008 11:30PM
@fourtydays
remember, this is a manufacturer claim for the highway fuel consumption - in Europe manufacturers can publish their own fuel consumption figures; if it comes in US, I bet the fuel rating is going to be south of 35mpg (highway), which is equivalent to a gasoline consumption of 31mpg, normal for a gasoline engine rated at 170hp; I'm sorry to disappoint you, but this engine is not going to bring anything new.
chewy @ Feb 27th 2008 12:45AM
Dondonel
where did you get that? Europeans have a fuel economy test that all manufactureres use. You know that the EPA only tests 10-15% of all cars? The European test is different than the American test and is likely more realistic. The European test has lower city figures and higher highway figures. This TT would easily get 40-50 mpg on the highway in real life driving. Stop making up crap.
nagmashot @ Feb 27th 2008 1:10AM
@Dondel
Thats WRONG
in Europe manufacotrs have to claim the fuel consuption and CO2 rating after a exact routine called Euro Norm... All cars have to drive exactly the same test routine for that reason for all manufactor count the same rules if quoting consuption. The only thing that is unrealistic this test run is driven with everything turned off.. no air condition running, no radio on, no lights on..nothing that increase the consuption. But this routin is still more realistic as every US consuption claim... the magic numbers claimed in the USA by some companys specialy for Hybrid model are from Fantasy Island and NEVER reached in Europe.
why not the LS2LS7? @ Feb 27th 2008 1:28AM
The Prius is rated at something like 75mpg (US gal) in Japan, it's rated at 55mpg (US gal) in the UK and at 48mpg in the US (US gal).
How again are you saying US ratings are unrealistically high compared to European ones?
nagmashot, I think you are incorrect in your assertions.
Dondonel @ Feb 27th 2008 2:04AM
@chewy & nag
what are you talkin'about?
First of all in EU the companies do the testing and nobody controls them. In US companies do the testing but EPA verifies the major vehicle configurations and the figures that do not fit their models. It just happens that the number of configuration verified by EPA is 10-15% of the configuration on the market. So what's your proposal to improve EPA procedure? not testing anything?
Second, the EU tests themselves are completely outdated and of course inaccurate. I am an EU citizen and I have been a direct "beneficiary" of these tests for years. I can honestly say they are a load of crap, not representative of fuel consumption in any way. Five years ago I moved to US for work. In US have been travelling a lot (and renting cars a lot) and I have driven pretty much every sedan on the market (except the luxury segment). What I noticed was that although the fuel consumption was underestimated in EPA figures, at least it was underestimated by the same percentage across all companies. More recently, the new EPA figures are in my opinion spot on, they match my experience very well.
Take a look here and compare the testing procedures in EU and US (for US click the last tab, "Detailed Comparison"):
EU:
http://www.vcacarfueldata.org.uk/information/fuel-consumption-testing-scheme.asp
US:
http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/fe_test_schedules.shtml
nagmashot @ Feb 27th 2008 2:34AM
@ to all the diesel haters...
MOTORTREND test drove the Audi A3 TDI e in the UK in and around London!
The Audi A3 TDI e is rated at 52 US mpg after EU Norm!!!!!
Motortrend reached on 50miles drive on the M25 motorway around London a average consuption of 50.5 US mpg and easy beat the all time best testresult from Motortrend the Prisu Hybrid 47 mpg.
The A5 3.0l V6 TDI won the Challenge Bibendum in Shanghai. The A5 TDI finished first overall the handling, acceleration and emissions categories and did well enough in other areas to capture the class victory. In the fuel consumption tests, the A5 managed 40.6 mpg (US) which is pretty respectable for a mid-sized sport coupe.
A3 crosses Australia at 71.3mpg
The World Solar Challenge in Australia this year featured a Greenfleet Technology division for high mileage alternative fuel vehicles. One of the top competitors was the Audi A3 TDIe powered by a 1.9L four cylinder diesel. The team of drivers covered the 3,543 km distance from Darwin to Adelaide Australia with an average mileage of 71.3 mpg (US) with peaks as high as 90.4 mpg.
The A5 3.0 TDI is rated at 32mpg EU Nrom..in the UK MSN Cars reached 37mpg average consuption during their road teat.. the worst they get was 33mpg driven realy hard...
ALL this news are from autoblog and autobloggreen and are from international non German press.. befor someone claims national bs
nagmashot @ Feb 27th 2008 3:16AM
@Dondonel
The US consuption test is more crap as the Euro test for a single pretty simple reason.. in the US test FTP75 the maximum speed reached is 90km/h (56mph) in the EU consuption test (NEFZ) the maximum speed reached is 120km/h (75mph) ..the japanese test completely suck because they only drive 80km/h 50mph ..
Even more crap is the japanese city consuption test.. only driven with 20km/m 12.5mph and 40km/h (25mph)
even the 120km/h of the EU Norm are completely out of reality.. no one drives so slow..
Dondonel @ Feb 27th 2008 3:45AM
@nagmashot
Read the links dude, the maximum speed in the EPA test is 80mph (~130km/h). There is no doubt that the EPA test is more comprehensive, accurate and consistent over all manufacturers that tests done in EU, stop deluding yourself:
http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/fe_test_schedules.shtml
styleguy @ Feb 27th 2008 7:26PM
The looks of the Prius cannot triumph the gorgeous exterior of the TT. Altough, what fuel would this run on?
MixiM @ Feb 26th 2008 8:44PM
I don't get why americans don't embrace the diesels, I mean if there is something you americans love, it's torque? On the other hand, the only great diesel powertrains have only been sitting in BMW's for the past three years or so...
why not the LS2LS7? @ Feb 26th 2008 9:10PM
The torque doesn't reach the ground, as evidenced by the 0-60 times.
They're fine when just tooling around, but when pushed, well, it's a 170HP car.
asolar @ Feb 26th 2008 9:14PM
Sometimes I think there is a strange conspiracy to keep Americans away from efficient vehicles and hooked on oil. :) More seriously, judging from the premiums the TDI VW's used to go for, I think there is a desire for diesels in the US. It's just the stringent emission requirements, especially in California, the largest US market, that made it impractical for the automobile makers. In addition, I'm sure many drivers feel a little bit nervous about purchasing a diesel, because diesel pumps are not nearly as plentiful as gasoline pumps. The US may not have the infrastructure it needs to handle a large number of diesel vehicles, which means that the cost of diesel may go up enough to void the fuel economy advantage.
Bored @ Feb 26th 2008 9:33PM
@ MixiM,
Despite the education that most Americans get, many foolishly go against what they were they were taught and would rather have someone tell them what's good, what's right, what should happen, instead of doing the research on their own. Throw in some slick advertising and sound bites and suddenly they are Pavlov's Dog.
And yes, this is coming from a fellow American. Sometimes, people just stop thinking for themselves here.
Having said that, who's leg do I have to hump to get that car here!?
(I won't touch your comment on BMW diesels. I'm not knocking them. It's just not worth debating.)
Christian Stevens @ Feb 26th 2008 9:34PM
"I don't get why americans don't embrace the diesels"
Uh, maybe because we can't buy any?
why not the LS2LS7? @ Feb 26th 2008 10:00PM
Or maybe it's not because everyone but you is a robot.
Maybe it's because it doesn't make financial sense? It doesn't make financial sense, it doesn't really make environmental sense, and it doesn't reduce our dependency on oil significantly either.
In the cases where it does make financial sense, heavily used vehicles esp. high-consumption vehicles like certain trucks, Diesel is quite well accepted in the US.
It has been difficult to sell Americans on efficient vehicles in general. Why? Because most Americans don't have a lot of problem affording driving inefficient vehicles. These high-mpg Diesels have little advantage over similar gas cars (improved driveability at low RPMs being a notable exception). It's just that these high-mpg gas cars aren't made for the US market. There was never a 170HP TT made for the US, let alone one with the higher pressure tires and taller rear end necessary to keep fuel mileage up.
If Audi is successful in bringing the economical car back from only the cheapest econobox corner of the US market, more power to them. But I think there's plenty of engine solutions that could be offered there, and many of them will be a lot more affordable to buy than a direct-injected turbocharged Diesel.
Eric Biran @ Feb 26th 2008 10:28PM
While they have their advantages, there are several reasons diesels aren't as successful here.
1) Unlike Europe, diesel is much more expensive than gasoline here. It's $3.75-$4+/gal right now in California compared to about $3.25/gal for regular. Sometimes the difference is as much as a dollar or more.
2) Diesel is not as widely available at every station here.
3) Diesels can be more efficient in some ways, but also pollute more in others such as particulate soot and oxides of nitrogen.
4) To combat those pollutants, expensive urea injection, particulate filters, and catalysts are required to treat the exhaust for an already more costly engine configuration.
5) Diesels have a bad reputation as noisy, dirty powertrains to many Americans.
6) Paying more (in many cases now, a LOT more with all the emissions controls) for an engine that uses more expensive, harder to find fuel and is in most cases, slower than its gasoline counterpart is a hard selling point for many consumers. Especially when you look at the break even point for initial investment with the higher cost of diesel fuel and how long most people own or lease cars, and it doesn't make a lot of financial sense either.
Despite this, I think that big torque number will be a great selling point in larger vehicles such as trucks and SUVs that need to do heavy work like towing, hauling, and offroading. There are still some compromises to that scenario, but I think it's the only feasible way those vehicles can be sold in a 35mpg CAFE world. It would make them more purposeful while encouraging those that don't need such a large vehicle to look elsewhere.