Audi TT Gets 180PS 1.8 TFSI

Audi has announced a new engine version for the all-new TT family which will act as the entry-level model. 

From July, the Audi TT will be available with a new 1.8 TFSI engine producing 180PS (178hp) and 250Nm (184lb-ft) of torque from 1,250 to 5,000 rpm.

Performance remains respectable despite the power deficit compared to other TT versions. The Audi TT Coupé 1.8 TFSI with six‑speed manual transmission sprints from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 6.9 seconds (7.0 seconds with the optional six‑speed S tronic), while top speed is 241 km/h (150 mph).

The TT Roadster 1.8 TFSI with manual transmission needs 7.2 seconds to cover the 0-100 km/h sprint (7.3 seconds for the S tronic version), with a top speed of 237 km/h (147 mph).

In terms of fuel efficiency, the 1.8 TFSI Coupé averages as low as 7 l/100 km (33.6 mpg US), with corresponding CO2 emissions of 129 g/km. The TT Roadster 1.8 TFSI’s combined fuel consumption is 7.1 l/100 km (33.1 mpg US), with CO2 emissions of 132 g/km. 

Prices in Germany for the entry-level Audi TT start from €32,100 ($34,455) for the Coupé and €34,500 ($37,040) for the Roadster.

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Audi TT Black Edition

Prices for the TT Coupe and Roadster Black Edition Amplified Black range from £31,365 OTR to £36,360 OTR.

The optional package costs £700 and it includes a choice of four metallic or pearl effect colours named Glacier White, Misano Red, Daytona Grey or Samoa Orange, and if the latter is chosen, the interior inlays are finished in the same shade, while in all other cases, inlays are in matt brushed aluminium.

Also included in the Amplified Black package is a black-finished front lip spoiler, black door mirror housings, black TT RS-style fixed rear spoiler, black 19-inch ‘Rotor’ design alloy wheels, a black diffuser insert and blacked out exhaust tailpipes.

Two engines are available with the double black package, the 2.0-litre TFSI petrol with 211PS linked to either front-wheel-drive or quattro all-wheel-drive and the 2.0-litre TDI with 170PS mated to quattro drive only.

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2013 Audi TT RS Plus Coupe

At the heart of the new TT lies a modestly beefed up version of the regular RS' 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder engine that gains 20PS (20bhp) more power and 15Nm (11.06 lb-ft) more torque lifting output to 360PS (355bhp) and 465Nm (342.97 lb-ft). A new sound flap promises to improve the five-pot's aural beat.

Like the model it is based upon, customers can choose between a six-speed manual gearbox and a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission that comes with a launch control function to optimize acceleration from a standing start. Power is channeled to all four wheels through Audi's quattro permanent all-wheel drive system.

According to Audi, the TT RS Plus Coupe with a manual transmission tips the scales at 1,450 kilograms (3,196.70 lb).

The increase in performance allows the Coupe with the S tronic to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h (62mph) in 4.1 seconds (manual gearbox: 4.3 seconds), and the Roadster in 4.2 seconds (manual gearbox: 4.4 seconds). All four versions of the car have a limited top speed of 280km/h (174mph).

In a less interesting note for your average TT RS Plus buyer, the Coupe with S tronic consumes 8.5lt/100 km (27.7mpg US), while the Roadster makes do with 8.6 liters per 100 km (27.4mpg US).

Stopping power is provide by the same braking system found on the base RS model and which includes four-piston fixed calipers in conjunction with perforated brake disks up front. Audi offers the magnetic ride adaptive damping system as an option.

Visually, the TT RS Plus stands out thanks to the new front grille with matte aluminum-look frame and a diamond-pattern mesh in polished anthracite, new 19-inch wheels with contrasting red rim flanges shod in 255/35 tires all around and the exterior mirror caps that are made out of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer.

A carbon cover for the engine compartment and the new aluminum knob on the gear or S tronic selector lever complete the upgrades.

In Germany, the TT RS Plus Coupe with a manual gearbox costs €60,650 or €62,800 with the seven-speed S tronic, while the TT RS plus Roadster has a list price of €63,500 or €65,650 respectively.

Audi did not say if or when it will offer the TT RS Plus in North America.

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Donkervoort D8 GTO 400 HP

The long-nosed roadster was developed in close collaboration with Audi Quattro GmbH, which provided a modified version of the 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-five found under the hood of the RS3 and TT RS.

According to Donkervoort, the 2.5 TFSI has undergone a diet and lost 30 kg or 66 pounds over the standard Audi variant.

"This weight savings is obtained by redesigning several accessory parts of the motor together with the Audi technicians," says Joop Donkervoort, founder of the Dutch brand.

"For example, amongst others a new intake manifold was developed. Because the intake follows a more favorable route through the motor area it is not only lighter, but has a favorable effect on the achievements of the motor as well," he added.

According to Donkervoort, a special race module switch on the dashboard allows the driver to increase the 2.5 TFSI's output from 340HP to 400 HP.

To accommodate the bigger engine, the GTO is a size larger than its predecessors, the GT Coupe and the D8 270RS roadster, measuring about 350mm (13.8-in.) longer and 150mm (5.9-in.) wider.

The Dutch company says that the GTO shares only 5 percent of the parts with the D8 270RS and about 30 percent with the much more recent GT Coupe. The sports model is built on a tubular hybrid chassis made out of carbon fiber, aluminum and steel, and features a carbon composite body, which help keep the total weight down to around 700 kilos or about 1,550 pounds.

The GTO accelerates from zero to 100km/h (62mph) in just 3.0 seconds and can reach a top speed of 255km/h (159 mph).

Production of the new car will begin in 2012 with deliveries of a first batch of 25 limited edition models expected in the summer. The regular versions of the GTO will arrive in Europe in the beginning of 2013 with prices ranging from €100,000 and €150,000 [US$130,700 - US$196,00] excluding taxes.

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