MOTORING NEWS - One in two Audi TT cars sold worldwide is a quattro. The successful two-litre diesel engine made its appearance with the introduction of the third-generation TT and is now also available in Europe in the all-wheel-drive version.
Power is transmitted by the S tronic six-speed dual-clutch transmission and with this combination, both the Coupé and Roadster offer agile performance combined with fuel economy.
The quattro drive uses an electro-hydraulic multi-plate clutch to distribute torque to both axles. In many everyday driving situations, it will direct the engine's power mostly to the front wheels. Should traction decrease there, the clutch continuously redirects the torque to the rear within a few milliseconds.
The quattro drive operates in close tandem with wheel-selective torque control, an intelligent software feature of the Electronic Stabilization Control (ESC). This makes handling more fluid and stable thanks to targeted, finely dosed brake applications to the wheels on the inside of the curve. On low-friction surfaces, the permanent all-wheel drive system even allows safe, controlled drifts. The clutch management is integrated into the optional Audi drive select dynamic handling system.
This allows the driver to modify the character of their car in the modes comfort, auto, dynamic, efficiency or individual. As well as governing the all-wheel-drive system, Audi drive select influences the response of the accelerator pedal, steering assistance and S tronic. It also integrates several optional modules such as the Audi magnetic ride adaptive damper control and the deluxe automatic air conditioning.
The compelling performance of the Audi TT stems from its combination of quattro drive and the refined flow of power from the four-cylinder diesel engine. It develops 135kW from a displacement of 1 968cm³ and unleashes maximum torque of 380Nm between the range of 1 750 to 3 250rpm.
The common rail system injects the fuel through eight hole nozzles at up to 2 000bar. The high pressure paves the way for fine atomisation, making the combustion process efficient and low on emissions.
The TT Coupé 2,0 TDI quattro S tronic accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in 6,7 seconds and goes on to a published top speed of 234km/h. The Roadster accomplishes the standard sprint in 7,0 seconds and advances to a published top speed of 230km/h. In the Coupé, the 2,0 TDI quattro S tronic achieves fuel consumption of 5,2-litres per 100km according to the NEDC measuring method, which equates to 137g of CO² per kilometre.
For the TT Roadster, the published figures are 5,4-litres per 100km and 142g CO² per kilometre. The introduction of the 2,0 TDI quattro S tronic means the Audi TT portfolio now comprises seven engine and transmission variants, of which five are gasoline versions. The front wheel drive, two-litre diesel with six-speed manual transmission remains available. The all-wheel-drive version with S tronic is now available to order. Deliveries will commence in early 2017 in Europe. We will keep readers informed of launch plans and availability for South Africa once more details are known.
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