RE: Audi plotting hardcore TT

RE: Audi plotting hardcore TT

Monday 26th November 2012

Audi plotting hardcore TT

Mooted track day special will establish TT as a true driver's car, or so Audi hopes...



Audi is reportedly planning to build an extreme incarnation of its TT coupe. Ever since the first generation model was released in 1998, the TT has always struggled with an image problem. Early models were criticised for their lifeless steering, and as a result, despite its looks, capable four-wheel-drive system and punchy engines, the TT was never really seen as a true driver’s car.

S (above) and RS (top) need sharpening
S (above) and RS (top) need sharpening
That perception remains today, despite recent efforts by Audi to change it by releasing first the 268bhp TT-S, and then the 335bhp TT-RS. While on paper, these models have looked like just the thing to fix the problem, in reality bothhave failed to hit the mark, and as a result, the TT is still lacking that edge it needs to bring it into the pantheon of truly sought-after drivers’ cars.  

Audi is hoping to change that, according to an Autocar story that quotes Audi development boss Wolfgang Durheimer (ex of Bentley), who signalled his desire to build a more extreme version of the next-generation model.

According to the story, the new car would be constructed from a mix of different materials in an effort to keep weight down, possibly as low as 1000kg, and would feature some sort of cheeky roll cage.

Five-cyl proposed to power TT 'GT3'
Five-cyl proposed to power TT 'GT3'
When matched to the five-cylinder turbo engine that’s also been mooted, as well as the obligatory quattro system, it’s not hard to see the potential this TT track special might have. Sorting out the TT’s perennially unrewarding steering feel, though, is likely to be a crucial factor in its success.

Audi’s management team are apparently meeting this week to consider whether or not a model like this would get their approval, so its fate will be sealed pretty soon. But until it is, we want to know what you think. Would a hardcore TT succeed? Is it what people want right now? Would PHers consider buying a TT ‘GT3’, were such a thing to enter production? And could it help the TT range as a whole to shed its slightly posey image?

Author
Discussion

Deadgrau5

Original Poster:

108 posts

187 months

Monday 26th November 2012
quotequote all
Aslong as it has an uprated haldex controller to erase the understeer, I cant see why not!

MrTappets

881 posts

190 months

Monday 26th November 2012
quotequote all
1000kg? Where do I sign?

pilchardthecat

7,483 posts

178 months

Monday 26th November 2012
quotequote all
So the RS "brand" isn't cutting the mustard anymore?

I would be tempted by a 1000kg TTRS, especially if it delivered on the driver-involvement front

renrut

1,478 posts

204 months

Monday 26th November 2012
quotequote all
Having driven only a couple of audis (neither TTs) I'd be inclined to think its 'steering feedback' rather than understeer/oversteer thats the real turn off for the more hardcore drivers. Who wants a sports car that is has steering as lifeless as a boring rep saloon?

JuniorJet

417 posts

159 months

Monday 26th November 2012
quotequote all
I look forward to selling one of these wink

But I have to say, the TT RS Plus is already a fairly epic piece of kit at 360PS. It's enough to burn off it's big brother the R8 in it's most basic form...

Infact... PH i'm disappointed you quote 335bhp, it's already had a *bump* up the power scale since then smokin

Edited by JuniorJet on Monday 26th November 13:09

Maldini35

2,913 posts

187 months

Monday 26th November 2012
quotequote all
Looks like the senior bods have been listening.
If they can deliver a driving experience like a mini R8 it could be a cracker. Tough sector to crack though with the Cayman/Boxster dominating.

TTmonkey

20,911 posts

246 months

Monday 26th November 2012
quotequote all
Surely all they've ever needed to do to this car is to reverse the direction that the system shoves all the power to? e.g. All the power should go to the rear until it loses grip and then to the front to save the day. Like Audi does with its Lambo cars.


Speed_Demon

2,662 posts

187 months

Monday 26th November 2012
quotequote all
I can't see them making it 1000kg unless they drop the quattro? Would be great if they managed it though, certainly another step in the right direction that may further encourage them to take more weight saving measures in their other cars.

pilchardthecat

7,483 posts

178 months

Monday 26th November 2012
quotequote all
TTmonkey said:
Surely all they've ever needed to do to this car is to reverse the direction that the system shoves all the power to? e.g. All the power should go to the rear until it loses grip and then to the front to save the day. Like Audi does with its Lambo cars.
Is the rear end drivetrain/diff up to the job though? Doesn't the existing system send no more than 30-40% to the rear? It might need new complete new transmission tunnel, drivetrain etc

JuniorJet

417 posts

159 months

Monday 26th November 2012
quotequote all
TTmonkey said:
Surely all they've ever needed to do to this car is to reverse the direction that the system shoves all the power to? e.g. All the power should go to the rear until it loses grip and then to the front to save the day. Like Audi does with its Lambo cars.
Your logic is valid... but wouldn't it always be too front heavy in that case due to the engine AND then the front drivetrain being "dead weight" up until that point?

Lambo's being rear/mid engined balances the car out... that makes more sense...

ipso-facto... make the TT rear/mid engined???? confused

HighwayStar

4,216 posts

143 months

Monday 26th November 2012
quotequote all
I'll believe it when it's built and confirmed it's delivered what they are preaching. It'll be fast no doubt. Making fast cars/TT's has never been an Audi problem, steering feedback and involvement is where it all falls down. My TTS is plenty face but never really puts a grin on my face.

kambites

67,461 posts

220 months

Monday 26th November 2012
quotequote all
I would be very impressed if they can bring the weight down to 1000kg without pushing the cost well into six figures.

JuniorJet

417 posts

159 months

Monday 26th November 2012
quotequote all
kambites said:
I would be very impressed if they can bring the weight down to 1000kg without pushing the cost well into six figures.
6 digits is unlikely... but I guarantee it will start with a "6" or a "7"

kambites

67,461 posts

220 months

Monday 26th November 2012
quotequote all
JuniorJet said:
kambites said:
I would be very impressed if they can bring the weight down to 1000kg without pushing the cost well into six figures.
6 digits is unlikely... but I guarantee it will start with a "6" or a "7"
I agree 6 digits is unlikely, but so is 1000kg. hehe

That would make it considerably lighter than a V6 Exige.

Edited by kambites on Monday 26th November 13:18

2blackhats

446 posts

200 months

Monday 26th November 2012
quotequote all
I'll have one!

JuniorJet

417 posts

159 months

Monday 26th November 2012
quotequote all
kambites said:
JuniorJet said:
kambites said:
I would be very impressed if they can bring the weight down to 1000kg without pushing the cost well into six figures.
6 digits is unlikely... but I guarantee it will start with a "6" or a "7"
I agree 6 digits is unlikely, but so is 1000kg. hehe
touché... but they have already managed RS3 figures out of the next S3. My hopes are high!

RenesisEvo

3,602 posts

218 months

Monday 26th November 2012
quotequote all
I wonder if this has anything to do with it:

http://fourtitude.com/features/Miscellaneous_Featu...

Prototype Audi TT 'evo plus' with extensive use of carbon fibre, claiming a weight less than 1000kg.


Rawwr

22,722 posts

233 months

Monday 26th November 2012
quotequote all
JuniorJet said:
But I have to say, the TT RS Plus is already a fairly epic piece of kit at 360PS. It's enough to burn off it's big brother the R8 in it's most basic form...
As the article intimates, it's nothing to do with its performance and all to do with its feel.

richyd

281 posts

226 months

Monday 26th November 2012
quotequote all
...and there-in lies the problem.

A true GT3-specc'ed TT would be great - drive most of the power to the rear, stick a carbon bonnet and roof on it, put it on low-weight allows, kevar seats up front, no rear seats at all, take out some sound-proofing, maybe thinner glass.... it would be great.

But who would want to spend c£70k on one...?? Make it a club racer and flog it for £50k!!

JuniorJet

417 posts

159 months

Monday 26th November 2012
quotequote all
Rawwr said:
JuniorJet said:
But I have to say, the TT RS Plus is already a fairly epic piece of kit at 360PS. It's enough to burn off it's big brother the R8 in it's most basic form...
As the article intimates, it's nothing to do with its performance and all to do with its feel.
It may not be a very rewarding drive, but it's power is so usable it beats pretty much anything else on the road just in terms of "performance".