The second generation of the Audi A8, Audi R8, TT Coupé and TT Roadster sports cars document the current state of the ASF technology. The superstructure of the current A8 weighs 218kg while the aluminium body of the R8, whose co-supporting engine frame is made of ultra light magnesium, tips the scales at 210 kg.
The TT Coupé and Roadster bodies weigh 206 kg and 251 kg respectively while the TT “family” also features an additional innovation. To ideally balance the axle loads between the front and back, Audi developed an innovative hybrid construction for its compact sports cars: Most of the body is made of aluminium, but steel is used in the rear.
Depending on the model, the kerb weight of the TT has been reduced by between 20 and 90 kg compared to the previous model which had an all-steel body. At the same time, the static torsional rigidity of the Coupé increased by 50 percent and that of the Roadster by an even more impressive 100 per cent.
The ASF provides the foundation for precise handling and a high level of passive safety. A lighter car has to dissipate less kinetic energy and is also does less damage to others involved in an accident. The lightweight design combines chassis responsiveness and efficiency in typical Audi fashion.
It is not often that we see a new car’s marketing campaign get a special tune made for it, specially when all the sounds used to create this tune came from the vehicle itself.
Once again Audi innovates in the promotion of a new model. Marking the launch of the new Audi TT RS and to celebrate the unique sound of its five-cylinder engine, Audi teamed up with Leftfield’s Neil Barnes and acclaimed producer Nic Rapaccioli to create an exclusive two minute track entitled Die Funf Zylinder (The Five Cylinder).
The track was created using only sounds made by the Audi TT RS. First engineers recorded a multitude of samples to capture sounds that mirror effects and instruments found in electronic music while sounds of the TT RS engine running at different speeds created the melodic tunes of the track. The idea came from the agency Bartle Bogle Hegarty (BBH), Audi UK’s advertising partner since 1982.
Peter Duffy, Audi UK Head of Marketing said,
“Audi is all about innovation through advanced technology. The opportunity to create content that is Vorsprung durch Technik in itself is something we’re very excited about.”
You can find an excerpt from the track at www.audi.co.uk/ttrs, while a full version can be purchased via the ITunes store.
The Audi A4 Allroad Quattro was on display at The Geneva Motor show and it sounds like it was received well.
‘A vehicle that knows no boundaries: Audi is launching the A4 allroad quattro. With its permanent all-wheel drive and increased ground clearance, the A4 can handle any road or trail; it also offers driving pleasure – even on unpaved surfaces.’
‘Naturally, the Audi A4 allroad quattro features all the innovative technologies which impart to the A4 model line its superiority: a range of powerful and highly energy-efficient engines, Audi drive select, the high-tech S tronic transmission, and innovative communication and assistance systems.’
The Audi A4 Allroad Quattro will be available early this summer!
Audi is once again producing a five-cylinder engine. Arriving at dealerships this summer, the TT RS has a turbocharged 2.5-litre engine with direct injection. It produces 250 kW (340 bhp) and 450 Nm (331.90 lb.-ft.) of torque. The blazing five-cylinder engine enables the TT RS to perform extraordinary feats. In conjunction with quattro permanent all-wheel drive and a high-performance chassis, the engine makes the compact Audi TT RS a top-notch sports car.
Sporty five-cylinder petrol engines have a long legacy at Audi. The most famous is arguably the turbocharged 2.1-liter engine in the Audi quattro. The first version, launched in 1980, offered an impressive 147 kW (200 bhp). The Sport quattro from 1984, directly inspired by motor sport, delivered a whopping 225 kW (306 bhp). For 25 years, turbochargers and quattro have been a dynamic formula for success.
Audi has returned to this tried and tested recipe. Designed from scratch, the five-cylinder engine combines a turbocharger with FSI direct injection to elevate the TT RS to a high-performance sports car. The TFSI delivers 250 kW (340 bhp) from a displacement of 2,480 cc (151.34 cu in) and a specific output of 100.8 kW (137.1 bhp) per litre.
The power-to-weight ratio is also outstanding. In the case of the Coupé, which weighs in at a mere 1,450 kilograms (3,196.70 pounds), the power-to-weight ratio is just 4.3 kilograms per bhp. The Roadster has a weight of 1,510 kilograms (3,329 pounds) and a power-to-weight ratio of 4.4 kilograms per bhp thanks to its extremely lightweight and largely aluminium body constructed on the Audi Space Frame principle.
The TT RS Coupé rockets from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) in 4.6 seconds and the Roadster needs just a tenth of a second longer. The limited top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) is merely the official figure for both versions. As an option, Audi can increase it to 280 km/h (179 mph).
Audi is expanding its RS line of cars even further with the confirmed launch of the Audi TT RS and Audi TT RS Roadster at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show (5-15 March).
Last Friday, February 20th, Audi released the first official details and images of the Audi TT RS and Audi TT RS Roadster. In a return to an engine layout successfully used in the 80’s rally cars, Audi is bringing back 5 cylinder engines to power the Audi TT RS. With turbocharged direct fuel injection the 2.5-litre engine is capable of delivering over 300hp, 331 lb-ft, a top speed of 155mph and acceleration from 0-62 mph under 5 seconds.
The Audi TT RS has quattro all-wheel drive system, a lightweight aluminium body using the Audi Space Frame principle plus all the high-end tech of the Audi RS model line, the new Audi TT RS will be one Audi’s stars at this year Geneva Motorshow.
Technical Note
Five cylinder engines are noted for combining the best aspects of four and six cylinder engines. They generate more power and torque than four cylinder engines, while maintaining the fuel economy of smaller four cylinder engines.
