Audi TT Engine efficiency improved

Audi designers and engineers have risen to the unenviable challenge of enhancing the celebrated TT for the 2011 Model Year, creating a new generation model that combines measured yet distinct styling refinements with efficiency boosting technology, including a newly adopted 2.0-litre TFSI engine, which improves fuel economy by up to 14 per cent.

The upgraded 2.0-litre Turbo FSI petrol engine is the technological highlight in the latest range, employing Audi valvelift technology to effect improvements in power, torque and overall efficiency compared with the 200PS version it replaces. Delivering 211PS between 4,300rpm and 6,000rpm and a 350Nm torque peak between 1,600rpm and 4,200rpm, it enables the TT 2.0 TFSI with six-speed manual transmission to reach 62mph from rest in 6.1 seconds – 0.5 seconds more rapidly than its predecessor - and raises its top speed from 149mph to 152mph. Even more impressively, it boosts economy potential from 36.7mpg in the combined cycle test to 42.8mpg, and pares back CO₂ output from 183g/km to 154g/km.

The Audi valvelift system adjusts the lift of the exhaust valves in two stages depending on need. This reduces flushing losses in the combustion chamber and also ensures that the optimal flow of the exhaust gas is directed to the turbocharger, which in turn ensures that torque is developed quickly. The combination of turbocharging and direct fuel injection also reduces the combustion chamber temperatures and the resulting tendency to knock. This allows a high compression ratio of 9.6:1, which improves efficiency.

New energy recuperation system
The gains made possible by this new technology are augmented by a recuperation system which recovers energy during braking and coasting phases in this latest generation TT, and which also extends to the 160PS 1.8-litre TFSI petrol engine that continues to power the TT Roadster and the 170PS 2.0-litre TDI unit used by the TT Coupe and Roadster.

A ground breaker in the sports car sector, the TT 2.0 TDI continues to set the efficiency standard, covering up to 53.3mpg according to the combined cycle test, which corresponds to only 139 grams of CO₂/km. With 170PS and 350 Nm of torque – the latter available between 1,750 and 2,500 rpm – the high-tech common rail injection engine powers the TT to 62mph in 7.5 seconds and on to 140mph. The 2.0-litre TDI is mated to a manual transmission and quattro all-wheel drive. The quattro configuration provides substantially greater stability, traction and driving enjoyment, and is another unique selling point of the Audi TT in its class. It is also available in conjunction with the new 2.0-litre TFSI unit, and is a standard feature of the TTS and the TT RS.

A precise shifting six-speed manual transmission transfers power to the wheels regardless of the engine, with the S tronic dual clutch transmission available as an option for the new 2.0 TFSI. This transmission switches between its six gears with virtually no interruption to the supply of power either fully automatically or manually. Manual shifts can be made using the optional paddles on the steering wheel.

The much praised formula for an excellent compromise between comfort and handling agility  in the TT - McPherson struts at the front and four-link trailing arms at the rear – continues as before. The Audi magnetic ride shock absorber system that offers even greater poise for TT models as an optional extra, and is fitted as standard to the TTS, has, however, undergone some additional development work. ‘Normal’ mode now offers an even more finely judged balance between ride refinement and handling composure, and when the ‘Sport’ mode is selected an even tauter and more focused handling bias is elicited.

Onboard computer with new efficiency program
Another key efficiency boosting measure can also be found in the cockpit, where a new efficiency program within the onboard computer displays all consumption-related data on the central display, and gives the driver tips for efficient driving. A gear-change indicator also indicates the optimal gear for fuel-efficient driving, while another function provides information on which vehicle systems, such as the climate control system, are consuming energy and how that affects fuel consumption.