Audi is presenting its TT sports car for the first time with a six-cylinder engine and innovative transmission technology. This enables a particularly dynamic transmission of power with an uninterrupted power flow during gear changes. The combination of the high-torque 3.2-litre engine with innovative sports gearbox and quattro permanent four-wheel drive emphasises the dynamic driving qualities of the Audi TT in a unique way. The new TT 3.2 quattro will be offered as both Coupé and Roadster versions.

V6 for the TT

The source of the power is the proven 3.2-litre V6 engine with four valves per cylinder. The six-cylinder engine is particularly well-suited to the sporty Audi TT by virtue of its outstanding torque and power characteristics, especially in combination with the new twin-clutch transmission. The engine now delivers 184 kW (250 bhp) and a broad peak-torque range with a maximum value of 320 Nm from 2,800 to 3,200 rpm.

With its cylinder angle of 15 degrees, the V6 is extremely compact,a basic requirement for installation transversely to the direction of travel. The valve control process generates only little friction thanks to the use of roller cam followers with hydraulic adjustment. In order to reduce emissions and further improve efficiency, the inlet and exhaust camshafts are continuously adjustable. The compression ratio is 11.3:1.

Other technical details such as the variable intake manifold and the modified intake ports give the six-cylinder engine superior torque and power output, coupled with low emissions. A great deal of detail work has once again been invested particularly in the area of the cylinder head and air intake in order to improve still further on peak output and torque characteristic for use in the TT.

Direct-Shift Gearbox

The revolutionary Direct-Shift Gearbox combines the advantages of a conventional 6-speed manual gearbox with the qualities of a modern automatic transmission. The driver thus benefits from enormous agility and driving enjoyment with acceleration that is as harmonious as it is dynamic, without any interruption in the power flow. This is combined with good economy thanks to low fuel consumption, and convenient operation.

The basis for this new development is a three-shaft 6-speed manual gearbox which offers considerable variability in the selection of the transmission ratio. Thanks to the use of a twin multi-plate clutch with ingenious electro-hydraulic control, two gears can be engaged at the same time.

During dynamic operation of the car, one gear is engaged. When the next gearshift point is approached, the appropriate gear is preselected, but its clutch kept disengaged. The gearshift process opens the clutch of the activated gear and closes the other clutch at the same time with a certain overlap. The gear change takes place under load, with the result that a permanent flow of power is maintained.

The control logic integrated into the transmission casing maintains optimum gearshift strategies that perform lightning-fast gearshifts that are nevertheless smooth and almost jolt-free. The driver can directly influence the gear selected and the gearshift timing at will, by means of the gear lever in the manual gate or, in the style of a racing driver, using the standard-fit shift paddles on the steering wheel.

In the automatic mode, the driver can shift to the ultra-sporty S program in which upshifts are significantly retarded, downshifts advanced and the shifting process accelerated. A remote one-touch function accessed via the shift paddles on the steering wheel in addition temporarily calls up the manual mode, even in automatic modes D and S.

The suspension

The sporty TT suspension with its firm but comfortable tuning has been refined and adapted to suit the more demanding requirements of the new engine/transmission combination. The front suspension uses McPherson struts, whilst double wishbones with trailing arms are used at the rear.

The diameter of the anti-roll bars on the front and rear axles has been increased compared with the four-cylinder turbo versions. The spring/damper settings have been modified to cope with the increased power, in order to achieve a further improved driving performance. A special ESP/ASR and ABS application with integral brake assist takes account of the car’s even more demanding handling and braking requirements.

A 17-inch dual-piston brake system adapted from the version used on the Audi RS 4 assures an appropriate braking performance. There are floating-calliper brakes with ventilated 334 millimetre brake discs at the front. The brake system familiar from the Audi TT quattro, with floating callipers and ventilated 265 millimetre discs, has been adopted at the rear axle.

Market launch in mid-2003

The market launch of the TT Coupé 3.2 quattro is scheduled for the middle of 2003. The Roadster will follow a few weeks later.

Story by Audi