Making its Australian premiere at 2004 AIMS, the TT 3.2 quattro is noted for a unique combination of six cylinders, sporty DSG and superior quattro drive. This combination turns the top-of-the-range TT into a super sports star and will help to capture new, performance-oriented customers in a sports car segment that favours six-cylinder models.

The source of the power is the proven 184 kW 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. Maximum torque is 320 Nm from 2,800 to 3,200 rpm. The Audi TT Coupé 3.2 quattro marries its high performance concept with relative frugality, completing the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.2 seconds.

The new TT V6 variant will be launched in Australia in late 2004/early 2005.

Audi TT 3.2 quattro: Dynamic through and through

The dynamism of the new top-of-the-range TT is in evidence everywhere through the vehicle. The front apron has been aerodynamically-optimised and incorporates side gills. Enlarged inlet openings cover the increased cooling air requirements. The modified rear spoiler and a honeycomb-pattern diffuser trim are the distinguishing features at the rear. The larger rear spoiler further reduces rear-end lift in line with the performance gain of the TT 3.2 quattro. The drag coefficient remains unchanged at Cd = 0.32.

The TT 3.2 quattro has xenon lights with automatic range control and titanium-coloured headlight trims as standard.

Inside, this model is distinguished from other TT versions by an aluminium gearbox surround and an instrument cluster with a speedometer that reads up to 280 km/h. Shift paddles mounted on the steering wheel produce that genuine motorsport feel.

Like all TT models, the new version has an excellent safety equipment package, including two front airbags and pyrotechnic belt tensioners for the front seats. Head/thorax airbags in the front seat backs protect the upper body and head in a side impact.

The standard automatic climate control makes sure occupants feel comfortable in the Audi TT, no matter what the outside temperature may be. The Driver Information System also fits in well with the car’s sporty image.

Transmission technology at Audi

Audi has a long tradition in the development of innovative transmission technologies and their use in production vehicles. The tiptronic, for example, which enables very sporty gear changes and manual intervention at any time, was first introduced on the A8 in 1994.

Since 1999, the innovative continuously variable multitronic transmission has been setting new standards in terms of acceleration comfort and economy. Thanks to its ingenious design and control logic, it is a sporty alternative to the conventional geared automatic transmission.

In the world of automatic transmissions, the Direct-Shift Gearbox is now following the tiptronic and multitronic as a further milestone in transmission technology at Audi.

This transmission principle, however, is not unknown territory for Audi. The technology of the twin-clutch transmission has its roots in motor racing. Audi used it in the legendary Audi Sport quattro back in 1985, with Walter Röhrl behind the wheel. He completed successful test drives in the Audi Sport quattro S1, a rally vehicle whose victories included the legendary Pikes Peak Hill Climb.

The new Direct-Shift Gearbox DSG

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 programme 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 design of the transmission gate with a high-quality aluminium surface is reminiscent of typical Audi tiptronic or multitronic counterparts.

High overall efficiency is thus combined with superlative road performance and ease of operation to produce an exceptional drive concept.

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.

The TT 3.2 quattro is fitted as standard with size 7.5J x 18-inch wheels of 7-spoke design and 225/40 tyres.