Audi's TT Clubsport Quattro design study doesn't look like something the sober Ingolstadt-based manufacturer would come up with themselves. The wraparound windscreen and aggressive sports body kit appears to have been devised by an aftermarket tuner rather than a mainstream carmaker. But that's all part of the appeal at the 26th Worthersee tuner show in Austria, where Audi displayed the car to "gauge public reaction".
The exterior design seems to be an interpretation of the iconic late 1950's Porsche Speedster, a car that has heavily influenced the TT Clubsport. The short, pillar-less wraparound windscreen blends neatly into the side of the car, disappearing into the doors. The rear rollover bars have been shortened and reside just above the front sport seats so they barely protrude from the body, accentuating the low stance.
At the front, the large grille (with horizontal highlights) is more prominent than that of the production Roadster as it no longer houses a number plate surround. Audi's corporate chrome rings have been moved from the grille to adorn the top of the bonnet. Huge, chrome mesh-covered air vents on either side of the grille presumably feed cold air to the engine and brakes, and LED headlamps are reminiscent of those found on the top of the line
R8 sports car.
Smaller wing mirrors evoke those seen on Audi's Nuvolari concept car and the doors are devoid of handles, emphasising a taut shoulder line running front to back. More pronounced side panels flow into bulging wheel arches housing large 20-inch wheels (shod with wide 265/30 R20 tyres) and bright orange brake callipers squeeze ceramic brake discs. The car also features an 80mm wider track compared to the production TT and large, oval-shaped and chromed exhaust outlets at the rear, similar to those found on Audi's sporting models. The visible stainless steel silencer in the rear bumper underscores the car's sporting character.
The Clubsport is powered by Audi's latest 2-litre four-cylinder TFSI powerplant, polished and uncovered in the engine bay. The turbocharged unit is claimed to substantially better the S3's 260bhp and break the 300bhp barrier thanks in part to a modified intake manifold. A cross brace over the engine improves the car's torsional rigidity (and also holds the coolant expansion tank), while an uprated air filter is charged with supplying cold air to the engine. To keep the compartment clean and tidy, the ABS system has been moved to the interior and the air conditioning and activated charcoal filter are also located elsewhere.
Unsurprisingly, Audi's Quattro all-wheel-drive system transfers power to all four wheels via a dual clutch S-tronic direct-shift gearbox.
Inside, black leather contrasts with orange inserts on the instrument cowling, the armrest and on the back of the bucket seats. The vertical needles in the instrument cluster replace those found in production models and the clock and odometer have been omitted. Four-point safety belts (that are three inches wide) ensure that occupants are held firmly in place when the car is being used to its fullest. The steering wheel is adorned with a twin aluminium spokes and the pedals are also made of the lightweight metal, saving weight, while looking the business. The gear lever gate and aluminium gear knob have been adopted from the R8 and the door pull and opener are also made from aluminium.
The Audi TT Clubsport design study clearly illustrates what the team at Audi is capable of and, with a little bit of luck, we may get to see this purist driving machine hit the roads in limited numbers. Audi claims a small-series production of this model is being considered. Fingers crossed...
Eric Gallina - 6 Jun 2007
