Many automotive innovations in recent history can be traced back to one brand: Audi. As a way to demonstrate innovations that will undoubtedly find their way under our hoods, they have built the new TT clubsport turbo concept with a host of amazing features. First off, they have managed to extract insane power from their 2.5-liter inline five-cylinder. We had to read it twice to make sure it wasn’t a typo, but in a Press Release dated May 8th, they report a staggering output of 600 hp.
Torque measures in at 479 lb-ft, and coupled to a revised Quattro system, it launches to 62 mph in 3.6 seconds. Power of this magnitude seems impossible without nitrous oxide or a nuclear reactor, but it’s far more innovative. The turbocharger normally found on production models was canned in favor of a monster sized unit that is designed to spool at higher engine speeds. As we know, this causes turbo lag, the delay in the time it takes to get the big blades spinning.
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To supplement power at lower engine speeds they have added a 48 volt electric compressor to the intake of the Audi TT clubsport turbo concept. The “e-turbo” only operates when the accelerator is pressed and shuts down once the conventional turbo comes alive. We know that 48 volt power will be the standard in the future, as it allows for more efficient operation of the many electronic systems of the modern car. Electric turbos have been tested in the past, and they are even for sale on eBay, but they are not capable of pressurizing the intake of any car since they are only 12 volts.
To make light of this car’s abilities, Audi has fitted wild body panels and wider wheels along with giant spoilers. This TT is one for the record books, and we hope they take it on tour. Audi’s not-so-secret testing facility is located behind Burger King next door, so we will let you know if it comes stateside. We did spot the A3 Sportwagon E-tron on Interstate 275 yesterday, so it will hopefully be in production shortly. For more Audi news stay tuned to Autofluence.
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(Source: Audi)
