A3's tarted up cousin
Next week, Audi will take the wraps off its A3 TDI clubsport Quattro.
It is a new concept car based on the production Audi A3, and tarted up with the addition of a DTM-look rear spoiler, bolt-on wheel arch extensions, and other such features to give it a performance-car look.
More important than its appearance is its powerplant – a truly high-performance, 2.0 L, TDI diesel that develops 224 hp and 332 lb.-ft. of torque.
Not surprisingly, it generates sports-car-like performance, according to Audi, accelerating from 0-to-100 km/h in just 6.6 seconds and able to reach a top speed of 240 km/h.
Power is delivered to 20-inch wheels via a six-speed transmission and quattro all-wheel-drive system. Up front, six-piston brake calipers and ceramic discs provide stopping power.
A selective driving dynamics system allows the driver to vary throttle response characteristics, exhaust sound, power steering assistance level, cut-in thresholds for the ESP stabilization system, and damper settings.
The dampers deploy Audi magnetic ride technology, enabling them to react instantly to changes in driving conditions.
Audi has already begun to offer TDI diesel engines in its production sports cars in Europe. TT and TT Roadster are both available with a 2.0 L TDI generating 170 hp and 258 lb.-ft. of torque.
The company will begin offering diesel engines in Canada in the 2009 Audi Q7 SUV.
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