Giannis
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Who doesn't love the concept of weight saving? We are certainly fans, so hearing that Audi will present a lightweight TT concept at the 2013 Wörthersee gathering from May 8 to 11 in Reifnitz, Germany, was quite exciting. It turns out that the showcar combines a lean 1,111 kilograms (2,449.34 lb) total weight with a 2.0 TFSI engine, whose 228 kW (310 hp) and 400 Nm result in a 4.2 seconds times for the zero to 100 km/h. The power-to-weight ratio of 3.6 kg/hp is the outcome of a weight saving of 100 kilograms, focused around fine-tuning the Audi Space Frame (ASF) in the current TT generation and optimizing the detachable body parts.
"The right amount of the right material in the right place", Audi's moto, is quite evident with the showcar, as carbon-fiber reinforced polymer is extensively used in the rear end, the center tunnel, in the B-pillars and in the roof. Compared with the series-production model, the TT ultra quattro features a variety of performance- and looks-enhancing touches, such as the rear wing, made of visible carbon and the bucket seats from the R8 GT. We are very intrigued by the targeted use of fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP) in various components like some parts of the chassis and the coil springs. according to Audi: "The core of the all-new springs consists of long glass fibers twisted together and impregnated with epoxy resin. A machine wraps additional fibers around this core, which is only a few millimeters in diameter, at alternating angles of plus and minus 45 degrees to the longitudinal axis. These layers support each other and act in either compression or tension. The use of FRP at this point cuts weight by 40 percent while maintaining good characteristics – 6 kilograms (13.23 lb) in relation to the car as a whole".
Other than the TT ultra concept, Audi's stand at Wörthersee will also feature four race cars and eight series-production models. The highlight of the stand will be the recently introduced RS6 Avant, displayed alongside the RS7 Sportback, the RS5 Cabriolet, the first RS version of a Q-model, the RSQ3, the R8 and the legendary Sport quattro S1 and the all new S3. Finally, Audi will be excibiting an all new competition kit for the A1.
Source: [Audi AG]
