Audi electrifies the track with electric biturbo TT clubsport

The concept, which features a newly developed 2.5-litre five-cylinder petrol engine and two electrically driven turbochargers, gets aggressive styling and a total power output of 592bhp.

The transversely mounted powerplant is claimed to propel the latest in a long line of TT show cars from 0-62mph in just 3.6sec and on to a claimed top speed of 193mph.

The heavily reworked TT Coupé is described by Audi’s head of research and development, Ulrich Hackenberg, as a technology concept created to provide a glimpse into the sort of features we can expect to see appear on future models from the German car maker.

“Electric turbocharging signifies a new dimension," he said. "We are close to production readiness with this technology with our diesel engines. Now we are presenting it with a petrol engine, too. We are the first car maker to do this.”

At the heart of the TT Clubsport Turbo is a new incarnation of Audi’s traditional five-cylinder petrol engine. While retaining the same 2480cc capacity as the existing unit used in the RS3, it is described as being new from the ground up. “It is a clean sheet design,” said Hackenberg.

With the help of a new twin electric turbocharged induction system, the engine develops a specific output of 239bhp per litre. Torque swells to a peak of 479lb ft on a band of revs between 3000 and 7000rpm.

As well as previewing the German car maker’s plans to add electric turbocharging to its petrol engine line-up in the near future, the new two-seater also provides an insight into Audi’s plans for a 48V electrical system. Set to get its first airing on the upcoming SQ7, which will be the first model slated to use Audi’s electrically turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine, Hackenberg hinted that it will become a regular feature on upcoming models.

The 48V electrical system is required to provide energy for the electric turbochargers. It uses a lithium ion battery mounted in the luggage compartment to store kinetic energy generated under braking and during periods of trailing throttle. This energy is then utilized to run the turbochargers when required. 

Audi claims the adoption of electric turbochargers provides a big advantage in standing-start acceleration due to their ability to provide instantaneous boost. “The TT Clubsport Turbo covers up to 16 metres within the first 2.5sec - which is six metres further than a car with conventional exhaust gas turbocharging,” said Hackenberg.