Audi studies 1.8-litre TT for Oz

Audi has announced the TT sports-car range will be expanded with the inclusion of new 1.8-litre variants – in both Coupe and Roadster guise.

The TT 1.8 TFSI, which has been rumoured ever since the new generation arrived on the global scene in September last year, will be available with the option of six-speed S tronic (dual-clutch) transmission or the standard six-speed manual.

Developing 132kW and 250Nm from its turbocharged and direct-injected four-cylinder powerplant, the TT 1.8 TFSI coupe can knock over 0-100km/h in 6.9 seconds with the manual transmission. The S tronic box adds 0.1 seconds and the times for the Roaster are 7.2 (manual) and 7.3 (S tronic).

Peak torque is on tap between 1250 and 5000rpm, and throttle response is enhanced with varying exhaust valve lift. During light-load operation, additional (port) injectors in the engine's manifold supplement fuel delivery from the direct injectors for lower emissions. Fuel consumption ranges between 5.7L/100km and 6.1L/100km.

According to the manufacturer, the new variants will go on sale in Europe from July, but Audi Australia's General Manager Marketing, Kevin Goult, says that if the TT 1.8 TFSI arrives here at all, it won't be before the end of this year.

"While there was a 1.8 TFSI engine in the former Audi TT line-up, the new 2.0 TFSI engine brought both power and efficiency gains when it arrived in the all-new third-generation TT," Goult was quoted saying in a press release issued today.

"We are currently evaluating the new 1.8 TFSI engine's potential in the current range, but any introduction would not occur before the end of the year."