Long before the Audi TT-RS, the company’s Quattro GmbH division saw potential for a high-performance TT Coupe model. Engineers thought a good way to turn the soft TT into a true sports car was to transplant the twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 engine from a contemporary Audi RS4 Avant (B5 generation).
However, they soon found out the engine didn’t fit in a transverse position, as the TT required. Unfazed by this “minor” inconvenient, they decided to use the entire platform of the RS4 Avant including the engine, transmission, rear differential, axles, braking system and the wheel assemblies.
In order to fit all of these components under the more compact bodywork of the TT, engineers shortened the platform by 170mm (6.7 inches). The interior is almost unchanged compared to standard TT models, with the exception of the Alcantara steering-wheel and Recaro Seats.
The car took eight months to build and was tested for 20,000 km (12,430 miles), proving to be a serious contender even for the Porsche 911. The engine produced 380PS (375hp) and 440 Nm (324 lb-ft) of torque and made the TT sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.8 seconds and reach a top speed of 295 km/h (183 mph). For some reason though (probably costs), it didn’t make it to production and has remained a one-off.
Never seen before, the car was spotted by German photographer Gunter Stachon at the Audi Forum Neckarsulm, where it was on display.
By Dan Mihalascu
Photo Credits: Gunter.Stachon.Photography [Used with permission]
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