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Factory Tuning: Audi A3 TDi Clubsport
Written by: Autocar staff   http://www.autocar.co.uk
05/19/2008 - 08:13 AM
Ingolstadt, Germany
 
Clubsport one-off showcases massive 332lb-ft of torque from 2.0-liter diesel engine. (Audi photo) ยป More Photos

This is the Audi A3 TDi clubsport quattro – a bold hot hatch concept that is designed to give us a glimpse at the potential of the company’s 2.0-liter TDI engine.

Built for the annual gathering of VW and Audi enthusiasts at Austria’s Lake Worthersee this week, the clubsport uses a highly tuned version of the diesel with 221hp and 332lb ft of torque.

Although there are no direct plans to produce a car like the clubsport, Audi is working on a range of hot diesels that are being developed by its quattro division.

The 2.0-liter TDI gets its extra power from an uprated turbo and revised intake manifolds. In this spec the A3 clubsport quattro cracks 0-62mph in 6.6sec and reaches 149mph. Peak torque is available from 1750rpm.

Power is channeled via a six-speed manual
gearbox and four-wheel drive. The car also uses Audi’s Drive Select system, which allows the driver to alter ESP settings, the sound of the exhaust and the level of steering assistance.

The car gets the A3’s MacPherson strut (front) and multi-link (rear) suspension, along with 20in wheels. The rear brakes are standard A3 discs, but at the front Audi has fitted six-piston calipers and carbon-ceramic discs.

The body kit includes new sill covers, bolt-on wheel arch extensions and a wider grille. Inside, Audi has added some R8 elements: a flat-bottomed steering wheel, an aluminum, open-gate gear shifter and an infotainment screen. Toggle switches replace buttons on the centre console and Audi has hollowed out the door handles to cut weight.

Dan Stevens/Autocar magazine.
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