Audi TTS test drive since 2008

TT without compromises

Audi introduced the hottest version in Russia
 
Using the full potential of Audi TT Quattro Sport on the capital's roads is the same as jumping parachute from a skyscraper: the risk is great, although the sensations, of course, is sharper. For such machines in civilized countries, there are special autrods, which, by the way, can call in. We can revel in speed and enjoy the controllability of such a TT only on the treasured tracks outside the city where there are no traffic police inspectors, and where other drivers cannot be interfered. Hobbies such dubious games of amateurs as dragging along the night streets of Moscow, this car seems to be not even to face.
 
Do not look for amenities
 
Outside, the version of Quattro Sport from the usual TT can only be distinguished by the expert: this is the same well-known model, which has not lost the grain of attractiveness over the years of its existence (since 1998). It is not without reason that the big fans of such cars, the British, several times assigned the TT the title of the most beautiful sports car. (It is curious what the next generation of the model will be, which, according to my ideas, should appear just this year?) So, the connoisseur of the brand will certainly celebrate expanded wheel arches, a more massive front bumper with large vents of air intakes, an enlarged spoiler from carbon on the lid trunk and 18-inch cast discs with low-profile rubber. He will pay attention to the black roof - either from carbon, or from plastic, but precisely from durable and light material. I will add: the body is located slightly closer to the ground due to sports suspension with more rigid shock absorbers and shortened springs, and the arches are expanded for a reason: wide wheels increased the track. The compartment seems to be on the road, as it should be for a sports type car; It is immediately obvious that it will not be easy to tear it off the canvas.
 
You sit inside, and instantly understand that you should forget about comfort: the Seat Recaro (essentially a racing bucket), although it is lined with suede (like a steering wheel), but not created at all in order to relax on the way. It is made of carbon, tough, but perfectly profiled, and not something that has side support - it pinches the body so that you will not be particularly twisted. A solid person in it is likely to be not too comfortable, and planting through a wide threshold requires a certain dexterity. It is clear that the seat cannot be raised, lower or change the angle of inclination of the back - it moves only forward/backward. But it is convenient to sit comfortable, and, most importantly, it is possible correctly without problems, since the steering wheel is adjusted both in height and in departure. In a word, everything is done in order to ensure confident management and maximum concentration at the wheel.
 
Moreover, the rear seat disappeared from the cabin, a transverse beam appeared instead of it, ensuring additional hardness of the body. Excessive soundproofing materials are also removed. All this led to a reduction in the weight of the car-by 120 kg compared with the version with a 3.2-liter engine, and by 75 kg compared with a 1.8-liter all-wheel drive modification. From what is ensured by comfort, only the climate control system, the Bose music center, front windows and mirrors' electroregulations.
 
Under the roar of the motor
 
They worked on the exhaust system, it is immediately clear, it is worth starting the engine. Its low roar develops into aggressive roar with intensive acceleration. I can’t even believe that this sound is published by a familiar 4-cylinder power unit with a volume of 1.8 liters with a turbocharged. By the way, why - the reader can ask a question - not the same V6, already issuing 250 forces? Yes, because the V6 is too heavy, and for a real sportkup, not only power is important, but also excellent controllability, which cannot be achieved without good weighting along the axles. In addition, the capabilities of the 1.8-liter engine are not at all exhausted, as proved by Audi engineers who forced it to develop 240 hp. and 320 nm torque. Moreover, this moment is available at 2300 rpm. As a result, a sprint up to 100 km/h Quattro Sport does 0.5 seconds faster than the most powerful 6-cylinder version, and there is always a necessary traction supply under the right foot.
 
By the way, I was glad to test the Quattro Sport TT in winter, chasing a week on snow -covered and mainly slippery roads. Firstly, in such conditions, the car is more willing to reveal all its secrets; Secondly, it is quite suitable for operation in winter, if, of course, not to climb into deep snow.
 
The first acceleration is delighted. At low speeds, it seems that the car does not pull, but it is worth the tachometer arrow to cross the line of 2300 rpm, as the back instantly sticks to the seat. On a slippery road, the TT can even start wagging with a stern, since the all -wheel drive system, recall, is not arranged like on most other Audi models. With normal movement, most of the moment and power is transmitted to the front wheels. But it is worthwhile to slip or demolition, as up to 95% traction can be transferred back, which is why there is a skid. The main thing is that such an unusual algorithm for the operation of the Quattro system manages to quickly get used to and use its features. Say, an even arc can be held at such a speed that they will begin to whine sides. If the speed of entry into the turn is more than it follows, then with the slightest sign of demolition of the front axle, the electronics will transfer most of the moment back, which is why the car will fail into the skid. Turning the steering wheel towards the drift and the stubborn unwillingness to drop the gas will lead to a smooth slipping of the body with all four wheels out of the turn. By manipulating the gas pedal and the steering wheel, you can cause quite predictable reactions and pass turns with or without slipping - as you like.
 
It is worth noting that the ESP electronic stabilization system is included in the control process quite late and allows shallow drifts. If you turn it off, then you should be on the alert - TT errors practically do not forgive, although, in my opinion, it is more friendly to the driver than some other all -wheel drive models. In any case, after the first ten kilometers, you understand how transparent the behavior of the car is. The huge traction of the motor, the clear moves of the lever of the 6-speed mechanical KP, the all-wheel drive transmission allow you to simply not pay attention to rivals by starts from the traffic light. The brakes, by the way, are quite consistent with dynamic potential, dose the effort on the pedals is easy. Even ABS in the Quattro Sport TT is configured in a sports way - it allows small wheels.
 

I want to on the track
 
One thing is bad: we have almost nowhere to use the full potential of a car as I already said. Another thing in Europe - I went on a day off to the nearest track, paid a completely sane amount to the cashier, and drive for your health! In Moscow, TT seems to provoke conflict with traffic police inspectors given these circumstances, you involuntarily come to the conclusion that in Russia there are hardly many people who want to purchase such a compartment for $ 65,375.
 
But still - how wonderful TT Quattro Sport rides! ..
 
Text: Andrey Osipov
 

Source: Newspaper "Automobile Izvestia" [No. 1-2 (92), 2006]