2005 Audi TT quattro sport Preview

Aside from having an engine-transmission combination that would make Frankenstein jealous, the TT quattro sport has

The TT quattro sport has been put on a diet in order to shed some weight and improve performance. (Photo: Audi Canada)

been put on a diet in order to shed some weight. The biggest reduction comes from the removal of the somewhat useless rear seat bench, which has been replaced with a reinforcing brace and cargo net. Audi has also pulled the plug on the air conditioner, which saves 12 kilos (26.5 pounds). Customers not willing to lose weight sweating it out in summer can have the AC fitted at no extra charge.

In total, Audi has managed to shear off nearly 50 kilograms (110 pounds), reducing the TT quattro sport's unladen weight to 1,390 kilos (3,064 pounds), approximately 75 kg (165 pounds) lighter than the 225-horsepower variant. The result of the diet is a power-to-weight ratio of 5.8 kg/hp (12.8 lbs/hp), and a noticeable improvement in acceleration. The quattro sport is the fastest TT built to date,

Part of the TT's formula for success is its interior, which is amongst the most stylish and of the highest quality in its class. (Photo: Audi Canada)

reaching 100 km/h in just 5.9 seconds, before topping out at a speed limited 250 km/h.

Performance aside, part of the TT's formula for success is its interior, which is amongst the most stylish and of the highest quality in its class. Here, the changes made are in the materials, which include the use of suede-like Alcantara trim for the steering wheel rim, handbrake and shifter knob, while contoured leather and Alcantara-trimmed Recaro buckets, featuring body-colour backings, replace the standard seats. A commemorative engraving on the alloy handle for the glove box is also new.