The shining star for imports at this year’s North American International Auto Show has to be the Audi brand.
The top of the TT line and a diesel concept to “blow you away”
This year, Audi brings to the table the new TTS coupe as well as the unbelievable R8 V12 TDI Concept.
TTS Coupe
Available in both coupe (shown) and roadster body styles, the TTS sits at the TT lineup. Under the hood rests a direct injection, turbocharged 2 liter engine that produces 265 hp and 258 pound-feet of torque in what Audi calls its “Vorsprung durch Technik” (“advancement through technology”). Additional technology includes an optional S tronic dual clutch transmission as well as Audi magnetic ride adaptive damping system that gives the driver the choice of two settings – standard and sport – with the sport setting lowering the body by 10 millimeters for added dynamic handling.
To differentiate it from its more plebian siblings, the TTS is graced with standard 18” wheels and newly designed bi-xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lights. Inside, driver and passengers are treated to leather sport seats and a new gray instrument panel with matching multifunctional steering wheel.
R8 V12 TDI Concept
If it’s torque you’re after, you’ve come to the right place. Generating 500 hp and a stump pulling 737.5 lb-ft of torque, the R8 comes to the party with 0-60 times of under 4.2 seconds and a top speed of over 186 miles per hour. The twin turbo direct injection engine has a crankcase made from gray cast iron and vermicular graphite that is 40% more rigid and 100% more fatigue resistant that gray cast iron.
Aside from prodigious amounts of torque, the engine fulfills the Euro 6 emission standards likely to take effect in 2014. Its common rail fuel metering system makes full use of current clean diesel technology by employing a special catalytic converter downstream of the standard one and the particulate filter.
External styling cues include revised side blades as well as a glass roof complete with NACA duct.
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