Audi TT Ultra Quattro Concept Sheds Over 600 Pounds

Audi’s TT sports car might be getting old but the German automaker isn’t yet finished with showcasing just how capable a performance platform it can be. After the TT-RS, Audi has switched gears for a new concept car called the TT Ultra Quattro, retaining the base car’s 4-cylinder powerplant while shedding over 600 lbs.

The highlight of the brand’s booth at the upcoming Worthersee Tour in Austria, the TT Ultra Quattro sheds weight through extreme measures using carbon-fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) for the center tunnel, B-pillars and roof, while the floor uses Magnesium. Of course, body panels are also made of CRFP while the rear spoiler has an aluminum base and carbon fiber deck. Even the side mirrors have been tossed in favor of cameras that digitally show what is behind the car.

Inside over 48 lbs were shed by dropping the rear seat area, while the front seats were swapped out for fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP) versions from the R8 GT. And under the driver’s seat is a new lithium-ion starter battery, shedding an additional 8 lbs from the car and moving the weight towards the center.

SEE ALSO: Audi TT-RS Review – Video

Dropping an additional 44 lbs are carbon fiber and aluminum wheels, while ceramic brakes with aluminum calipers as well as a titanium exhaust pipe do their part. All somewhat obvious choices, Audi surprises with the suspension setup replacing the steel coil springs with those made of FRP, dropping 13 more lbs.

In total 661.39 lbs have been cut for a new curb weight of just 2,449.34 lbs. Combine that with an up-rated version of the brand’s 2.0 TFSI turbocharged 4-cylinder engine making 310 hp and Audi claims a 0-62 mph time of 4.2 seconds – 1.3 seconds faster than the production car.

It should also be pointed out that Audi engineers managed to shed 55 lbs from that engine through the use of lighter materials for the crankcase, crankshaft, balancer shafts, flywheel, oil sump and the bolts used to hold it all together.

Exciting, yes, but the TT Ultra Quattro is just a concept. While Audi has made no commitment to production such a car, the German automaker did announce in a release that, “The Audi showcar demonstrates the technical possibilities of an intelligent mix of materials,” and that, “In this way considerable weight savings can even be achieved on an existing series-production model. Usage of these technologies is conceivable for future small-batch series.”

Look for Audi to release more details when the Worthersee tour kicks off May 8.