Audi/VW engines share power, torque

On the same day Audi announced its revised TT Roadster and TTS Roadster, Volkswagen unveiled its new Golf Alltrack – a crossover between estate and SUV (sport utility vehicle). Both will debut at the Paris Motor Show next month.

One striking feature of their specifications is in the choice of powertrain.

The Golf Alltrack (below) has one TSI engine and three TDI engines. The TDI engines come from the EA288 series and the top engine in the range offers a “record” output of 184PS and 380Nm torque, driving through a six-speed DSG and 4Motion.

The identical power and torque are claimed for the engine in the TT Roadster where, driving the front wheels 2-litre TDI is the base unit, but a more powerful 230PS TFSI engine is available either with front wheel drive or Quattro configuration. The TTS Roadster has a 310PS TFSI engine only in Quattro configuration.

                                              Space frame

The body of the TT Roadster and the TTS Roadster represents the latest evolution of the Audi Space Frame (ASF) based on the modular transverse matrix (MQB).

High-strength components made from hot-shaped steel reinforce the front section and the passenger compartment floor, while passenger compartment and all outer skin and attachment parts are made of semi-finished aluminium in the form of cast nodes, extruded profiles and sheet metal.

From this construction, the entry-level TT Roadster with its 2-litre TFSI engine and manual transmission weighs 1,320 kg.

Compared with the Coupé, the Roadster body has been modified: aluminium A‑pillars now conceal a second steel pillar in their interior, which in turn houses a steel tube. Internal steel ribbing provide aluminium sills with higher-strength properties. V‑shaped steel struts reinforce the zones beneath the engine compartment and the luggage compartment, and connect the axle carriers.

In the TT Roadster and the TTS Roadster, a solid wall comprising two box profiles separates the interior from the luggage compartment, and replaces the bottom cross member found on the Coupé. The upper area of this wall houses rounded steel roll-over bars. Mounting plates seal the openings in the rear wall.