Click for a high res gallery of the TT TDI

Audi announced their first diesel-powered production sports car back at the Geneva Motor Show in March and now it's going on sale. At least European drivers get a crack at the new TT TDI. The compression ignition version of the TT is powered by the 170hp version of the VW group's 2.0L TDI four cylinder. That's the same engine used in the new Jetta TDI Cup race cars. With this engine and a six-speed DSG gearbox, the TT coupe is rated at 44.4mpg (U.S.) on the EU combined cycle. The TDI gets to 62mph in 7.5 seconda and emits carbon dioxide at the rate of 139g/km. The heavier, less aerodynamic roadster model does only slightly worse at 42.8mpg and 144g/km. Unfortunately, American fans of the TT won't have the opportunity to experience this mileage for a while, if ever. The diesel-powered coupe will run buyers in Germany €34,850 while the roadster costs € 35,900. The TT TDI goes on sale this spring.


[Source: Audi]

Volkswagen and Audi are pioneers in the commercialization of dual clutch transmissions under the DSG brand. The TT is offered with either a DSG or manual transmission. The beauty of a DSG is that it has the mechanical efficiency of a manual with lightning fast shifts that help performance and reduce the losses during shifts to provide even better mileage than a manual. It can also provide seamless automatic operation for those who prefer two pedal operation with 10-15 percent better mileage. Vicki Butler-Henderson of Fifth Gear in the UK got a chance to take lap a racetrack in two near-identical TTs where the only difference was the gearboxes. The DSG-equipped car managed to go four-tenths of a second faster and gets better mileage from the same engine. Check out the video after the jump.

[Source: Fifth Gear]