Audi A3 TDI Clubsport Quattro: High Performance Diesel 

Motoring Channel Staff - 19/May/2008

Ingolstadt, Germany — When Audi initially switched it's Le Mans race cars to diesel power in 2006, there were a lot of strange looks passing between spectators.

However, the turbo diesel R10 race car ended up winning it's first Le Mans race in France in '06, a grueling 24-hour race, and also became the first diesel vehicle in the history of the event to claim victory.

Since then, Audi has forged ahead with the development of performance diesel engines for its road cars, which can be clearly seen in a new concept car that looks destined for production - theA3 TDI Clubsport Quattro.

Based on the humble Audi A3, this model features a range of improvements, including a high performance chassis with ceramic disc brakes, and the debut of what could be the most powerful 2.0-litre diesel engine on the market.

With it's small 2.0-litre size, the A3 TDI Clubsport Quattro concept car's engine is expected to return low fuel usage figures, but it's also a remarkably powerful engine.

Outputting 165kW of power (224hp), a figure that has until now been the exclusive domain of turbo petrol engines, the 4-cylinder turbo engine gives the A3 model plenty of heart.

Torque output is huge, 450Nm in total. This is more torque than Audi's wildly popular R8 mid-engined super car's 430Nm, which is an interesting figure considering the new 2.0-litre diesel engine is less than half the size of the R8's highly strung 4.2-litre V8.

It's clear that Audi's Le Mans racing diesel technology is now finding it's way into road cars, and this concept signifies that the high-performance, small displacement diesel engines are not far off.

While European buyers have had a love affair with diesel engines for decades now, where they account for more than 50% of all new passenger car sales, Australian and American buyers still favour petrol cars, with diesels accounting for less than 10% of new car sales in these countries.

But engines like this one from Audi could be true blue game changers. Power and performance, yet with minimal emissions and low fuel consumption, will be highly sought after.

Like any self-respecting sports car, Audi's new A3 concept transfers power to the wheels via a 6-speed manual gearbox, and will accelerate from zero to 100km/h in 6.6 seconds.

With an AWD quattro setup, the vehicle also has an impressive top speed: 240km/h (149mph).

As well as a blisteringly powerful turbo diesel engine, the A3 TDI Clubsport Quattro concept also features other go-fast components, including a full sports chassis.

Measuring 4.25 metres long, the stocky concept rides on 20-inch ally wheels with large 265/30 tyres, and uses independent suspension coupled with Audi's magnetic ride control to improve cornering response.

The German car maker has also added 'Audi drive select driving dynamics' which allow the driver to fine tune a number of inputs.

Changes can be made to the steering response, throttle response and even the ESP activation levels without having to get out of the car, giving drives the ability to tailor the car to different situations, such as busy wet roads or even a dry racetrack.

The front disc brakes are made from ceramic composite materials for improved thermal efficiency, and feature large 6-piston calipers for strong stopping power.

Completing the package is an outgoing exterior design, including a bright paint scheme in red and white.

Up front, Audi's designers have crafted an aggressive front apron with huge lateral air intakes that ensure the 450Nm diesel engine gets all the air flow it needs.

The car is wider than the standard A3 and even the sports S3 models, which we have road tested. The Audi A3 TDI Clubsport Quattro concept features bolt-on wheel arch extenders to communicate its performance aspirations, as well as a large roof-mounted aero wing.

Changes to the rear apron have also been made, including a quasi-diffuser and large stainless steel exhaust outlets.

Expect a production version of this vehicle and/or the powerful new 2.0-litre performance diesel engine later in the year.

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