Audi has released a range of new performance parts for its two sportiest models
The Audi Sport Performance Parts, for the R8 supercar and TT sports car, include new suspension, exterior and interior components. But rather than being a mere cosmetic makeover, the new range promises to offer a significant increase over the standard offerings.
The new Audi Performance Parts range will be available in German dealers from in the third quarter of 2017 before being rolled out to other markets for the current Audi R8 and Audi TT models.
“With the Audi Sport Performance Parts we are tapping into a new business segment,” says Stephan Winkelmann, Managing Director of Audi Sport.
“Our wealth of experience garnered over many years of building sports cars is incorporated into every component we offer. Along with our expertise from motor racing, which is still the best test bed for volume production.”
The Audi Sport Performance Parts cover four areas - suspension, exhaust system, exterior and interior.
Immediately recognisable are the Aero kits which were developed in the Audi wind tunnel.
For the Audi R8 and the Audi TT they add clear-cut highlights on the front air inlets, the side sills and the diffuser, as well as a new splitter and flics at the front and a large fixed rear wing.
The new parts provide a substantial increase in downforce: On the Audi R8 the downforce is 250 kg at 330 km/h, an increase of over 100 kg. The new parts are designed to be more pronounced at speeds around 150 km/h where the downforce is doubled to 52 kg.
An engine hood with large air vent is also available for the Audi TT. All parts are made out of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) for the Audi R8 and for the Audi TT out of CFRP and plastic.
For suspension requirements, the range covers sport brake linings, which are more powerful and less prone to fading than standard brake linings.
Linings are available for steel discs and for the optional ceramic brakes. Their carrying plates are painted in fluorescent red and are made out of ultralight titanium on the Audi R8, making this model a kilogram lighter overall.
Steel front brake discs with multiple bolt mountings are available for the Audi TT RS and various new brake cooling kits for the TT, TTS and TT RS. A two or three-way coilover suspension is available for the Audi TT models and both Audi R8 variants.
New fully milled, black 20-inch wheels available for both models are also taken straight from motor racing and reduce weight by up to 7.2 kilograms on the Audi TT and up to 8 kilograms on the Audi R8.
For TT coupes with quattro drive, the retrofit range includes a cross-member reinforcement bar on the rear axle which improves rigidity and makes handling even more precise.
The specialist supplier of exhaust systems, Akrapovic d.d., has designed a sonorous, ultralight muffler made of titanium including trims specifically for the Audi TTS and the Audi TT RS.
Inside, a sport contour steering wheel with multifunction plus is available for the Audi R8 and for the Audi TT.
CFRP shift paddles are available for the models fitted with seven-speed S tronic. Audi Sport has developed a strut cross brace specifically for the TT – also made out of CFRP. It replaces the rear seats, reduces the weight by some 20 kg and enhances the torsional rigidity.
