Audi plans to build a "baby" TT that will challenge the Lotus Elise, according to AutoExpress magazine. The lightweight roadster is expected to be shown before the end of the year, the report says. It is being built with the help of KTM, an Austrian motorcycle maker. Designed to major on driving thrills, the newcomer will be highly exclusive, with only a limited number of examples planned.

KTM first contacted parent company Volkswagen about building a roadster, but since VW was already developing the GX3, the KTM proposal was shifted to Audi. The possibility of a KTM-Audi partnership was first revealed in January.

A car is actually under development. KTM is reportedly delegating such tasks as sourcing a carbon fibre chassis from other motorsports partners. The car is expected to have similarities to the VW EcoRacer Concept (link below). It will weigh around 1,600 pounds and get about 50 mpg, AE reckons. It should have a sub-six-second 0-60 time.

Because the firm's designers are more used to producing large, luxurious models, they've got together with an unlikely partner to help work on the two-seater. That collaborator is Austrian motorcycle manufacturer KTM, which is playing a lead role in the development of the new model, due before the end of this year. KTM describes itself as the instigator of the sports car project, which bosses initially pitched to both Audi and Volkswagen. However, VW already has the three-wheeled GX3 under development at Lotus, while there's also strong internal support for the four-wheeled EcoRacer roadster - which debuted at last year's Tokyo Motor Show - so top brass declined KTM's invitation.

Fortunately, because Audi saw the potential of the motorbike firm's idea - and the possible cost savings offered by a technology share with Volkswagen - it grabbed the development opportunity with both hands.

Chairman of Audi's board Professor Dr Martin Winterkorn has already commented on the project. He said: "KTM is very interesting. We will show something at the end of the year."

So what will KTM have to offer to Audi? The bike manufacturer is already in talks with race car builder Dallara about a carbon fibre chassis, and is partly owned by quad bike specialist Polaris. It's not yet known which company will be responsible for the production of the sports car, but it is sure to use Audi powerplants.

Buyers can expect the newcomer to adopt the VW Group's latest TSI turbo and supercharged technology. Economy will be a priority - a main reason for introducing lightweight, low-volume cars into any maker's range is to bring down the average fuel consumption and emissions for its entire line-up.

However, a likely sub-750kg kerbweight means thrilling performance will come as standard, too. Matching the larger TT's pace, the new Audi will sprint from 0-60mph in less than six seconds, while returning in excess of 50mpg.

The biggest question remains over the transmission. Audi's current range is either front or four-wheel drive, but feeding power to the rear would be most suitable for a lightweight sportster.


photo credit: Lars Sältzer

(source: autoexpress, by Chris Thorp) http://www.cartype.com/page.cfm?id=1...ph=ALL&dec=ALL

 

"the new Audi will sprint from 0-60mph in less than six seconds, while returning in excess of 50mpg."
They're hitting for the Lotus and they're hitting well

 

if it actually looks like that they will have a winner


I wonder how much moolah?

 

does anyone else think the audi roadster look an awful like the saturn sky?

 

it does a little bit, especially with the fender bulges and the low roof line but I think it looks great (the sky looks pretty good also)

 

Is this where they will base the $60K bugatti? i wonder

 

yes...platform sharing with the mini bugatti. VW will also have their own version of this the last I heard. The bugatti to the be the top of the line in luxury and the VW to be the economy version, with the audi being the all out performance version.

 

The Audi looks sweet. (I would)

The Sky is the best looking Saturn to date. (I can do without it)

The $60K Bugatti is hot! (definitely desireable)

 

A 60k bugatti that looks like the veyron? I don't get it, the bugatti price structure will go from 60k to 1.2 mil?

 

My first thought.. I really do like this car...Now can we get the ZO6 motor in it or a throw back 3.8SPFI turbo ala grand nat.