At the first Audi Summit, the German carmaker revealed the new generation flagship A8. Apart from the Luxo-barge, Audi also showcased a personalisation performance package for the R8 and TT sports cars. Initially it is available for just these two models. Similar packages for additional model series will follow gradually, asserted the Ingolstadt-based carmaker.
Called the Sport Performance Parts, the personalisation parts offered with it could be opted for individually in both the vehicles to enhance four key areas – suspension, exhaust system, exterior and interior. This additional kit not only makes the dynamic duo look more aggressive, they are also functional performance upgrades.
For instance, in the suspension package there are two- or three-way coil over suspension available for both the cars. The brakes get ‘sport brake lining’ which fades less quickly than the standard one. The linings are available for both steel and ceramic brakes. The R8 gets ultralight titanium carrying plates done in fluorescent red, thus shaving off a kilogram of weight. For the TT, multiple bolt mountings are available with various brake cooling kits, thus improving the braking performance. The fully-milled 20-inch black alloy wheels for the pair are of motorsport grade, thus helping them save on a total weight of 7.2kg and 8 kg on the Audi TT and R8 respectively. For the all-wheel-drive TT with quattro, the retrofit range includes a cross-member reinforcement bar on the rear axle. A higher top speed of 280kmph is also a part of the package. The exhaust system includes a sonorous and ultralight titanium muffler sourced from Akrapovic.
On the exterior front, the Audi Sport Performance Parts package offers the aero kits developed in Audi’s wind tunnel. There are aggressive front air vents, side sills and diffusers which can substantially boost the downforce on both the cars. A whopping 250kg of downforce can be had on the R8 at a speed of 330kmph (an increase of 100kg on standard car). There is also a splitter and flics at the front, apart from a large fixed rear wing. The TT gets an engine hood with large air vent. All these aero parts are made out of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) for the Audi R8, and CFRP and plastic for Audi TT. For the interiors, there is a sports contour steering wheel with multifunction features, wrapped in Alcantara. The paddle-shifters are made of CFRP as well. The rear seats in the TT can be replaced with CFRP strut cross braces, thus shaving off at least 20kgs in weight. Simultaneously, it also enhances torsional rigidity and improves the car's high-speed cornering capability.
