The 165 kW (225 bhp) 1.8T

This 165 kW (225 bhp) turbocharged engine achieves a specific output in the Audi TT Coupé that many a full-blown sports car of recent years would be proud to claim as its own. This level of performance explains why the engine's compression ratio of 8.9 : 1 is extremely high for a turbocharged unit.

To permit this high performance to be achieved reliably, the 1.8-litre engine has been fairly extensively modified. The pistons, connecting rods and big end bearings have been uprated to accommodate the higher combustion pressures. The double-mass flywheel and the clutch have also been modified to match the changed performance characteristic. The intake manifold, turbocharger and exhaust manifold are of entirely new design.

The 165 kW engine is equipped with two charge-air intercoolers, through which the Type K04 turbocharger forces air into the combustion chambers. The airflow path is quite different from the 132 kW version, and together with a larger air cleaner ensures that the temperature of the air reaching the engine is only about 30°C higher than the ambient temperature. This is equivalent to more than 80 % charge-air intercooler efficiency, and keeps the engine supplied with an optimum flow of oxygen-rich air. Maximum boost pressure at the intake manifold can reach 2 bar.

The 165 kW version's pulling power is particularly impressive, with 280 newton-metres of torque available all the way from 2,200 to 5,500 rpm. The engine interprets any desire on the driver's part for brisk acceleration as a powerful leap ahead, even from quite low engine speeds.

The 165 kW TT accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.4 seconds, and has a top speed in the region of 243 km/h. It is flexible, too, needing only 11.2 seconds to accelerate from 60 to 120 km/h in 5th gear. With a total fuel consumption of 9.2 litres per 100 kilometres according to the EU 93/116 test, the 165 kW quattro is distinctly more economical than might be expected of a car with this kind of performance on tap.

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