Every year at the Wörthersee event, Audi->ke14 makes sure that its presence is felt significantly.

This year, the German automaker is presenting the “Home of quattro” and it's got a pretty impressive concept on tap to make its debut in the form of the TT Ultra Quattro Concept.

It's based on the Audi TT->ke1081, the German brand's resident sports car. That's as far as similarities go because the TT Ultra Quattro Concept is more like the TT's hotter and sexier cousin, dressed more provocatively to accentuate its sexier curves.

Sure, it's a concept, which is a real shame, and if Audi ever decided to bring the car to production, it might have to do so at the cost of what makes this car really unique.

At the end of the day, the TT Ultra Quattro is a fantastic concept that will probably give Audi headaches should it decide to green light production. But in its current state, it's remarkably awesome in every sense of the word.

Updated 05/08/2013: Audi unveiled new images of the TT Ultra Quattro Concept and a new video featuring Le Mans-winning driver Andre Lotterer behind the wheel. Enjoy!

Click past the jump to read more about the Audi TT Ultra Quattro Concept

2013 Audi TT Ultra Quattro Concept

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2013 Audi TT Ultra Quattro Concept
  • Horsepower: 310
  • Torque: 295
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

In building and developing the TT Ultra Quattro Concept, Audi adhered to a simple motto: the right amount of the right material in the right place. Sounds like a pretty straightforward principle. But, of course, there's more to it than that.

For this model, Audi engineers fine-tuned the Audi Space Frame (ASF) in the current TT to come up with the body for the Wörthersee showcar. What that entailed was dropping 100 kg (220.46 lbs) from the car's tool body weight of 304 kg (670 lbs), something Audi succeeded in doing by using carbon-fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) on the rear end, the center tunnel, on the B-pillars and on the roof. The automaker also used magnesium components as hinge reinforcement to help in the weight reduction.

Magnesium components in the floor and as hinge reinforcement reduce weight even further. The addition of large spoilers also pays homage to the automaker's motorsports history with the base of the carbon-fiber rear wing using components made from milled aluminum to keep things light. Speaking of carbon fiber, you'll also find that Audi made generous use of the material, particularly on the hood, the roof, the sides and the trunk.

Finalizing the exterior modifications is the special Crystal White color the TT Ultra Quattro Concept comes with while a set of wheels whose spokes are made out of high-strength aluminum

Interior

The interior of the TT Ultra Quattro Concept was also designed with the same purpose of cutting weight. That's why Audi used even more carbon fiber in the cabin. The door trim, the center console and the cross-bracing that replaces the rear seat bench all carry this material.

Bucket seats from the Audi R8 GT were also installed, while all the standard equipment from the Audi TT is also present, including air conditioning, electric window controls and an electromechanical parking brake.

Performance

The Audi TT Ultra Concept is powered by a 2.0-liter TFSI engine that produces 310 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. Those power figures allow the sports car to hit 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 4.2 seconds with a top speed of 174 mph. Showing that will go to crazy extremes to save weight, even the lead-acid starter battery was replaced with a lithium-ion one.

A clear indication of the TT Ultra Concept's impressive performance credentials is its power-to-weight ratio of 3.6 kg per horsepower, right in line with some of the most performance-oriented sports cars on the market today.

Suspension and Handling

The Audi TT Ultra Quattro Concept also makes use of a lighter suspension system with reduced unsprung masses, which shaves off some weight off of the setup while also improving handling and comfort. Even the coil springs, which are traditionally made from steel, have been replaced with fiberglass-reinforced plastic and shave of 40 percent of their bulk while still maintaining its overall usefulness.

Pricing

No word yet on pricing but we'll update you if Audi decides to bring the TT Ultra Quattro Concept to production.

Competition

2014 Nissan 370Z Nismo

The Nissan 370Z is considered the original competitor of the Audi TT. That was back in 2006 and the two are still considered rivals to this day. A few months ago, Nissan even released the 370Z Nismo to show the Audi TT what's up. That bad boy came with its own list of modifications, highlighted by an extended front nose design and a fully integrated chin spoiler. The interior also received some upgrades in the form of new sports seats and an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel.

In terms of power, the 370Z Nismo has the leg up over the TT Ultra Quattro Concept, thanks to a 3.7-liter V-6 engine that produces 350 horsepower and 276 pound-feet of torque. Ultimately, with so much weight savings on it, the TT Ultra Quattro is faster, not only from 0 to 60 mph (4.2 seconds compared to 5 seconds), but also in terms of top speed (174 mph to 155 mph).

Conclusion

The overall objective of Audi with the TT Ultra Quattro Concept was to shave as much weight off of the car in order to improve its performance credentials. Having said that, the way Audi went about it and used plenty of carbon fiber, magnesium, and titanium parts clearly illustrates that this car means business and conversely, will probably cost a lot if it does make it to production.