The Audi TT's->ke1081 history with motorsport began in 2000, two years after the first-generation coupe->ke141 was introduced. The TT debuted in Germany's DTM series (German Touring Car Championship) and spent no less than four years fighting against race-spec versions of the Mercedes-Benz CLK->ke537 and the Opel Astra.->ke1220 The Audi TT met success for the first and only time in 2002, when Laurent Aiello clinched the driver's championship. Audi,->ke14 however, failed to win the constructor's championship that year. During its lifetime, the TT was also raced in the Grand-Am KONI Sports Car Challenge and the SCCA World Challenge race series. As we venture into the 2015 model year, Audi is launching yet another race program for the TT, this time in the form of a single-make series.

The new sport will run alongside the DTM championship starting 2015, with all competitors to drive the new Audi Sport TT Cup. The latter is essentially a beefed-up TT coupe boasting an aerodynamic body kit similar to the R8 LMS Ultra's and a race-spec interior. The drivertrain, on the other hand, is sourced from the road-going TTS model in an attempt to reduce development and building costs. Read on for the full details on Audi's brand-new, entry-level race car.->ke148

Click past the jump to read more about the Audi Sport TT Cup.

Exterior

The Sport TT Cup's exterior looks to be inspired from the successful R8 LMS Ultra. While it keeps the standard headlamps and grille, the front end is enhanced by a revised bumper that includes slightly reshaped air vents and a large splitter. For the hood, Audi also took inspiration from the R8 LMS Ultra and added a vent opening and quick-release pins. Moving onto the sides, the body kit tailored specifically for the TT adds flared fenders, massive side skirts and racing fuel caps.

Around back, the regular bumper is replaced by a much simpler unit that incorporates a diffuser and a center-mounted exhaust pipe. Atop the hatch, which is kept in place by quick-release pins, sits a large, fixed wing for added downforce. Lastly, the coupe rides on lightweight wheels wrapped in wide, slick tires.

Although shown in a traditional Audi Sport livery with red and grey graphics over a white-painted body, each TT Cup model will wear different racing patterns once the series commences.

Interior

As with most race cars, the Sport TT Cup comes with a stripped-out interior. There are no convenience features whatsoever, with the standard dashboard and door panels replaced by simpler, lightweight covers. A sports steering wheel replaces the regular unit, while the driver's seat has been ditched in favor of race-spec seat with multi-point harness. Naturally, the passenger seat and the rear seats have been removed altogether. A full roll cage ensures the Sport TT Cup meets current safety regulations. The gear shifter is among the very few features that remained from the road-going car.

Drivetrain

Powering the Sport TT Cup is Audi's already familiar 2.0-liter, TFSI engine. Offered with as much as 310 horsepower in the road-legal TT, the unit has been updated with a few race-spec parts. Although it delivers the same 310 ponies, the mill can be briefly boosted to 340 horses by a push-to-pass function. Let's say it is similar to the KERS system seen in Formula One, although the two have little in common.

The Germans have yet to reveal any performance numbers, but judging by the race car's curb weight of only 2,480 pounds, 232 less than the road-going model, we expect the Sport TT Cup to charge from naught to 60 mph in less than 4.5 seconds. As is the case with most race cars, details are still under wraps, but Audi says the track-ready TT comes with nearly stock six-speed S tronic transmission and an active differential for optimal traction.

Prices

Pricing for the Sport TT Cup has yet to be announced, but judging by its entry-level race car status it shouldn't exceed €60,000 ($76,600 as of 19/17/2014).

Competitors

BMW M235i Racing

The Sport TT Cup won't be competing against other sports car in its series, but if you're looking for a similar racer, the BMW M235i Racing is your best bet. Based on the new 2 Series, the M235i Racing was developed as a competitive, entry-level race car for the masses. Built with input from BMW’s M Performance division, the M235i Racing is enhanced by an aerodynamic body kit and and a host of racing parts taken from the BMW M Performance stock.

Granted, the exterior isn’t radically different when compared to the stock M235i, but the interior is devoid of any luxury and comfort features, and is fitted with FIA-approved racing parts. These racing bits include a professional roll cage, a six-point racing harness, and a Recaro Pro Racer driver’s seat.

Motivating the M235i Racing is the same 3.0-liter, turbo-six engine found in the regular coupe. The powerplant generates 333 horsepower, which accounts for a 11-pony improvement over the standard model. Additionally, the race car benefits from race-spec ABS, DSC and traction control systems, a limited-slip differential, and reinforced suspension and brakes. Pricing starts from €59,500 ($75,880 as of 10/17/2014).

Conclusion

I always thought the Audi TT was suited to receive a racing series of its own. Already a DTM champion in 2002 and an SCCA World Challenge competitor, the TT has evolved into the brilliant TT-RS thanks to its extensive track time. Sixteen years after its launch, the TT coupe is finally becoming the gentleman's race car customers have been requesting. Held as part of the DTM starting 2015, the TT Cup will also help drivers reach GT3 or WEC programs, and is likely to expand to North America and Asia in the future. Fingers crossed this races spawns a similar special-edition coupe for street use. That would be awesome!