Seems that somebody is pushing forward with more diesel cars. In this case it's the Ingolstadt jungen heeding the call with the freshly announced Audi TT 2.0 TDI Quattro. Everything Audi TT we've seen already but with added oil burning flavor for maximum enjoyment. The turbocharged four pot common rail diesel manages 170 hp at about 4,200 rpm and a healthy 258 lb.ft. or torque between 1,750 and 2,500 rpm. That meaty power band is good for 0-100 km/h sprints in the neighborhood of 7.5 seconds - not bad for an engine good for a claimed 44 mpg. No word on US market release, but maybe if we shout loud enough they'll hear us. Gnaw on the press release below the fold

Audi TT Roadster 2.0 TDI quattro

Powerful performance with maximum efficiency

Ingolstadt - Audi is once again setting standards, this time with the new
Audi TT and its TDI engine—a model that combines pure sportiness and
powerful performance with sensational efficiency. The Audi TT 2.0 TDI
Coupe quattro and Audi TT Roadster 2.0 TDI quattro are the first series-
production sports cars to feature diesel engines. It's a compelling union:
The two-liter engine generates dynamic propulsion with 125 kW (170 hp)
and 350 Nm (258.15 lb-ft) of torque, yet the TT Coupe and TT Roadster
consume an average of only 5.3 liters and 5.5 liters of fuel per 100 km
(44.38 mpg and 42.77 mpg) respectively—unparalleled in the sports car
segment.

Audi is setting the pace with this synthesis of excellent dynamism and low fuel
consumption, as it has done for many years: Since debuting in 1989 the TDI
engines from the brand with the four rings have been paving the way for the
world's most successful efficiency technology and acting as trendsetters for the
entire automobile industry. Today, these powerful, refined and highly fuel-
efficient engines represent a modern, smart take on sportiness. The run of
victories achieved by the Audi R10 TDI diesel race car at the Le Mans 24
Hours and in the American Le Mans Series are impressive evidence of the
tremendous potential of this technology.

The dynamic diesel engines from Audi exert an exciting impact not just in
racing but also in series-production models—and now indeed in a sports car.
The TT Coupe quattro with the 2.0 TDI sprints from zero to 100 km/h
(62.14 mph) in 7.5 seconds and achieves a top speed of 226 km/h
(140.43 mph). The Audi TT Roadster, likewise equipped with quattro
permanent all-wheel drive, requires only an extra tenth of a second for the
standard sprint, and continues up to a top speed of 223 km/h (138.57 mph).
Both versions serve as outstanding examples of the success of the Audi
efficiency strategy, thanks to their fuel efficiency ratings of 5.5 liters per 100 km
(42.77 mpg), a figure that corresponds to CO2 emissions of only 145 grams/km.

Powerful, refined and efficient: The 2.0 TDI

The new four-cylinder TDI engine (engine displacement = 1,968 cc) represents
a fresh take on the all-round compelling qualities of the TDI concept. Designers
of the dual-camshaft, two-liter model looked to its predecessor—the most-
produced diesel engine in the world—and expanded upon its major strengths:
driving pleasure, efficiency and refinement.

The new common rail injection system is equipped with highly modern piezo
injectors, whose eight-hole injection nozzles can perform up to five distinct
injection sequences per cycle. This fine degree of modulation creates a modest
pressure increase in the combustion chambers, resulting in a significantly
reduced noise level. The system pressure of 1,800 bar allows fuel to form a fine
dispersion, enabling precise, highly efficient combustion.

The turbocharger is also part of a new generation and operates with adjustable
vanes that allow torque to build up rapidly. The positions of swirl flaps on the
intake manifold are controlled by electric motors in order to adapt the flow of air
to the current load and engine speed. The geometry of the engine's pistons has
been modified, and the acoustics of the camshaft drive belt have been
overhauled. Just as they did in the preceding model, two balancing shafts
reduce the vibrations arising in the crankshaft drive.

The cumulative result of this progress is a high maximum engine speed of
5,000 rpm and, most importantly, improved thermodynamics in the combustion
chambers. What this means is that the engine can run on up to 60 percent
recycled exhaust that has been thoroughly cooled by the radiator. This results
in a drastic reduction in untreated NOx emissions, with the 2.0 TDI already
meeting the threshold values of the upcoming Euro 5 standard.

Dynamic road performance

The 2.0 TDI in the Audi TT Coupe and the Audi TT Roadster delivers 125 kW
(170 hp) at 4,200 rpm and sends a full 350 Nm (258.15 lb-ft) of torque to the
crankshaft at engine speeds between 1,750 and 2,500 rpm. Operating quietly
and generating little in the way of vibration, this model delivers a hefty amount
of power at the lowest rpm levels and is highly responsive to input from the gas
pedal. Its supreme power development lends this engine its own unique,
fascinating character—that of a muscular, smart sports engine.

The Audi TT Coupe 2.0 TDI quattro easily leaves the gasoline-powered
competition behind when accelerating from a standstill. It sprints from zero to
100 km/h (62.14 mph) in just 7.5 seconds and never looks back until it reaches
226 km/h (140.43 mph). The TT Roadster accelerates to 100 km/h (62.14 mph)
in 7.7 seconds and keeps going up to 223 km/h (138.57 mph).

These models—the world's first diesel sports cars—consume an average of
only 5.3 liters and 5.5 liters of fuel per 100 km (44.38 mpg and 42.77 mpg)
respectively, which corresponds to CO2 emissions of a mere 140 g/km and
145 g/km. In so doing, they are setting a benchmark that represents a veritable
quantum leap in the sports car segment. With the TDI engine in the TT series,
Audi once again establishes its leading role on the diesel market. The brand
with the four rings is advancing progress and starting at the top.

In keeping with the theme of sporty performance, Audi has combined its two
diesel-engine sports cars with highly effective manual six-speed transmissions
whose short lever travel allows the driver to shift quickly, easily and precisely.
The housings for these transmissions are made of lightweight, high-tech
magnesium materials. Relatively long final transmission ratios have been
employed to bring the drivetrain in line with the character of the TDI engine.

In light of their high torque values, Audi is equipping both of its new TT models
with quattro permanent all-wheel drive. The heart of this system is an
electronically controlled, hydraulically activated multi-plate clutch, which is
located in the rear of the vehicle for improved weight distribution. This clutch
generally distributes up to 85 percent of the engine power to the front axle and
15 percent to the rear axle; in extreme situations it can divert up to 100 percent
of the power to either axle.

The overall concept: An exercise in uncompromised sportiness

Consistent efforts to reduce vehicle weight are also part of the efficiency
strategy pursued by the brand with the four rings. Both sports cars are very
lightweight: the 2 + 2-seater TT Coupe weighs only about 1,370 kilograms
(3020.33 lbs) when empty, while the two-seater TT Roadster with soft top
weighs roughly 1,415 kilograms (3119.54 lbs). Underlying these low weights is
an innovative hybrid body construction developed by Audi. Front components
are made of aluminum and utilize Space Frame technology; rear components
are made of steel. This solution guarantees that the frame is as rigid as
possible and optimizes load distribution between the axles.

The Audi TT Coupe and TT Roadster are dynamic, emotion-packed sports
cars. As was the case with preceding models, these cars are impressive for
their powerful design, whose dynamic flow continues on into the interior. The
cockpit contains multiple nods to the circle motif, and the sports steering wheel
with its flat-bottomed rim fits the driver's hand like a glove. The sport seats are
deep-set, providing a sporty seated position and firm lateral support. The backs
of both rear seats fold down in the TT Coupe, making the trunk space grow
from 290 to 700 cubic liters (10.24 - 24.72 cubic ft). The Roadster (250 liters,
8.83 cubic ft) comes with a practical load-through hatch upon request.

The sports suspension likewise offers extraordinarily dynamic features. The
front suspension is pivoted on an aluminum subframe and has a wide track
measuring 1,572 millimeters (61.89 inches).

A highly precise rack-and-pinion steering system with a direct steering ratio
provides an intimate link between the driver and the road. Power steering with
servo assist, which decreases as speed increases, is generated by an
electromechanical drive that is even more efficient than a hydraulic pump.

The coil springs and shock absorbers in the four-link rear axle are situated in
separate areas. The links are also finely differentiated: The layout of the trailing
links, which absorb the propulsive and braking forces, is relatively soft to
promote a comfortable ride. The connections to the three transverse links per
wheel, on the other hand, are rigid in order to direct transverse forces into the
body with precision.

The Audi TT Coupe 2.0 TDI quattro and Audi TT Roadster 2.0 TDI quattro roll
on 16-inch, cast aluminum wheels fitted with 255/55 R16 tires. Behind the
wheels are large disk brakes with pads that develop large coefficients of
friction. The ESP stabilization program supports the neutral to slight
understeering feel of the TT—the finishing touch on an overall portrait of
exciting dynamics, exhilarating driving pleasure and stability you can count on.

Audi magnetic ride, a high-tech shock-absorber system available as an option,
is an adaptive system that resolves the traditional conflict of interests between
comfort and handling. A magneto-rheological fluid circulating in the shock
absorbers changes the direction of the magnetic particles within milliseconds
when electricity is applied; this alters the overall characteristics of the fluid and,
in turn, modifies the damping characteristic. The driver can choose between
"Normal" and "Sport" programs by flipping a switch.

Equipment makes a statement of refined style

Standard equipment for both of the new TT models reflects the sporty character
and refined style of the series. Faux aluminum accents add a shine to gray
inlays and various other components in the interior. The sports steering wheel
comes with a Nappa leather cover. The climate control system (standard for the
TT Coupe) regulates heating and ventilation in response to the level of sunlight.

The driver information system and chorus audio system round out the standard
equipment.

A wide array of high-tech equipment is available as options, including a highly
modern generation of audio devices, electrically adjustable front seats, the
adaptive light dynamic cornering light system and two navigation systems with
a user interface based on the Audi MMI concept—a cut above the competition.

Send an email to Ben, the author of this post, at ben@jalopnik.com.