Audi's hot hatch concept showcases diesel potential

Ingolstadt, Germany  - German carmaker Audi has come up with a highly-tuned hot hatch concept designed to show just how much power can be squeezed out of the company's turbocharged 2 litre diesel engine.

The Audi A3 Clubsport quattro was built to delight a gathering of Volkswagen and Audi enthusiasts at Lake Worthersee in Austria. It is unlikely to go into production soon although it is known that Audi is planning a range of souped-up diesel engines.

The uprated four-cylinder 2 litre TDI unit boasts 225 horsepower and can propel the Clubsport from zero to 100 kilometres an hour in 6.6 seconds. Top speed is given as 240 km/h (around 150 mph). The breathed-on A3 also has four-wheel drive and a six-speed gearbox

Body modifications include bolt-on flared wheel arches, a large rear spoiler and a wider grille. The car is also longer and lower than the standard A3. Inside the Clubsport displays elements from the R8 racer, including bucket race-styled seats and toggle switches on trhe centre console. (dpa)

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