From the Lamborghini Huracán to the Porsche 911, plenty of cars have their own one-model series. Now, the Audi TT has one too.
Adding a little raciness to the launch of the redesigned 2016 TT, Audi will start the Audi Sport TT Cup series in Germany next year. It will pit both professional and amateur drivers against each other in identical TT race cars.
The TT certainly looks good in its racing regalia, and Audi made a point of keeping mechanical modifications to a minimum.
The carmaker claims the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and six-speed S-tronic dual-clutch gearbox are “nearly unchanged” from stock, while a driver-adjustable active front differential helps the car put the power down more efficiently.
The engine makes the same 310 horsepower as the stock TT S, but a Formula One-style “push to pass” feature will allow a temporary burst of 30 extra horses.
Related: 2016 Audi TT and TT S first drive
The TT racer will likely receive the usual round of safety modifications, such a roll cage and fire extinguisher, plus a stripped-out interior and more serious tires.
The Audi Sport TT Cup will be a support series for the DTM, or German touring-car championship. Two TT races will be run during six DTM race weekends over the 2015 season.
Audi will prepare each of the cars, so drivers just need to show up. Six spots in each race will be reserved for Audi-selected guest drivers, but the other 18 are up for grabs.
So if you’re planning to be in Europe next summer, consider applying at www.audi-motorsport.com.
Make sure to sound like you know what you’re doing, though, because with typical German precision Audi is undertaking a multi-stage selection process to choose drivers.
