A new and even more acutely performance-focused version of the iconic Audi TT sports car joins the range in Britain this month, combining increased power with reduced weight to give driver satisfaction absolute priority. Limited to just 1,000 right-hand-drive examples, the new Audi TT Coupé quattro Sport is now available to order for £29,355 OTR for first deliveries in May 2005. .

Inspired by the four-cylinder turbo, 225PS TT Coupé quattro, the new TT Coupé quattro Sport raises its game through engine modifications that increase maximum power to 240PS, produced lower down the rev range at 5,700rpm, and torque from 280Nm to 320Nm between 2,300rpm and 5,000rpm.

To ensure that this additional power makes itself felt as fully as possible, weight has also been pared back compared with the familiar 225PS model. By replacing the spare wheel with a tyre mobility system, and the parcel shelf and rear seat with a stability bar that also improves torsional rigidity for optimum handling, kerb weight has been reduced by 49kg to 1,416kg.

Sharpened by increased power and reduced weight, the new TT Coupé quattro Sport is capable of sprinting from rest to 62mph in 5.9 seconds and reaching a maximum speed of 155mph, which is easily checked by an upgraded braking system derived from the 3.2 quattro models.

Cornering balance benefits as much as straight line speed in the transformation from ‘standard’ TT quattro to TT quattro Sport, not only as a result of the power and weight improvements, but also through revisions to suspension settings and wheel configuration. Exclusive 18-inch, 15-spoke alloy wheels with a slightly increased rim width at the rear (8.5J versus 8J) help to maximise grip and composure in conjunction with the quattro permanent four-wheel-drive system.

Externally, the TT Coupé quattro Sport is marked out by a unique two-tone paint finish combining a Phantom Black colour for the roof, pillars and mirror housings with the option of Mauritius Blue, Misano Red, Avus Silver or Phantom Black paint work for the remainder of the body. Its timeless lines are given a harder edge by the aerodynamic sports styling package normally reserved for the 3.2 V6 quattro models, which is set off perfectly by the striking 18-inch alloy wheels.

Inside, Recaro bucket seats upholstered in leather and Alcantara signal increased sporting intent, as does the Alcantara trimming for the steering wheel, gear knob and hand brake grip.

The launch of the TT Coupé quattro Sport has particular significance as it coincides with the 25th anniversary of the Audi-pioneered four-wheel-drive system that changed the face of international rallying forever and transformed performance road car dynamics in the process in the original road-going Audi quattro of 1980. In 2004, around a third of all Audi models registered in the UK were equipped with the quattro system.

Text/Photos: Audi