Earl

According to the Dec Audi Driver, the 180HP TT engine is mechanically identical to the A4 1.8.<p>Has anyone looked at putting the TT 180HP chip in the A4?<p>Seems like a natural.

Cameron

I wouldn't take that chance.<p>Let's see... the TT engine is mounted transversely (open the hood and check if you don't believe me) and the A4 engines are mounted longitudinally, supposedly the TT has a different, more advanced injection system... the TT has different valve timing, allegedly using the same timing system as the A3, not the same system as is used in the A4 which isn't used in any other cars than the A4 and Passat according to everything I've read from VW...<p>VW loves to use the words "mechanically identical," interchangable parts are one of the great inventions of the century along with the computerized assembly line and urban mass transit. Mechanically identical nearly interchangable systems reduce storage time and cost, reduce waste, and presumably increase earnings over the long term by increasing the delta between production cost and market price. The same is true of "platform engineering" as a buzz word in the automotive industry... though I can't explain everything and the success of Chrysler's "cab forward design" as a marketing tool still boggles the mind.<p>Interchangable parts and platform design are word pairings chosen to affect stock price (and in Germany, to affect Union attitudes), not to affect production. When it affects production, it's on an assembly line build order, and not on a press release to Road&Track.<p>Just my cynicism acting up again,<br>Cameron

rgzimmer

Whatever the differences between the 180 hp TT engine and the A4 1.8T, it's pretty clear that they are very similar and that it would likely be simple for Audi to offer a dealer installed upgrade. If enough people write and call to express interest in this, maybe they'll do it.<br>

Cameron

nt<br>