MTM Built An Audi TT With Performance To Rival The Mighty McLaren F1
Ryan de Villiers, a budding automotive journalist from South Africa, has been making waves in the industry. With two years under his belt as a journalist for a prominent South African motoring publication, he's had thrilling experiences in powerful supercars and reported on iconic circuits. Since his professional start, he's penned over 700 automotive news articles, showcasing his passion for cars.
The McLaren F1, a legendary car, holds the record for the fastest naturally aspirated production car ever, with a top speed of 240 mph achieved in the late '90s. But MTM, a German tuning company, set out to challenge this record with their creation: the MTM TT Bimoto.
The MTM TT Bimoto: A Twin-Engine Powerhouse
MTM, founded by Roland Mayer, is known for its focus on Audi models and high-performance creations. The MTM TT Bimoto, unveiled at the 1995 Frankfurt Motor Show, was their most ambitious project yet. It featured two 1.8-liter twin-turbocharged inline-four engines, producing an astonishing 740 hp and 700 lb-ft of torque.
This beast accelerated from 0-60 mph in just 3.4 seconds and reached a top speed of 244 mph. MTM's engineering prowess was evident in the use of two engines, requiring every component to be doubled, from drive shafts to air filters. Each engine was paired with a six-speed manual transmission, resulting in a powerful and unique configuration.
Breaking Records and Pushing Boundaries
The MTM TT Bimoto's performance was remarkable. In collaboration with Auto Motor und Sport, the car reached a top speed of 232 mph at the Nardo test circuit, becoming the fastest street-legal car tested by the magazine at that time. However, it was later in 2010 that MTM truly made history.
At the Papenburg test track, the MTM TT Bimoto, now with over 1,000 horsepower, achieved a top speed of 244 mph, surpassing the McLaren F1 by just a few mph. This feat showcased the potential of a well-engineered base car, proving that impressive engineering can challenge the world's greatest.
A Legacy Unfulfilled
Despite its success, MTM's plans to produce ten street-legal MTM TT Bimoto examples never materialized. The whereabouts of the record-setting car remain a mystery, with occasional sightings over the years. The development cost was reportedly over half a million euros, but the company's focus shifted, and the MTM TT Bimoto remains a legendary creation.
Twin-Engine Cars: A Rare Breed
The MTM TT Bimoto is not the only twin-engine car to make headlines. Volkswagen's Mk2 Golf, built for the Pikes Peak hill climb, featured a pair of 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engines, achieving impressive performance. Additionally, Mercedes-Benz's A38 AMG and Michelin's PLR are notable twin-engine cars, each with its own unique story.
The MTM TT Bimoto's legacy continues to inspire automotive enthusiasts, proving that even a humble base car can become a legend with the right engineering.
