Get ready for a thrilling ride as we uncover the story of an extraordinary car that dares to challenge the mighty McLaren F1!
Meet Ryan de Villiers, a young and passionate automotive journalist from South Africa, who has embarked on a journey to bring us incredible car stories. With a background in business journalism, Ryan realized his true calling lay in sharing his lifelong love for cars.
In just two years, Ryan has left an impressive mark on the automotive journalism scene. He's taken us on thrilling rides in supercars, explored iconic circuits, and delivered over 700 captivating automotive articles. But today, we focus on a story that will leave you in awe.
The McLaren F1, an iconic legend, holds a record that's truly remarkable: it's the fastest naturally aspirated production car ever made, reaching an astonishing 240 mph in the '90s. A record that stands tall, but is it unbreakable?
And here's where it gets interesting...
A German tuning company, MTM, took an ordinary Audi TT and transformed it into a powerhouse. The MTM TT Bimoto, as it was named, became a speed demon, capable of surpassing the McLaren F1's top speed. But what makes this car truly special is its unique motivation.
MTM, short for Motoren Technik Mayer, was founded by Roland Mayer, a visionary with a passion for performance. The company's focus on Audi models led to some remarkable creations, but none as extraordinary as the MTM TT Bimoto.
Under the hood of this beast lies a pair of reliable 1.8-liter twin-turbocharged inline-four engines. Yes, you read that right - two engines! This unique setup required MTM to double up on almost everything, from drive shafts to clutches. Each engine was paired with a six-speed manual transmission, working in perfect harmony.
With a combined horsepower of 740, and later boosted to over 1,000, the MTM TT Bimoto became a force to be reckoned with. So much so, that the rear seats had to be sacrificed, and a carbon fiber barrier installed to protect the driver and passenger from the powerful engines.
The MTM TT Bimoto's performance was nothing short of exceptional. In its initial form, it could reach 62 mph in just 3.7 seconds, and later, with more power, it managed the same sprint in an incredible 3.2 seconds. Its aerodynamic enhancements, including a new front splitter and side air intakes, contributed to its impressive speed.
But this car isn't just about looks...
MTM, in collaboration with Auto Motor und Sport, took the MTM TT Bimoto to the Nardo test circuit in Italy. Here, the twin-engine Audi TT reached a top speed of 232 mph, becoming the fastest street-legal car tested by the magazine at that time. An impressive feat, but MTM wasn't done yet.
In 2010, at the Papenburg test track, the MTM TT Bimoto set a new record, reaching a top speed of 244 mph. This finally outpaced the McLaren F1, by a mere handful of miles per hour. The Bugatti Veyron, with its extra 9 mph, couldn't match this incredible achievement.
Despite its impressive performance, the MTM TT Bimoto's production plans never came to fruition. The development cost over half a million euros, and only a few examples were ever spotted, including a recent sighting at Hockenheim in 2024.
While the MTM TT Bimoto may not be the only twin-engine car, it certainly stands out as one of the greatest. Other notable mentions include the twin-engined Mk2 Golf by Volkswagen Motorsport and the Mercedes-Benz A38 AMG, a prototype with a unique twin-engine setup.
So, what do you think? Is the MTM TT Bimoto a worthy rival to the McLaren F1? Join the conversation and share your thoughts! We'd love to hear your opinions on this extraordinary car and its place in automotive history.
