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Two-time World Rally champion Marcus Gronholm has conceded that he is unlikely to tackle the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb this year in what would have been his second outing in the event.
The 42-year-old Finn set the second-fastest overall time on the Colorado mountain last year at the wheel of a 850-hp Ford Fiesta prepared by Andreas Eriksson’s MSE organization.
“It’s a shame, but I don’t think the car can be built for Pikes Peak,” Gronholm said. “I enjoyed that last year; the car was really fun to drive with all that power.”
Gronholm could still head to the United States this year, however, after he was linked to an outing in the X Games rally competition in Los Angeles, July 29-Aug. 1. While the event’s selection committee has yet to discuss the matter, Gronholm said, “We have to see. I was invited before but didn’t go; it could be interesting. I’m thinking about it. Why not?”

Audi’s nifty two-door TT gets a light update for 2011, with a bit more power under hood and some minor modifications inside and out.

The spotlight change is to the engine. The 2.0-liter TFSI is bolstered to 211 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque thanks to Audi’s valvelift system, which also improves efficiency. Last year the power ratings were 200 hp and 207 lb-ft.

The car launches in the first quarter of 2011, and the six-speed S-tronic automatic is standard.

The familiar sheetmetal returns, with a slight growth in length (by 0.79 inch) because of a lightly updated bumper. The other dimensions remain the same. The grille and fog lamps are also redone.

Audi made extensive use of aluminum for the TT, and 68 percent of the body in the coupe is comprised of the material. The lightweight body employs spaceframe technology and checks in at 454.15 pounds. A spoiler also extends at 74.56 mph to improve downforce.

As it has since the 2010 model year, the TT runs solely on quattro permanent all-wheel drive. The 2+2 car comes in coupe and roadster versions. This year there is a greater differentiation between normal and sport modes in Audi’s optional magnetic ride feature.

The interior is upgraded with new aluminumlike finishings on the center console, steering wheel and door liners.

The second generation launched for the 2008 model year.

The TTS power statistics remain the same (265 hp, 258 lb-ft), but the car also gets some light exterior mods to the grille and fog lamps.