The Audi TT Thread

Audi TT's replacement will be an electric SUV - report

Audi already announced earlier this year that its TT sports car would face the axe at the end of its current generation, making way for another ‘emotive’ model featuring an electric drivetrain.

And now it appears that this spiritual successor will take the form of an SUV, according to Auto Express. The UK publication reports that Audi’s bosses have settled on a proposal for the new vehicle, as well as a “working title” in the form of eTTron.

But will the styling be inspired, to some degree at least, by the TT Offroad concept car of 2014? That remains to be seen, but it would certainly make sense for the new vehicle to capitalise on the heritage of the model that it replaces.

Back in May, Audi’s Chairman of the Board of Management, Bram Schot said that the new model would be fully electric and that it would compete in the same price range as the current TT.

According to Auto Express, the eTTron will be smaller and lower than the current Audi Q3, and it will also have a completely digital interior that does away with traditional dials and switches.

Given the vehicle’s size, it seems a given that it will be based around Volkswagen’s MEB electric vehicle architecture, which will underpin a whole range of Volkswagen Group electric cars as well as Ford models, through a recently announced partnership.

 
Next Audi TT Could Become EV Crossover

A report from Auto Express indicates that a final decision has been made for the next-gen Audi TT and you probably won’t like what you are about to read.

The next-gen TT debate has been going since 2014 when the firm’s then-boss, Rupert Stadler, proposed the idea that the model could develop into a petrol-powered five-door Sportback or crossover model.


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I love how they watermark it like it is some exclusive spy shot that they got. Meanwhile it is just a rendering that some kid on the internet did.
 
Exclusive: new ID R sports car to pioneer secret battery tech

Performance battery know-how from ID R racer will be key to new ID electric sports car - and it could preview the next Audi TT

Volkswagen is planning an advanced new electric sports car that is earmarked to act as a figurehead for a limited range of performance-based ID R road cars and is set to go into production by the middle of the decade.

The new headlining Volkswagen model has been conceived as both a coupé and roadster, according to highly placed Volkswagen sources, and will be based on the German car maker’s skateboard-style MEB platform – the same integrated structure that also underpins the ID 3 hatchback. It has been suggested that the ID R could compete against the second-generation Tesla Roadster, if an internal ID sub-brand strategy paper calling for the proposed model to be assembled at the company’s Karmann offshoot comes to fruition.

The MEB platform offers the versatility to house both front- and rear-mounted electric motors and is described as the perfect starting point for the new sports car, giving Volkswagen engineers the scope to develop it with the choice of up to three different layouts with either front-, rear- or four-wheel drive.

In range-topping form, the new two-seater or 2+2 would benefit from a twin-motor set-up similar to that adopted by the soon to be unveiled ID 4 SUV, not only providing the Volkswagen Group with an electric ID R performance flagship but also potentially forming the basis of a proposed electrically powered successor to the combustion-engined Audi TT.


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ROAD TEST: Audi TT Coupé 45 TFSI S tronic

TEST SUMMARY

Thanks to the fun attitude of the TT – both in terms of design and from behind the steering wheel – we found it difficult to fault. Add the high level of standard equipment to this impressive mix and R670 000 starts to sound really attractive. Hardcore sportscar enthusiasts might need to fork out more for the TTS or a competitor’s car, but for everyday driving, modest practicality, frugal consumption and the perfect blend of comfort and dynamism in a performance car, the TT remains up there with the best.

Audi TT coupe 45TFSI
81 / 100
Price: R670,000
0-100 km/h: 5.9
Power (kW@r/min): 169 KW @ 4500-6200
Torque (N.m@r/min): 370 N.m @ 1600-4300
Top speed: 250
Claimed cons. (l/100 km): 6.3 l/100 KM's
C02 emissions (g/km): 150 g/KM


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DRIVEN | Audi's TT hits the sweet spot

What's it like to drive?

The model under review is badged 45 TFSI S Tronic, and is powered by a smooth 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine with 169kW and 370Nm mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox.

Audi quotes a 0-100km/h sprint time of 5.9 seconds and I don't doubt that for a minute. Audi has tweaked the box to offer close-ratio lower gears for stupendous acceleration off the line.

Pick a couple of twisty roads and the TT shows off with grip, poise, and decent steering feel. It's a pleasing car to drive and one that can be enjoyed being used to work and back (if you're single or don't have any kids), and also enjoy on the weekend.

It has a lovely deep growl, and pops and bangs like all these modified blown four-cylinder engines do. With a starting price of R670 000, the TT is definitely a 'you' purchase. This car isn't for a family or to move things around in.

It's a stylish coupe that has a bloody good engine and rewards the driver with brilliant driving dynamics. It's a car Peter Schreyer and his team would be proud of too.

 
Tested: Audi TTS Coupe is a barrel of fun

You'll have to pack carefully though because at 305 litres of boot space it's not really blessed with an abundance of room for holiday luggage. Oh, and a standard sized coolbox is too high so there's one item on the list you'll have to measure before purchasing.

You can though fold the back seats down in a 50;50 split to provide more room. Talking of which, it's very much a 2+2 car as we found out with a strapping 16 year old mumbling not so softly about the lack of head and legroom in the back.

The car we had on test had a rather eye-watering extras list of R108 500 including, lane assist, matrix LED headlights, Audi side assist, B&O sound system and park assist to name a few that pushed the price to R890 439. Not cheap in any language.

However there are people who would pay that kind of motoring money and word is that Audi will pull the plug on the TT in the not too distant future, so if you're able go get yourself one before the spoilers cut off our dose of smoking rubber and petrol, do so.

 
End of an era: Original 1998 Audi TT vs current Mk3

The original TT seemed revolutionary in 1998, and the Mk3 still has a unique appeal today. We take the two for a spin to consider the past and the future

Soft in the middle

When the Audi TT’s obituary is eventually written, one thing will be clear: the original and third-generation versions are the ones to go for. A spin in a Mk2 from Audi UK’s heritage collection was a reminder of just how difficult it is to replace an iconic car.

Not that there’s much evidence Audi tried too hard with the second TT. There are design riffs on the original with all the zip and precision of a geriatric pub band and it’s almost as uninspiring to drive as it is to look at.

The interior is particularly dull; the fact it shares its heater controls with the first R8 might be the most exciting thing about it. One for collectors to skip over.

What's next?

While Audi insiders have said there are no current plans for a direct TT replacement, the company is well aware of both the affection held for the dynasty and the need for future models capable of delivering a similar level of emotional engagement.

When we spoke to Audi technical development boss Hans-Joachim Rothenpieler in March last year, he said: “There’s a future for an icon, but I don’t know if it’s a TT.”


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Audi adds 'Competition Plus' TT

Audi hasn't forgotten about its TT.

The current TT might be Audi’s last, but that is not preventing the German brand from leveraging all its marketing potential.

Audi has announced a new trim for the 45 TFSI engined coupé and cabriolet TTs, upgrading the exterior styling with some desirable bits.

The official naming convention for this new Audi package is ‘S Line Competition Plus’, which might be a touch too long to be an exterior badge. That aside, Audi’s latest addition to the TT range offers gloss black finishes for the grille surround, air inlets, wing mirror end caps, sill trim, rear diffuser and that fixed bootlid wing.

Complimenting the darkened styling details are 19-inch alloy wheels, also finished in matte black. These wheel feature a ten-blade design, connecting to the rim with split spokes in a Y-pattern.

Contrasting the TT S Line Competition Plus styling upgrades are a choice of four colours: Turbo Blue, Tango Red, Glacier White, and Chronos Gray, with the latter hue making its Audi TT debut.


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Audi TT RS 40 years of quattro Edition

Audi celebrates 40 years of quattro and presents a special edition of its top-of-the-line model in the TT model line. The Audi TT RS 40 years of quattro is celebrating the success story of quattro drive in impressive style.

"For 40 years, quattro has been one of the main technology pillars of the brand with the four rings," says Julius Seebach, Managing Director of Audi Sport GmbH. "Our RS models have always transferred their power onto the road via four wheels as standard. With the special edition of the TT RS limited to 40 units we intend to present our fans in Germany with a really special anniversary gift."

The TT RS 40 years of quattro draws on the power of the 2.5 TFSI engine from Audi Sport. The five-cylinder engine, which has won the "International Engine of the Year Award" nine years running, produces 294 kW (400 PS) and develops maximum torque of 480 Nm (354.0 lb-ft). The quattro permanent all-wheel drive distributes the power as required between the front and rear axles using a multi-plate clutch. Wheel-selective torque control makes handling even more agile and safer. It gently brakes the wheels on the inside of the curve when cornering at speed while increasing the drive torque to the wheels on the outside of the curve. The driver can influence the quattro drive and other components such as steering, seven-speed S tronic, exhaust flaps and engine characteristics using the Audi drive select dynamic handling system.

The top speed of the TT RS 40 years of quattro is raised to 280 km/h (174.0 mph) as standard. The sport compact sprints from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62.1 mph) in only 3.7 seconds.


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Audi TT RS '40 Years of Quattro' revealed with rally-inspired design

Audi Sport has put together this limited-edition TT RS to celebrate 40 years of the Quattro badge.

Dubbed the Audi TT RS 40 Years Edition, the newcomer pays tribute to the brand’s success in the 1987 Pikes Peak Rally in which Walter Röhrl piloted an Audi Sport Quattro S1 to victory. Using this icon as an inspiration, the TT RS features Alpine white paint with decals on the bonnet, flanks, roof and boot, all inspired by the livery used on the high-powered rally car.

The bonnet gains a central air vent finished in gloss carbon, complemented by an aero kit consisting of gloss-black flics, a front splitter, side skirts, a fixed rear wing, spoiler side sections and a diffuser. The Ingolstadt-based firm says this package improves uplift on the front axle to 9 kg, with around downforce at the rear coming in at 5 kg at top speed.

Further visual enhancements include large “quattro” branding on the doors, a pair of partially matte rear-quarter windows with “40 years of Quattro” logos and side sills painted in black. The side-sill inserts, door mirror covers and Audi rings are finished in gloss black.

On the front axle, you'll find a set of ventilated and perforated steel discs with red-painted callipers together with a set of 20-inch alloy wheels finished in white.

 
Audi boss admits current TT is ‘not likely to have a direct successor’

The head of Audi has admitted the TT is “not likely to have a direct successor”, while also pouring cold water on the rumour the sportscar would be reinvented as an SUV.

Markus Duesmann, who was named Audi chairman on 1 April 2020, suggested during an interview with German magazine auto motor und sport the third-generation TT would not be directly replaced.

“The segment is shrinking and is under great pressure. So, of course, we have to think about how long we want to offer something there – and whether we don't have cooler ideas for other segments," the 51-year-old said in translated comments.

"I would say that the TT is not likely to have a direct successor,” he added.

 
Audi TT Roadster bronze selection

Stylish and sharper: Audi is launching a sporty equipment line and a design-oriented special model for its TT family. The Audi TTS competition plus is an athletic highlight. The new "bronze selection" variant for the TT and the TTS exudes confident elegance.

The new "competition plus" equipment line sharpens the sporty status of the Audi TTS with targeted design details. The Audi TTS now generally features a more powerful TFSI engine that outputs 235 kW (320 PS) and generates a maximum torque of 400 Nm (295.0 lb-ft). The Coupé accelerates from a standstill to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 4.5 seconds (Roadster: 4.8 seconds). Top speed is electronically governed at 250 km/h (155.3 mph). The seven-speed S tronic, quattro permanent all-wheel drive, and the Audi magnetic ride controlled shock absorber system are on board as standard.

The standard equipment of the TTS competition plus includes LED headlights, wrapped Audi rings on the side sills, privacy glazing (Coupé only), brake calipers painted in red, and high-gloss black 20-inch wheels with a 10-spoke design. The fixed rear wing as well as other exterior details in dark colors, such as the black Audi rings at the front and rear, highlight the dynamic ambitions at first glance.

Chronos gray, glacier white, tango red, and turbo blue are available for the exterior paint finish.


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Audi TT Coupe bronze selection


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Audi TTS Roadster competition plus

Stylish and sharper: Audi is launching a sporty equipment line and a design-oriented special model for its TT family. The Audi TTS competition plus is an athletic highlight. The new "bronze selection" variant for the TT and the TTS exudes confident elegance.

The new "competition plus" equipment line sharpens the sporty status of the Audi TTS with targeted design details. The Audi TTS now generally features a more powerful TFSI engine that outputs 235 kW (320 PS) and generates a maximum torque of 400 Nm (295.0 lb-ft). The Coupé accelerates from a standstill to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 4.5 seconds (Roadster: 4.8 seconds). Top speed is electronically governed at 250 km/h (155.3 mph). The seven-speed S tronic, quattro permanent all-wheel drive, and the Audi magnetic ride controlled shock absorber system are on board as standard.

The standard equipment of the TTS competition plus includes LED headlights, wrapped Audi rings on the side sills, privacy glazing (Coupé only), brake calipers painted in red, and high-gloss black 20-inch wheels with a 10-spoke design. The fixed rear wing as well as other exterior details in dark colors, such as the black Audi rings at the front and rear, highlight the dynamic ambitions at first glance.

Chronos gray, glacier white, tango red, and turbo blue are available for the exterior paint finish.


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Audi TTS Coupe competition plus


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New Audi TTS Competition Plus variant unveiled with VW Golf 8 R power!

Audi has unwrapped a new TTS Competition Plus derivative in Europe, unlocking extra power from the Volkswagen Golf R-flavoured engine.

While the standard TTS makes 228 kW and 380 N.m from its turbocharged 2,0-litre, four-cylinder petrol powerplant, this Competition Plus variant sees those figures rise to 235 kW and 400 N.m.

The peak power figure, of course, matches that of the Volkswagen Golf 8 R (though the maximum torque figure is some 20 units short of the hot hatch’s peak twisting force), which employs the same EA888 engine. Interestingly, however, the new S3 Sportback sticks with the old 228 kW engine tune.

The all-paw TTS Competition Plus will accelerate from standstill to 100 km/h in a claimed 4,5 seconds in coupé form (and three-tenth slower in Roadster guise), a marked improvement of some 0,4 seconds. Top speed is again electronically limited to 250 km/h. As before, a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission ships standard, along with quattro permanent all-wheel drive.

 
Re-evaluating the Mk1 Audi TT: four-wheel work of art?

Second-hand special: We investigate whether the Bauhaus-inspired TT deserves its status as a future classic sports car

You might think that it would be hard to find much in common between a car and a chair, but the original Audi TT and the outlandish ‘Wassily’ Model B3 are among the best-known manifestations of Bauhaus design, which is sufficient justification for a few straight comparisons, I reckon.

If we’re talking about value for money, the car has the chair licked comprehensively. In the early 1990s, an original B3 sold for nearly $31,000, which is more than £40,000 in today’s money. An original TT can easily be bought for 10% of that – and it will have four chairs thrown in.

The TT is a Bauhaus-inspired design that went from pen to paper, from paper to show star, then from show star to production with mercifully few design changes. Such faithfulness to the designer’s original vision is very rare in this industry, and because the car wasn’t forced to conform to a corporate identity (like its successor had to with its ‘goatee’ grille), it retains a timeless quality that marks it out as something special.

I pondered all of this as I spent a month with the Audi heritage fleet’s early-1999 example. The first thing that struck me was quite how small the original TT is compared with the current one. In fact, it’s actually both shorter and narrower than the current Volkswagen Polo.


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