Refining an icon

Amazingly it’s 20 years next month since the iconic Audi TT was officially launched onto the world market. Three years before the series production version of the car, Audi had captured international attention with a concept vehicle at the Frankfurt International Motorshow – a curvaceous, yet modernistic design that seemed to strike a chord with all who laid eyes on it. This was followed by a Roadster version previewed at the Tokyo Motorshow – but few believed that either version would become a reality, and certainly in the foreseeable future.

The rest of course is automotive history. Not only did Audi produce the TT with three years, it remained true to the concept design and quickly backup up its critical acclaim with international sales success and numerous awards.

Now, 20 years later, the third generation of this hugely successful sportscar is being further refined with the addition of new design elements as well as more powerful engines and even greater equipment levels than ever before.

The new front treatment features a three-dimensional Singleframe radiator grille with much larger side air inlets which emphasise width even more. Headlights with LED or Matrix LED technology are optionally available, while dynamic indicators are a visual highlight here. 

An optional S line exterior package gives an even more aggressive appearance an enhances the sporty character of the Audi TT, with a full-length front splitter, vertical air inlets, a radiator grille in titanium black and specific side sills with inserts as well as a sporty rear end. There is also a wider diffuser and vertical air inlets below the rear lights with three horizontal fins each. 

The new TT Roadster comes with a soft top in either black or grey that boasts outstanding acoustic insulation. Weighing just 39 kilograms, the soft top can be raised or lowered at the touch of a button in 10 seconds at speeds of up to 50km/h.

The new TT leaves the factory on 17-inch wheels, with 18, 19 and 20-inch wheels available as options. In addition, there are three new colours available for an even more distinctive look, with cosmos blue, pulse orange and turbo blue (S line only). 

The driver-oriented cabin remains true to the original, but with contemporary refinements. Elements paying homage to aircraft design remain, from the instrument panel’s aircraft wing shape, to the round air vents with integrated controls, reminiscent of jet engines.

All indicators appear in digital form on the 12.3-inch display of the Audi virtual cockpit, where the driver can choose between two modes: in the classic view, the speedometer and tachometer take centre stage, while in ‘Infotainment’ mode, content such as the navigation map is enlarged. The new sport display is optionally available and provides information on the engine output currently in use, as well as the torque and g-forces. 

The MMI terminal on the centre console has just six keys, while the top-of-the-line MMI navigation plus with MMI touch adds a touchpad on the upper surface of the rotary/push-button control that recognises handwritten input. In addition, the TT offers voice control which understands and acts on everyday speech commands. 

Online services are brought into the TT via fast LTE, while the Audi smartphone interface connects smartphones with the car and can stream content seamlessly to the Audi virtual cockpit via USB. The pinnacle of in-car sound, the Bang & Olufsen Sound System, is also available as an option. 

Always a driver’s car, the refined TT boasts a range of new petrol engines mated with either with the six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Suspension too can be tailored to suit the customer, with the S line sport package or Audi magnetic ride, lowering the body by 10mm, while highlights including progressive steering, four-link rear suspension and Electronic Stabilisation Control (ESC) add to the TT’s dynamic performance.

The TT also offers an impressive line-up of driver assistance systems including Audi side assist, Audi active lane assist and traffic sign recognition to the park assist with display of the surroundings and a rearview camera.