We have always felt that Audi should, as far as is possible,
retain the overall shape and character of the TT, something which will ensure
that, like the Porsche 911, it becomes a classic which endures over many years.
We know that Audi enthusiasts, waiting for the launch of the
new TT, fell into two camps. There were those who wanted the new model to be
radically different from the current one, while others, the majority we
suspect, didn’t want to see too much of a change.
‘ There have been
changes to the styling and, particularly from the front, you can see that it is
a different car, but the overall shape has been retained...’
Well, if you fall into the latter group, you ought to be
pretty happy. Yes, there have been changes to the styling and, particularly
from the front, you can see that it is a different car, but the overall shape
has been retained, so that one might regard this almost as a facelift rather
than a new model. But, under the skin, there are important changes which fully
justify this being classed as the series 3 TT.
Let’s start with the overall dimensions. The new Coupé is
virtually the same length as before (4180 mm or 13.7 ft,), but the wheelbase
has been increased by 37 mm to 2505 mm. This means that the wheels are closer
to the ends of the car, and the longer wheelbase ought to have a benefcial
effect on ride comfort. The height of the new model is the same as before,
while the width is now 1832 mm (fractionally over six feet).
Matrix LED
lighting will be an option
As you will see from the images, the front grille has the
bevelled top corners which are becoming a universal feature across the Audi
range, and the grille itself is wider and shallower than before. As with the
R8, the four rings have been transferred to the panel above the grille.
The headlamps are clearly different to those of the current
model, and xenon discharge units will be a standard feature. As an option, it
will be possible to order matrix LED headlamps, based on 12 separate LEDs.
Combined with these are dynamic turn signals, at the front and the back,
which produce what appears to be a moving strip of light, travelling in the
direction being indicated. The rear lights now have a different shape and the
high-level brake lamp is a slim band which links the two of them.
The fuel filler is typical TT, circular with its set of
screws around the edge. Interestingly, there is no filler cap underneath it:
the flap itself seals the fuel filler pipe. We believe that this is the first
time that Audi has done away with the separate filler cap.
Left: The filler
cap has disappeared–the flap seals the tank inlet. Right: The air-conditioning
controls in the centre of the vents.
As before, there is a built-in tail spoiler which is raised
automatically when the speed exceeds 75 mph. Theoretically, this means that, in
Britain, it will never be deployed!
S line models will be lowered by 10 mm and are fitted with
18-inch wheels, at least in Germany. Standard models will have 17-inch wheels
(although this may not be so for Britain), and 11 different wheels will be
available as options, ranging from 17 to 20 inches.
One of the most important aspects of the series 2 TT was the
hybrid construction of steel and aluminium alloy. In order to give a better
balance between the weights on the front and rear axles, steel was used at the
back end, while aluminium was used at the front. Apart from the improved weight
distribution, these measures brought about a weight reduction of 90 kg, and now
the engineers have taken this a step further, saving another 50 kg.
