New Audi TT details emerge

It's better says Audi but what's it like to drive?

Details of the new Audi TT Coupé has been released, along with official pictures.

It's the second generation of the sport coupé, first launched in the autumn of 1998 but which has since become a familiar sight. Audi reckons that the new TT is even more dynamic than its predecessor, in terms of its design, its drivetrain, and its running gear.

Coachwork

The new TT is 137 mm longer than its predecessor at 4,178 mm, and 78 mm wider at 1,842 mm. The body is constructed using the Audi-developed ASF Space Frame design, consisting of aluminium and steel, the first time that it has combined different materials alongside each other. Sixty-nine per cent of the superstructure is made of aluminium. The steel components making up the remaining 31 per cent are to be found at the rear end, with the aim, says Audi, of balancing distribution of axle loads. Steel is cheaper too, of course. To improve downforce, a spoiler extends from the tailgate when the vehicle reaches a speed of 75mph -- a trafpol magnet?

The new Audi TT, like its predecessor, is initially available as a 2+2-seater coupé; the separate roadster model is scheduled for later launch. The basic luggage capacity is 290 litres, which can be increased to 700 litres by folding down the rear seat backs. It gets sports seats and a choice of three different leathers for the covers.

Motive power

Two petrol engines are available, a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder TFSI unit featuring FSI direct injection develops 200bhp and drives the front wheels only. With a six-speed manual gearbox, it accelerates the TT to 62mph in 6.4 seconds, reaching a top speed of 150mph. The naturally aspirated 3.2-litre V6 engine drives all four wheels, develops 250bhp, hits 62mph from rest in 5.7 seconds and has a top speed of 156mph (electronically governed).

Both engines are equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox. On request they can be combined with the dynamic S-tronic dual-clutch gearbox.

Dynamics

According to Audi, the suspension was newly developed and tuned for the TT and features self-steering behaviour up to the handling limits, which range from neutral to light understeer. The rear suspension uses a multi-link arrangement.

The track enlargement, with larger wheels ranging from 16 to 19 inches in size, and extensive changes in the area of elastokinematics were key areas of the developers’ work, said Audi.

The magnetic ride damper system is available as an option. In this system, tiny magnetic particles circulate in the oil inside the shock absorbers. When a voltage is applied to them, they alter the damping characteristics within milliseconds. Audi says it means the adaptive system "simultaneously ensures high levels of ride comfort and thoroughly sporty dynamism, according to the specific driving scenario and the preferences of the driver".

Features and options

Standard features include an automatic air conditioning system and a flat-bottomed sports steering wheel, which makes it easier to get in and out. The air vents, steering wheel spokes and many of the controls are finished in an aluminium look -- plastic presumably.

Options include the adaptive light dynamic cornering light system and the Audi parking system which -- yay -- aids parking.

The audio system features softkeys to control a variety of functions depending on which menu is selected. A CD/radio system comes as standard. A Bluetooth interface is available for mobile phones. The telephone function can be operated via the MMI, the multifunction steering wheel and by speech control. The operator control for the optional navigation system takes its cues from the MMI system from the Audi A6, A8 and Q7 model series.