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.
Just basically the Golf GTI vs Golf R32, but with TT clothes.
Where is that nice 2.7TT from the old RS4, shove that in with RWD and leave it at that imho
Dave
When the TT came out it really stirred things up! It got audi back on track and was just a great all round little car! This TT is going the same way so many cars have! Look at the new 911 (997)against a 996 against a 993! They just get more technology = more wieght = more power!
The TT is desitned to become just another car and thats a real shame! Yeah the technology is better and bla bla bla but look at it! it doesnt exactly get the blood flowing does it?
Tom
I'd prefer it if they offered a TT 'GT3', if you will - completely stripped down to the bare essentials, no servo-assisted anything, no parking assistance or other Numptytronic devices, no power steering - and hardcore drivers could really see how good that chassis and quattro system were. And I'd have mine in white.
Because as it is, I'm not convinced.
What do you get if you try and make a 911 from a golf GTI? A TT! The golf GTi (in mk4) was a great car when it got the 180BHP engine and in r32 guise, and the S3 is a great car! why bother putting a coupe body on it and pretending it's a porsche!
This TT is just a fatter uglier old TT! like a lot of modern cars it will go the same way as the old corvette did in the 60's / 70's it will get fatter and fatter, heavier and heavier until it is a millenia away from what it orginally was!
Shame!!
tom dick said:
The golf GTi (in mk4) was a great car when it got the 180BHP engine and in r32 guise...
In what way was it 'great'? The MkIV GTi was dynamically outclassed by almost all the opposition, was underpowered until very late in life when the 180 version was brought out (complete with turbo lag and STILL with a boring exhaust note), had little steering feedback, overservo'd brakes, oh, and an awful image.
For the money, I could name offhand a half-dozen better contemporary hot-hatches (or similar):-
Civic Type-R
Mini Cooper S
Clio 172/182 (not on build quality, driving position, or practicality, but in every way that matters to a 'GTi')
ST170 (very underrated car)
Octavia vRS (yep, the Skoda Golf out-GTi'd the GTi!!!)
...even the MG ZS is a more interesting drive, from what I'm told (not driven that one)
'great' really is overstating the case for what is commonly recognised as the most underwhelming Golf GTi so far released.
The R32 was an improvement, and is supposed to be a competent car, granted, but put itself in competition with Scooby's and BMW's...never a good move.
For getting 4 proper seats and a reasonable boot for 70-75% of the cost, I don't see it as an option over the golf.
Now with the 2.7TT (appropriate naming I think, then you have much more interest.)
Would still buy the old one over the new one, no matter how good the new one is to drive, it doesn't look different, and you can always fettle the old one underneath to make it better! Current TT, *maybe* future classic. 25 years you might still be turning your head to look at one. This one however, no way. Borrrinng!
Dave
Gassing Station | Audi, Seat, Skoda & VW | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff