Wednesday 8th January 2014

Audi reveals next TT (sort of)

Fully shown in production spec, but interior only for now

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The TT perhaps represents the best and worst of Audi in one car. A triumph of modern design both inside and out but not always as inspiring to drive as you might hope. Audi has revealed the first details of the next car at Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas and one thing is for sure; it will have a stunning cabin.

Nice new tech aplenty but manual remains too

Alright, interior design is not the primary PH concern, but credit must be paid where it's due. It's dominated by a 12.3-inch TFT monitor in place of the conventional dials that has two configurations. The traditional layout has the speedo and rev counter in the foreground; the image shown here is with the car in 'infotainment' mode with the majority of the space taken by other functions such as media or the nav map. Having this big display means a second MMI screen is unnecessary too.

Audi claims the interior resembles an aeroplane wing so of course 'cockpit' is used in the second paragraph of the press kit. But the vents, 'reminiscent of a jet engine', are actually quite innovative with the temperature and fan controls in the vent itself; how has that not happened before?

TT interior pics first. Audi has priorities nailed

But there are concessions to drivers too, or so Audi says. That flat-bottomed wheel looks a bit chubby, but the seats are low and the optional sports items have adjustable side bolsters. Audi is also keen to point out the centre console 'supports the lower leg when driving fast through a bend'. Tenuous links for now perhaps, but we can hope. Moreover, seeing that stick protruding from said centre console is encouraging  for those of us that still enjoy changing gear. What we'll do without any pedals is a different matter though...

Anyway, perhaps we should more eager on the arrival of the Mk3 TT. After all, the Golf on which it's based has proved excellent every time we've driven it as a GTI, so what wouldn't be to like about a lighter and sportier coupe version? Let's wait and see.

[mrdemon]

I look forward to the new TTRS if they use the same 5 pot Engine.
I still miss my old TTRS a little. And the way Porsche are going with their new cars, The new TTRS could well be my next car.

[RacerMike]

Very nice....what happens when you're passenger wants to take control of the radio or enter sat nav details for you though?!

[DocArbathnot]

I expect it will appeal to it's target market, not sure about the screen thing though bit "playstation" for me.

[Dave Hedgehog]

that display looks a mess, and as pointed out how do you get your co-pilot to use the nav if its like that (its a good way to shut her up )

[Twoshoe]

Ironic that the word 'Schumacher' is showing on the display. I wish him well.

[Penneth]

RacerMike said:

Very nice....what happens when you're passenger wants to take control of the radio or enter sat nav details for you though?!

I think you'll find that the majority of TT's rarely carry passengers.

Love the interior, now let's see how much it costs

[rare6499]

Looks fantastic. Wouldn't look out of place in a Ferrari!!

[J4CKO]

I like that new display, a new TT should be welcomed, the first one was a design classic and will be interesting to see how they move it forward, thought the second model was nice but kind of watered down a bit style wise. I think familiarity breeds contempt a little, plus the anti Audi bias but I still remember seeing one the first time.

[Glade]

RacerMike said:

Very nice....what happens when you're passenger wants to take control of the radio or enter sat nav details for you though?!

Exactly what I thought...

And "the centre console 'supports the lower leg when driving fast through a bend'" sounds a lot like a cramped cabin with no space for your feet??

[menguin]

I really don't look forward to owning the cars that are coming out now in 10-20 years time.

Individual temperature controls for each vent?! So many electric components to go wrong, so much more wiring to carry round with you.. All the advances in fuel economy are being wasted on putting totally unnecessary st into the car. Dual zone I can understand - passenger might want to be warmer than the driver. But does your left hand really need two degrees more warmth than your right!?

[Fotic]

Twoshoe said:

Ironic that the word 'Schumacher' is showing on the display. I wish him well.

Why's that ironic? I'm sure your thoughts mean a lot to his family.

[alock]

Still available with a manual gear box

[anonymous-user]

It looks like Audi are answering questions no-one is asking, and have over looked some fundamental issues - it is very common for passengers to interface with the sat-nav, and that's not possible here.

I think it looks OK, but it looks like it will be a bh to use.

[mike-r]

Glade said:

RacerMike said:

Very nice....what happens when you're passenger wants to take control of the radio or enter sat nav details for you though?!

Exactly what I thought...

And "the centre console 'supports the lower leg when driving fast through a bend'" sounds a lot like a cramped cabin with no space for your feet??

Sounds about right, TTs are tiny inside. And I'm not even a powerfully built director.

[aka_kerrly]

Glade said:

RacerMike said:

Very nice....what happens when you're passenger wants to take control of the radio or enter sat nav details for you though?!

Exactly what I thought...

And "the centre console 'supports the lower leg when driving fast through a bend'" sounds a lot like a cramped cabin with no space for your feet??

Is the centre console/nav/entertainment not mostly controlled by the round knob by the hear shifter a la I-Drive style?

It's not a touch screen that sits behind the wheel is it!

[themanwithnoname]

mike-r said:

Glade said:

RacerMike said:

Very nice....what happens when you're passenger wants to take control of the radio or enter sat nav details for you though?!

Exactly what I thought...

And "the centre console 'supports the lower leg when driving fast through a bend'" sounds a lot like a cramped cabin with no space for your feet??

Sounds about right, TTs are tiny inside. And I'm not even a powerfully built director.

Unless (and i must admit I doubt it) it's like the R33 Skyline GTR which has knee pads to press against when cornering?

[Matt UK]

menguin said:

I really don't look forward to owning the cars that are coming out now in 10-20 years time.

Individual temperature controls for each vent?! So many electric components to go wrong, so much more wiring to carry round with you.. All the advances in fuel economy are being wasted on putting totally unnecessary st into the car. Dual zone I can understand - passenger might want to be warmer than the driver. But does your left hand really need two degrees more warmth than your right!?

With you on this.

[Soupie69uk]

I think that looks superb.

Love the heater idea. I imagine one vent will control the temperature for all.

Also these are concept parts and they will be weighing up the reaction at the show.

I read the article and was shocked to see all the negative comments.

[jon-]

mrdemon said:

I look forward to the new TTRS if they use the same 5 pot Engine.
I still miss my old TTRS a little. And the way Porsche are going with their new cars, The new TTRS could well be my next car.

Ah, sir likes a healthy dose of understeer then?

[dukebox9reg]

The new Citroen C3 Picasso in the higher specs has a 12inch HD screen that does exactly the same and looks very similar (well if you ignore that its in the middle of the dash board)