All-new third-generation Audi TT arrives

The Audi TT is one of the most iconic modern sports cars. The first generation car was the real headline grabber. It won numerous design awards across the globe, and despite being 16 years-old this year (although design work began on the car a surprising 20 years ago)  it still looks the part.

Audi are hoping that the 3rd generation TT will be as big a design hit as the first car. The initial signs are promising. Obviously everybody kinda knew what to expect, and Audi weren’t going to play too risky with the styling – the TT is too important a model for that. But I think what they’ve come up with is a car which wear’s the company’s currently rather clinical and sterile design language rather well. The TTS looks particularly appealing with its more aggressive bodywork and superior trim.

The front of the new TT is dominated by the large single frame grille which is much broader and flatter than that of the previous model. The narrow headlights are intended to give the car a serious appearance. Xenon units are fitted as standard, with LED headlight available as optional extras.

In addition to looking more streamlined, the new TT is also lighter than its predecessors. This has been achieved through more comprehensive use of composite materials and aluminium.

The high-tech interior of the new TT was designed around the theory that “less is more”. Seen from above, the instrument panel resembles the wing of an aircraft; the round air vents – a classic TT feature – are reminiscent of jet engines with their turbine-like design. The vents also contain all the controls for the air conditioning system, including seat heating where applicable, temperature, direction, air distribution and air flow strength; as an option they can also house small digital displays which show the chosen setting. The horizontal control panel is located under the central air vents. The 3D-designed toggle switches activate the hazard warning lights, control the Audi drive select adaptive dynamics system and operate other assistance functions, where specified.

In the new TT the Audi virtual cockpit replaces conventional analogue displays. This fully digital instrument cluster offers drivers a choice between two display modes: In the classic view, the speedometer and rev counter are in the foreground; in “infotainment” mode the virtual instruments are smaller. The space that becomes free as a result provides extra room for other functions, such as the navigation map. In the Audi TTS there is a third mode in which the centrally positioned rev counter dominates the display.

The 2015 Audi TT is also more customisable than the current car. There are 11 exterior colors, one of which is exclusively reserved for S line models. Seven of the colors in the range are new for the TT, and two of these are completely new for Audi: Nano Grey and Tango Red. There are also two additional paints available for the TTS – Panther Black and Sepang Blue.

There is a completely new range of colors for the interior, too – the Audi TT and the TTS each offer a choice of three interior colours. A two-tone interior including contrasting stitching is available for S line models.

At launch the new TT and TTS will be available with three four-cylinder engines featuring turbocharging and direct injection. Their power outputs range from 184 horsepower to 310 horsepower.

The 2.0 litre turbo diesel model is the entry-level car. It comes with a manual gearbox and front-wheel drive. The model can go from 0 to 62mph in 7.2 seconds and reach a top speed of 146mph. It’s also good for up to 67.2mpg.

Next up is a 2.0 litre turbocharged engine which produces 230 horsepower and 370 Nm (272.90 lb-ft) of torque. This engine option is available with either a six-speed manual driving the front wheels only, or a six-speed S tronic transmission and quattro all-wheel drive. The manual FWD car finishes the 0-62 mph run in 6.0 seconds, while the S tronic AWD equipped car does it in just 5.3. Top speed for both is an electronically limited 155 mph.

The TTS is the highest spec car offered from launch. Again it features a 2.0 litre turbocharged engine, but in the TTS it produces 310 horsepower and 380 Nm (280.27 lb-ft) of torque. It covers the standard 0-62 mph sprint in 4.7 seconds, and its top speed is electronically capped at 155mph. . A manual transmission is standard for the TTS, with an S tronic transmission incorporating launch control available as an option.