The 2014 Geneva Motor Show is yet to open to the public but Audi have already shown us their latest iteration of the TT! The Audi TT has proved to be one of the German marques most popular models. Now Audi have unveiled the third generation TT and although the changes may look to be subtle, they are certainly more than skin deep. The third generation of the compact sports car is again intriguing, with its striking design and sporty qualities. The new Coupé is characterized by the use of innovative technologies in its engine and in its control and display concept, including the all new ‘Audi virtual cockpit’ but more on that later!
The TT has become such an icon thanks to its instantly recognisable body shape with its strong arches and smooth curved roof. The third generation of TT emphasises and extenuates the strong lines and angles of the sports coupe. The front of the new TT is characterised by horizontal lines. The Singleframe grille is much broader and flatter than that of the previous model, with a powerful line dividing it into two zones. Starting in the top corners of the grille, sharp contours run in a V across the hood, which bears the four Audi rings mimicking the design on the Audi R8 supercar.
The flush headlights give the new TT’s face a determined and aggressive look. Xenon plus lamps are standard, and provide LED headlights, optionally pioneering Audi Matrix LED technology lights can be specced, where the high beam is generated by controllable individual LEDs. On both versions, there is an unmistakable strong divid created by the separating strip in the headlights, which is illuminated by what Audi call ‘light guides’.
From the rear the new Audi TT looks squat and purposeful with its horizontal lines underling the impression of the new TT’s width. Together with the LED and Audi Matrix LED headlights, the tail lights also have dynamic turn signals. As with the headlights there is strip in the tail lights, which also form a daytime running light contour, another Audi innovation. The third brake light is an extremely narrow strip positioned under the edge of the rear spoiler that will ensure that the TT looks just a impressive in the darkness as it does in the light.
As with the exterior, horizontal lines and surfaces are a major part of the interiors design. The center tunnel console, which supports the calves when driving fast through bends, and the door panels have similar flowing shapes that look modern and sleek. Less is more was the idea behind Audi’s all new ‘Audi virtual cockpit’ which combines the instrument cluster and the Multi Media Interface, something that we have never seen before.
Audi offers the new TT and TTS with three different four-cylinder engines each featuring turbocharging and direct injection to help both performance and efficiency. Their power outputs range from 184 hp to 228 kW 310 hp in the TTS. The two TFSI petrol engines and the TDI Diesels combine athletic power with trailblazing efficiency. The start-stop system is a standard feature.
Each engine can be linked to either automatic or manual transmissions with the 2.0 TDI only available in front-wheel-drive. We are more interested in the Quattro cars and the TTS! Complete with launch control it covers the standard sprint in 4.7 seconds; its top speed is electronically governed at 250 km/h. The 2.0 TFSI produces 380 Nm of torque between 1,800 and 5,700 rpm. Controllable flaps in the exhaust system modulate the sporty sound and make it even fruitier. Stay tuned as we will have all the latest news on the TT.
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