[s-cars] New TT

[Brian Armstead]

FYI - Brian

BERLIN, Germany - A cult car, an icon – the Audi TT, launched in the
autumn of 1998 – took the sports coupe segment by storm and sharpened
the brand profile. Now the second generation of this successful model is
making its debut. The new TT Coupe is even more dynamic than its
predecessor– in terms of its design, its drivetrain, and its running
gear.


The very architecture of the new Audi TT Coupe embodies the style,
stability and power of a pure driving machine. The bullish stance of the
base body and the low, narrow styling of the greenhouse together form a
sculpture of simple, unfussy lines. The Audi design team has lovingly
adopted and enhanced the visual code – the motif of circles and domes –
of the predecessor model. The new TT appears more stretched, and even at
a standstill seems to be striving to move forward; taut panels emphasise
the impression of dynamic movement. The new TT is 5.4 in. longer than
its predecessor at 164.5 in., and 3.1 in. wider at 75.2 in.


The body is constructed in the ASF Space Frame design developed by Audi
and consists of aluminium and steel. This is the first time that it has
combined different materials alongside each other. 69 percent of the
superstructure is made of aluminium. The steel components making up the
remaining 31 percent are to be found at the rear end, so as to ensure
balanced distribution of the axle loads. To improve downforce, a spoiler
is extended from the tailgate when the vehicle reaches a speed of 75
mph.


The new Audi TT, like its predecessor, is initially available as a 2 +
2-seater coupe; the separate roadster model is scheduled for later
launch. The basic luggage capacity of the easily accessible boot, under
its large-format lid, is an estimated 10.2 cu. ft. This capacity can be
increased to an estimated 24.7 cu. Ft. by folding down the rear seat
backs. The sports seats provide outstanding side restraint. There is a
choice of three different leathers for the covers. 


The cockpit is oriented strictly to the driver and is perfectly
ergonomic in design. It embodies the classic circles motif of the TT in
a number of ways, such as in the three centre air vents.


Two powerful petrol engines are available to power the car. The 2.0l
turbocharged four-cylinder TFSI unit featuring FSI direct injection
develops 200 hp. With a six-speed manual gearbox, it accelerates the TT
to 62 mph in just 6.4 seconds, reaching a top speed of 150 mph. The
sonorous-sounding, naturally aspirated 3.2-litre V6 engine develops 250
hp, accelerating from zero to 62 mph in 5.7 seconds and reaching a top
speed of 155 mph (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.
Whereas the four-cylinder engine comes with front-wheel drive, the V6
distributes its power across both axles by way of the quattro permanent
four-wheel drive system – an exclusive technology feature in the sports
coupe segment.


The Audi dynamic suspension was newly developed and tuned for the TT
Coupe. One of its hallmarks is its self-steering behaviour right up to
the handling limits, which ranges from neutral to light understeer. This
sporty orientation produces driving fun, agility and supreme handling
characteristics.


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. The new multi-link rear suspension
ensures optimum driving dynamics at a sports car level.


The high-tech Audi 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. This 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.



The standard features of the new Audi TT include an automatic air
conditioning system and a flat-bottomed sports steering wheel. The
latter is not only entirely suitable for the sports car but also 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. 


With regard to options, customers can choose from a variety of high-tech
solutions, including the adaptive light dynamic cornering light system
and the Audi parking system which aids parking.


The new TT marks the premiere of a new generation of audio systems. It
is characterised by state-of-the-art reception and playback technology
and intuitive user control. Six so-called softkeys control a variety of
functions depending on which menu is selected. The chorus radio system
with single CD drive 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 exemplary MMI system familiar from the Audi A6, A8 and Q7 model
series.