Audi broke the mold when its idea TT auto was presented at automobile around the planet in the mid1990s. Named for the celebrated yearly “Tourist Trophy” race held on the Isle of Man, the TT is predicated on the same platform which powers the Volkswagen Golfing and the Skoda Octavia. Making use of anodized aluminum and a “bumper free” exterior, the TT coupe was unlike any auto of its time when the first production model was released in 1998. Today, the TT continues to garner awards and win praises from Audi fans. If you like the current model, just wait one year and you’ll witness the release of a TT that goes well beyond the pale.
When chatting about the TT, there are actually two models involved: one being a coupe, the other a roadster. Immediately after the coupe’s introduction in 1998, the dragster version was released the following summer. Both models were originally powered by a twenty valve inline 1.8L four cylinder engine, however in successive years each model received a more powerful version of that engine while a 3.2L V6 was introduced as an option during 2003. The TT is powered by its front wheels, but Quattro all wheel drive is available as well.
Audi’s success with the TT has helped it to cautiously develop its second generation model. Nearly a full decade after the original model made its debut the chase up TT is being readied and will go into production in 2007. The new TT will incorporate the following attributes:
Longer and Wider : tiny changes in its width and length will be joined into the new model. Expect more cabin room for added interior comfort.
Aluminum and Steel : The new TT will be made of aluminum in the front and steel in the rear to persuade a better weight balance.
More Power : The 1.8L I4 engine will get replaced with a 2.0L I4 engine. The 3.2L V6 will still be offered, manufacturing 250 horsepower. A 6 speed manual transmission will be standard equipment.
More Models: The coupe and roadster will be introduced back to back with a 3rd model, possibly a lorry version, also being considered for production.
Principal competitors for the Audi TT have been the BMW Z4 and the Mercedes SLK. The TT’s styling inspiration has found its way onto a number of other models including the Saturn Sky, Mazda Miata, Nissan 350Z, and the Pontiac Solstice. In all, the Audi TT has reinvigorated the roadster market and it would seem that the upcoming TT will expand on that theme even further. This is excellent news for enthusiasts who wish to have a unique and well engineered 2+2 car as an element of their driving stable.
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