It’s not often that you hear Audi’s sports coupe being compared to “Germany’s Next Top Model.”
However, such was the case when Jürgen Löffler gave his presentation on the upcoming third generation of two-door. He used it in reference to the process of elimination in which the designs for the iconic vehicle were chosen.
Löffler mentioned that 20 designers brought forth their visions to create a vehicle with a history that dates back to its auto show introduction in 1995 at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Back then, it was a major step for Audi when it came to creating a vehicle that would stir the soul, as well as inspire driving.
The competition between the designers was rigorous. Initial sketches were presented. Those who made the cut would then render 3D drawings in CAD and then, through further elimination, clay models would be made, and then colours and contours added.
Finally, the winner would be awarded the project.
The process for bringing a car to market truly happens years before it sees the light of day.
Audi TT: Exterior Design
With all three generations present in Ingolstadt, Germany, (1998, 2006 and upcoming) Löffler explained the various features of the shape of things to come.
It’s easy to see how designers used the original TT from 1998 as a platform and inspiration leading up to what will be seen on North American streets as of 2015.
However, such was the case when Jürgen Löffler gave his presentation on the upcoming third generation of two-door. He used it in reference to the process of elimination in which the designs for the iconic vehicle were chosen.
Löffler mentioned that 20 designers brought forth their visions to create a vehicle with a history that dates back to its auto show introduction in 1995 at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Back then, it was a major step for Audi when it came to creating a vehicle that would stir the soul, as well as inspire driving.
The competition between the designers was rigorous. Initial sketches were presented. Those who made the cut would then render 3D drawings in CAD and then, through further elimination, clay models would be made, and then colours and contours added.
Finally, the winner would be awarded the project.
The process for bringing a car to market truly happens years before it sees the light of day.
Audi TT: Exterior Design
With all three generations present in Ingolstadt, Germany, (1998, 2006 and upcoming) Löffler explained the various features of the shape of things to come.
It’s easy to see how designers used the original TT from 1998 as a platform and inspiration leading up to what will be seen on North American streets as of 2015.
Löffler used words such as “puristic” and “masculine” to sum up the Audi TT’s exterior physique.
He added that if you have an icon in the company, you should maintain and build upon it.
Furthermore, in regards to its physique, he compared the TT to an athlete, a track athlete not a bodybuilder. The Audi TT is svelte, but also has clearly defined muscularity without the bulk.
Design characteristics encompass horizontal lines that dominate the brand new Audi TT’s front end. You’ll find the single-frame grille is wide and flat. Running from its top corners are the two contours that stretch across the hood that bears the Audi ring quartet. Webs structure the air intakes. The headlights are also designed with separating bars that radiate the daytime running lights. LED technology headlights are available as an option.
Many details in the profile of the new Coupé are borrowed from the first-generation model. Audi mentioned, “the sill contour forms a strong line, the wide wheel arches form their own geometric body. The front arch breaks through the line of the hood, which continues above the door as a tornado line and runs to the tail. The flat glass housing acts like a body in its own right, while a slight bend in the rear side window emphasizes the powerful C-pillar. The fuel tank flap features a traditional circular shape and opens by touch.”
What’s new? There is no fuel tank cap under the flap. It’s similar to what Ford currently uses on their vehicles.
Both headlight and taillights were designed to be mirror images of themselves. And their vertical geometry is a tribute to the brand’s motorsport heritage.
Audi TT: Interior Design
When it came to the interior design, the team looked to the second generation TT. They used an existing model and took on the challenge of making it better.
Jet-engine inspired air vents accessorize the centre stack. This time around, climate controls are on the vents themselves, and so are the options for heating the seats.
The newly developed sports seats are mounted low and together, and they weigh 5 kg (11.02 lb) less than the seats in the Audi TT’s predecessor.
For those looking inside, you’ll find a brand new media interface (Audi Virtual Cockpit and MMI) that can be controlled either via the steering wheel or the selection knob near the centre console.
As a 2+2, the new Audi TT is a sports car that is highly suited to everyday use. The luggage compartment has a volume of 305 litres (10.77 cubic feet), which is 13 litres (0.46 cubic feet) more than the previous model.
Audi TT: Under the hood
While there are no plans to bring the TDI version of the TT to Canada, there is still something to look forward to.
The 2.0 TFSI is available in two versions: in the Audi TT with 230 horsepower and 272.90 lb-ft of torque, and in the TTS with 310 hp and 280.27 lb-ft of torque. The Audi TTS advances in the top performance range -- it takes 4.7 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/hr, while the top speed (which is limited to 250 km/hr) is just a formality.
The new Audi TT will then have the option of either a 6-speed manual or the 6-speed S tronic automatic with dual-clutch transmission and Audi’s quattro permanent all-wheel drive system.
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