Audi’s all-new TT and 306 bhp TTS models are set to make their debuts at this week’s Geneva Motor Show.
The redesigned body cloaks a new all-digital ‘Audi virtual cockpit’ on the inside. As well as new engines, a new suspension configuration and a heavily revised quattro system, Audi says it has further improved aluminium and steel hybrid construction processes to help reduce the entry level model’s kerb weight by 50kg.
The front of the new TT is dominated by horizontal lines. The “Singleframe” grille is much broader and flatter than that of the previous model, with a line dividing it into two zones. Starting in the top corners of the grille, sharp contours run in a V across the bonnet, which bears the four Audi rings – as on the Audi R8. The air intakes feature struts that direct part of the flow away from the front to the flanks.
The flat headlights get Xenon units as standard, with LED headlights using Audi’s Matrix LED technology available as optional extras. In both versions, there is a clearly defined contour created by the separating strip in the headlights, which is illuminated by light guides.
At 4.18 metres long, the coupe is almost exactly the same length as its predecessor, though its wheelbase has grown by 37 mm to 2,505 mm, making for shorter overhangs. It is 1,832 mm wide, and has the same height as the previous model at 1,353 mm.
A lot of the details of the new Audi TT’s profile are reminiscent of the first-generation model, say the designers. The contour of the sills creates a refracting edge, while the wheel arches form their own geometric bodies. The front wheel arch breaches the line of the bonnet, which continues over the door as a tornado line and runs almost horizontally through to the tail as a body shoulder.
The flat glasshouse features a slight kink in the rear side window. The fuel flap on the right side panel is the classic circle surrounded by socket screws. This shape is again reminiscent of the first-generation TT, although here there is no filler cap beneath the flap. This means that there is nothing to be unscrewed and the pump nozzle slots straight into the tank neck, as in motor racing.
At the rear, horizontal lines again come into play. When the optional LED and Audi Matrix LED headlights are specified, the tail lights also have dynamic indicators. In parallel with the headlights, a strip in each tail light also forms a daytime running light contour. The third brake light is a narrow strip positioned under the edge of the rear spoiler.
All ‘standard’ models have two large round exhaust tailpipes which are again reminiscent of the original TT. Like all Audi S models, the TTS gets four oval tailpipes. At speeds in excess of 74mph, a spoiler extends from the boot lid to improve both air resistance and downforce.
As in the outgoing model, S line specification will bring its own design for the bumpers, air intakes, Singleframe grille, sills and rear diffuser, plus larger wheels and the option of 10 mm lower S line sports suspension.
The car’s underbody structure, meanwhile, has improved axle loads and is made of high-strength steel alloys. The side sills and roof frame are made of extruded aluminium profiles that are integrated into the structure using cast aluminium nodes. The bonnet, doors and hatch lid are also made of aluminium
Audi engineers claim to have significantly reduced the unladen weight of the TT. For the second generation model in 2006, up to 90 kg was saved, and the 2.0 TFSI engine variant of the new TT weighs 1,230 kg. This makes it around 50 kg lighter than its predecessor.
On the inside, Audi designers have combined the instrument cluster and MMI screen in a central, digital unit – the so-called “Audi virtual cockpit” and by repositioning the controls for the air conditioning system in the air vents.
Seen from above, the instrument panel is designed to resemble the wing of an aircraft. The vents also contain all the controls for the air conditioning system; 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 standard sports seats in the new TT have integrated head restraints and are positioned lower than their predecessors in the outgoing model. They are also more than five kilograms lighter.
The new steering wheel has a flattened rim, and aluminium-look clasps encompass the spokes. It also has a driver airbag that takes up 40 per cent less space without comprising safety, says Audi.
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 181 bhp to 306 bhp.
A 2.0 TDI comes equipped with a manual gearbox and front-wheel drive. Capable of a torque peak of 380 Nm (280.27 lb-ft), this car can accelerate from 0 to 62mph in 7.2 seconds and reaches a top speed of 146mph. It returns 67.2mpg according to the combined cycle test, which translates into CO2 emissions of 110 g/km.
The 2.0 TFSI is available in two versions – a 270 bhp version for the TT and a 306 bhp version for the TTS.
In the Audi TT, the 2.0 TFSI delivers torque of 370 Nm (272.90 lb-ft) from 1,600 to 4,300 rpm. It powers the car– which has a six-speed manual transmission and front-wheel drive – from 0 to 62mph in 6.0 seconds, and on up to a limited top speed of 155mph.
Equipped with the six-speed S tronic transmission and quattro all-wheel drive, performance is enhanced: 0 to 62mph takes 5.3 seconds; top speed is 155mph; in this version combined economy tops out at 41.5mpg with CO2 emissions of 159 g per km.
Naturally the Audi TTS is the peak performer. It covers the standard sprint in 4.7 seconds, and its top speed is limited to 155mph. Here, the 2.0 TFSI produces 380 Nm (280.27 lb-ft) of torque between 1,800 and 5,500 rpm. A manual transmission is standard, with an S tronic transmission incorporating launch control, which regulates maximum acceleration from a standstill, available as an option.
Featuring an electro-hydraulically controlled multi-plate clutch mounted on the rear axle, the quattro’s permanent all-wheel drive system has also been revised.
A newly designed hydraulic pump reduces weight by around 1.5 kg compared with the previous model, and the software that determines the level of torque distribution between the front and rear axles has been completely redeveloped.
The chassis also sees changes. The front suspension is based on a McPherson system; aluminium components reduce the weight of the unsprung chassis masses. The four-link rear suspension can process the longitudinal and transverse forces separately.
Source: Audi
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