The Audi TT’s third generation is… adorable. Although it lacks the performance to compete with the thoroughbreds in its class, this coupe has enough flair to make it stand out from the crowd.
Contrary to the two-seat Roadster, the TT coupe has four seats. However, the rear seats are better reserved for a four-legged companion or to open the hatch for the most storage of any vehicle in its class. The wheelbase is pushed to the corners, the front and back are snubbed, and the windscreen is steep, giving the TT a dome-like interior. But unlike what naysayers would sneer, this is not a CrossFit Beetle. It resembles the Audi R8 supercar more than a little version. It stands low and broad and boasts 19-inch wheels that are housed in powerful wheel arches.
A four-cylinder turbocharged engine under the hood produces 220 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. A driver can override the six-speed, dual-clutch S tronic transmission with the gear stick or paddle shifters to send power to all four wheels. Automatic shifts occur more quickly than a paddle flick, and many drive modes instruct the vehicle in how to respond in a crisper, more reliable manner than a human overlord. The stick can still be notched up and down to simulate a manual, though.
When pressing the chrome pedal, there is a little lag because the TT, which was introduced in 1998, is not and has never been a twin turbo (TT is a legacy term honoring the Tourist Trophy race). The engine is lighter than its predecessor, although it is also shared with the A3 compact sedan, which is likewise less expensive. According to Audi, the lighter, more aerodynamic TT accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds.
Try the TT RS, which should be released later this year, for speed. Alternately, just get a Porsche 911.
Enthusiasts may clamor for the Corvette’s 6.2-liter V-8’s raw rear-wheel drive or the unmatched agility of a mid-engine Porsche, such the (slightly more expensive) Cayman.
Drivers who enjoy bursts of speed but don’t want to sacrifice style, comfort, safety, or all-around user-friendliness will enjoy the TT. It won’t bear the club membership of the more renowned or extraordinary sports vehicles, it won’t be challenged off the line by an adolescent whose competence comes from his dad’s car magazines, and it won’t demand a specific amount of arrogance or set of talents.
No center stack, radio or climate controls, and no screen that protrudes from the dashboard like in other Audis are there. The plain dash is a sparsely decorated canvas.
However, creature comforts are only repackaged rather than sacrificed. The three vents in the center of the dash each include a button that may be used to access the climate controls. If it’s off, the buttons are invisible. The temperature gauge illuminates when you press one; another button controls the feature. A 12.3-inch dynamic display with 3D graphics that Audi refers to as the “virtual cockpit” controls everything else.
In place of the speedometer, a customisable car information display that includes everything from radio settings to a backup camera has been installed to replace the static gauges of the past. Navigation Plus, which offers a crystal-clear map in satellite or traffic form, is part of the $3,200 technology package. The MMI (multimedia interface) dial and four toggles on the center console are also available for further in-depth navigation. Redundant steering wheel controls let the thumbs do the controlling.
Although giving over complete control to the driver may not be something passengers enjoy, you kind of agreed to it when you got in. A car in this class has great visibility, which is highlighted by the lack of clutter on the dash. The lengthy hatch glass avoids blind spots and maximizes the back vision, and the a-pillars aren’t overly thick. Huge hockey and baseball bags were easily swallowed by that hatch and the foldable chairs. This is the best choice for a weekend excursion because it comes with two sets of clubs and two carry-on bags.
Despite a heartbeat that pours through the sound system when you turn off the engine, the TT won’t get you there the fastest. But the cruiser’s sophisticated controls, excellent visibility, and modern appearance make it so you can relax and enjoy the ride.
In This Article...
What does the T on Audi vehicles stand for?
Yes, turbo is indicated by a T. The brand “1.8T” is owned by VW/Audi. Because it was used in so many automobiles around the world, the 1.8T motor was extremely essential to VW/Audi (as well as Skoda and Seat).
The meaning of Audi TT quattro
The trademark quattro, which translates to “four” in Italian, is used by the car manufacturer Audi to designate the usage of all-wheel drive (AWD) systems or technologies on particular types of their vehicles.
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The German automaker Volkswagen Group’s subsidiary Audi AG owns the registered trademark “quattro.”
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The permanent four-wheel drive Audi Quattro model, often known as the Ur-Quattro, was the vehicle that originally featured Quattro in 1980. (meaning “original” or “first”). All following Audi AWD models have been referred to as “quattro” since then. In honor of its former namesake, the term “quattro” is now usually spelt with a lower case “q” thanks to nomenclature rights obtained from the trademark.
Is the Audi TT a quick vehicle?
What Is the Audi TT’s Speed? The standard TT claims to have a top speed of 130 mph and can go from 0 to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds. Both vehicles have a top speed of 155 mph and can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds for the TTS and 3.6 seconds for the TT RS.
Why does Audi no longer produce the TT?
Oliver Hoffman, Rothenpieler’s replacement, has now told Auto Express that this option has been discarded and that Audi would utilize the move to an all-electric vehicle to reconsider where it should position its smaller sports model.
Hoffman stated, “We have some pretty interesting designs, and we want to expand our portfolio with some extremely emotional vehicles. A straight follower for the TT, however, is not the solution. We can’t just promise to complete the TT with electric power. To be completely honest, managing a TT with a battery is difficult.
“Instead, we are focusing on the question, “What are the ideal emotional cars for us at Audi?” and our goal is to captivate. We astonished our customers with the TT. They questioned, “What is this?” When we launched a TT, there was no demand for it. We want to continue surprising our clients in this way.
“We’re working quite hard on this idea, and I’m thrilled to be collaborating with Markus Duesmann, [Audi CEO]. We’re working really hard in the hopes of surprising you with it.
According to Audi sources, the indirect successor to the TT will be a larger model, and the extinction of the TT as we know it is due to declining sales of compact cars and two-door cars in general.
Our exclusive photos demonstrate how Audi designers may use these ideas, coupled with inspiration from recent EV concepts like the Grandsphere, to build a tiny e-tron GTa car with four doors that is also more aggressively styled than the A3 saloon and A4. Even yet, careful placement will be required to set such a vehicle apart from the upcoming A4 e-tron, which is anticipated to have more streamlined lines to give Audi a direct competitor to BMW’s i4.
The time span involved also offers opportunities and challenges for Audi in terms of platform selection. The same MEB architecture as vehicles like the VW ID.3 and Audi’s own Q4 e-tron would be the logical choice for a vehicle the size of the existing TT. However, the company can decide to wait and base its next entry on SSP, a unified setup that combines MEB and PPE architecture components and will support products like the Q6 e-tron. This might provide more packing flexibility for batteries.
By the time manufacture of the third and final generation TT ends, it will have a longer shelf life, lasting up to nine years as opposed to the typical seven. It’s possible that the moniker will be completely dropped to reflect changes in the vehicle’s size, market trends, general strategy, and engine.
A and S Models
Sedans or hatchbacks are the types of Audi cars that start with the letter A. The size of the car increases as the next number increases. Accordingly, the A3 is Audi’s smallest sedan, while the A8 is their biggest.
The majority of Audi sedans and hatchbacks have a model that starts with the letter S. Sport, denoted by the letter S, refers to a bigger, more potent engine with more horsepower and torque. For instance, the S6 resembles the A6 in terms of look but has an 8-cylinder, 450-horsepower engine as opposed to the A6’s, which has a 6-cylinder, 333-horsepower engine.
Q Models
Q stands for quattro, the renowned all-wheel drive system from Audi. SUVs, crossovers, and wagons that begin with the letter Q always have quattro as standard equipment. The Q3 is the smallest and the Q7 is the largest, just like with Audi cars.
R Models
Roadsters with mid-engines and two seats, like the R8, are performance sports cars. Audi Space Frame, a high strength aluminum frame with integrated panels that is lighter and stronger than conventional steel, serves as the foundation for the body of these vehicles.
RS Models
RS stands for “Rennsport,” which is the German equivalent of “Race-Sport.” The most powerful and high-performing Audi models are called RS models. Audi typically only makes one RS model at a time, and the current RS 7 boasts a staggering 605 horsepower TFSI engine that accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in under 3.3 seconds.
TT Models
The Tourist Trophy, a motorcycle racing competition held on the Isle of Man for more than a century, inspired the naming of TT models, which deviate from the naming convention’s set norms. Compact sports vehicles known as TT variants have transversely mounted turbocharged engines. The TT is offered in the aforementioned S and RS variants.
In an Audi, what does Q5 mean?
The Q5 is Audi’s small, upscale SUV. In the US market, it is the brand’s best-selling car. This year’s selection also includes a Sportback version in addition to a PHEV version. For more power and greater sportiness, the SQ5 upgrades to the 349-hp 3.0-liter V6. SUV or SUV Hatchback bodies.
In an Audi, what does Q7 mean?
The German automaker Audi presented their mid-size premium crossover SUV, the Audi Q7, at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2005. This seven-seat SUV has been manufactured at the Volkswagen Bratislava Plant in Bratislava, Slovakia, since the fall of 2005. [2] It was released in 2006 and was Audi’s first SUV model. Later, the Q5, the company’s second SUV, was launched as a 2009 model. Since then, Audi has launched two additional SUV models: the Q2, which went on sale in November 2016, and the Q3, which debuted in the third quarter of 2011. The Bentley Bentayga, Lamborghini Urus, Porsche Cayenne, and Volkswagen Touareg all share a chassis and platform from the Volkswagen Group MLB.
Audi TT is turbo?
Under the hood of the TT is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine that produces 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. An upgraded version of this engine, tuned to produce 288 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, is provided for the TTS. Both vehicles have Quattro all-wheel drive and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. You’ll appreciate snappy handling whether you select the TT or the TTS. Although the TTS can reach 60 mph in less than four seconds, it still lags behind everything from Toyota Supras to Corvette Stingrays to Porsche 718 Caymans.
Is the Audi TT a vintage vehicle?
Sometimes a car is just a car. By that, we merely imply that they are cars according to the dictionary’s definition. On the other side, certain vehicles are legendary. Whether in terms of performance, road handling, or, in the case of the Audi TT, design. These vehicles stand apart from the rest of the automotive landscape and get widespread acclaim in the process. These vehicles are the ones that breathe new life into the automotive industry. They push the envelope and demonstrate what is possible.
In the late 1990s, the Audi TT was a vehicle that completely blew our automotive minds. It appeared to have traveled from the future. It was unlike anything else because it was clear, uncomplicated, perfectly balanced, and clean. Given how far it deviated from the standard, it didn’t even resemble a typical Audi. When it first came out, it was only offered in left-hand-drive configuration. However, the desire to acquire one was so intense that many owners brought them to the UK before the right-hand-drive model was available. Over twenty years later, we still feel the same need for the car we had to have. True to its definition of a modern classic, the Audi TT. Additionally, it’s still a reasonably priced automobile to purchase, so the time is unquestionably now.
An introduction to the Audi TT
The Audi TT concept debuted at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1995, and the TTS roadster concept debuted at the Tokyo Motor Show the following year. It was the result of design research done at the Volkswagen Group Design Center in beautiful California. The concept was created by J Mays and Freeman Thomas, who drew design inspiration from vintage Auto Union vehicles. The body was simple and streamlined with thoughtful design elements throughout. Nothing was excessive; obviously, less was more.
The concept was well received by the media, although there was some skepticism about how much the automobile would change to meet manufacturing requirements. After all, during this transformation, the design and purity of a concept automobile are sometimes lost. There was a lot to deliver after Audi made promises about the production vehicle, including that it would be a 2+2 or a roadster, that it would be reasonably inexpensive to construct (due to sharing the Golf’s base), and that it would be a sports car that could be used on a daily basis. But Audi succeeded.
The legendary Isle of Man race and vintage NSU models served as inspiration for the naming of the production TT, which debuted in 1998 and was absolutely gorgeous. Very little of the concept automobile was lost. In actuality, the addition of a rear quarterlight was the only significant modification. It was a concept car for the road other than that.
The 1.8 20V turbocharged four-cylinder engine that drove the TT offered 180 or 225 horsepower. Additionally, customers could choose front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive using Audi’s renowned Quattro system. It was a swift, powerful vehicle with plenty of grip and composure. Despite some controversy, it was a true driver’s car.
Due to a design defect, several early automobiles were engaged in collisions. Due to the lack of a rear spoiler, the TT’s rear became light at high speeds, which led to a loss of traction and accidents. Audi fixed the problem by swiftly recalling all TTs and installing a rear spoiler. Ironically, those cars with no spoilers are now the most expensive since collectors value them as true rarities.
The TT would later add a few more cylinders, see two model changes, and solidify its status as a legend within the Audi lineup. This is the automobile to buy if you want a sporty vehicle that you can use without much sacrifice on a daily basis.
What are prices like?
The early four-cylinder variants are the ones we’re concentrating on here (the TT didn’t have six cylinders until 2003). The earliest TT is, in our opinion, the purest and most authentic model. the one that closely resembles that 1995 concept automobile.
The good news is that you can get behind the wheel for very little money if you’re interested in a TT. 750 will easily purchase a 180 horsepower 2+2. You can ride in a roadster for $1,000. They are currently quite affordable. But there is a warning. A inexpensive car will have a lot of miles on it, be a little beat up, and, if it has a service history at all, it won’t have a good one.
Instead, spend twice as much, or about 2,000, to buy a good, well-maintained, unaltered early TT 180bhp. Consider 2,500 for a respectable roadster. It’s interesting to note that you should up the price by at least $500 if you can find a coveted “no spoiler” TT.
Budget anywhere from 4,000 and over if you want to purchase the best of the best. The vehicles in this category will have minimal mileage (less than 50,000), be in superb condition, and proudly display a thorough service history. But even if these are the best vehicles available, paying this much money shows how committed you are to excellence.
If properly maintained, Audis of all varieties maintain their mileage well. As a result, it’s not a bad idea to think about a TT with up to 100k on the clock. If you set up about 3,000, you may purchase an early 225bhp car with between 75 and 100k miles on the odometer. This strikes our opinion as the ideal balance between a minter and a car you won’t be afraid to drive.
Why should I buy one?
It is a design icon, which simply means that it is a significant automobile. The TT will continue to be the subject of books for many years to come, will be studied in design schools by future generations of automotive designers, and will always have a devoted and ardent fan base. It’s a significant vehicle in automotive history.
But even more than that, owning one is a beautiful experience. It’s incredibly enjoyable to drive, comfy, safe, and somewhat functional (for a sports car, you’re not moving a wardrobe with it). The TT is indeed one of those exceptional vehicles that makes you fall in love with driving all over again. Even in 180bhp form, it has plenty of power and can almost telepathically perceive the road’s undulations. It is sharp and straight. It’s just a joyful, enjoyable car.
It also has a classic design. one that always appears contemporary and fresh. This makes it challenging for the uninformed observer to appreciate it. Nobody would question your income, even if it were $100,000 a year, if you parked a 2,500 TT in the parking lot. It’s not just an old car; its design defies time. It almost like a sculpture on wheels. Not many automobiles can make that claim.
How long until I see a return?
Due in large part to the fact that Audi produced a large number of them, the TT is currently at the very bottom of the depreciation curve, and it will be some time before things start to increase. But that’s okay since you purchase a TT because you want one, not because you want to invest in one. What you put into it will come back to you. Purchase a 750 example, and you might make that investment back. Spend a few thousand dollars, maintain the TT in the manner to which it has grown accustomed, and you won’t lose any moneyyou might even turn a tiny profit.
But as we’ve said, the TT isn’t a vehicle to buy for investment purposes. Certainly not financially speaking. Instead, the TT’s time has come because original, spotless, well-maintained specimens are still available for a reasonable price. These vehicles will become more difficult to locate over time. Get one now before it’s too late.