Sport and Technik: all new Audi TT

AUDI Philippines head Benedicto Coyiuto with the Audi TT Coupe (in tango red) and the Audi TT Coupe S (in nano grey)

THE ALL-NEW, third-generation Audi TT sports coupe was launched by Philippine distributor PGA Cars Inc. at its Bonifacio Global City showroom on Sunday. The new TT features the geometric design pioneered by the first-generation TT, interpreted in a sharper, bolder light.

The TT incorporates new performance and technology innovations that aim to deliver a more dynamic, enjoyable drive. Two models are available at the launch: the base model and the S line with more standard equipment. The Audi TT Coupe was displayed in tango red, while the TT Coupe S line was shown in nano grey.

The silhouette of the new TT is instantly recognizable as a descendant of the 1998 original. The sharply sloping roofline, rounded front and rear, and pronounced wheel arches all continue the TT’s styling language.

While length remains nearly the same at 4,180 millimeters, the wheelbase has increased by 37 mm to 2,505 mm, leading to shorter overhangs. Height is a low-slung 1,353 mm, while width is 1,832 mm.

At the front are 3-D-design headlamps, with the base TT using xenon HID units, and the S line using full LED headlamps. Optional is the Audi Matrix LED system, with 12 LEDs. The high beams use individually switched LEDs and the dynamic turn signals light up sequential in the direction of the turn.

AUDI regional training manager Richard Sorensen describes the Audi TT as “a lot edgier than the previous generation.”

The system even includes predictive cornering lights that tie in to the navigation system to light up curves before the steering wheel is turned.

The TT’s rear spoiler extends at 120 kph to improve stability by generating more downforce.

During the launch, Audi regional training manager Richard Sorensen said: “We basically kept the formula very, very similar. There’s a lot of shapes on the car that we’re used to seeing on the TT—the narrow glass area, the sloping roofline, big wheel arches.” The all-new TT is “a lot edgier than the previous generation,” Sorensen added.

The TT S line gives a sharper, sportier edge to several exterior elements, including bumpers, air intakes, single-frame grille, sills and rear diffuser. The body sits 10 mm lower for the S line, and uses 18-inch alloy wheels.

Like the second-generation model, the new TT makes extensive use of aluminum to lower the weight and increase chassis strength. The coupe uses the Audi Space Frame construction utilizing both aluminum and steel. The underbody uses high-strength and ultrahigh-strength steel alloys. Aluminum is used in the side sills and roof frame for rigidity, and it’s also used for the hood, doors and trunk lid to reduce weight versus comparable steel parts.

The Audi TT interior uses a “floating” concept, with extensive use of horizontal lines and minimal decoration. Instead, Audi has placed controls where they are most useful for the driver. The air-conditioner vents, for example, contain the system’s switches as well, removing the need for a separate control panel, while allowing intuitive operation.

GUESTS and PGA Cars officials show their support for the all-new third-generation Audi TT sports coupe.

The instrument cluster and the multimedia interface have been combined into a single large panel in front of the driver. The 12.3-inch TFT screen is reportedly the fastest-responding automotive display, thanks to a Nvidia Tegra 3 (T30) graphics processor.

The digital display is dubbed the Audi virtual cockpit. The LED display panel can change to show virtual gauges such as speedometer and tachometer, or display a huge navigation screen. Input is via buttons and a touch pad on the center console. The driver can activate navigation/map, phone and media menus by using the buttons. The rotary knob also contains a touch pad on its top surface, allowing the driver to “write” commands on it. The TT also allows voice command of the MMI system, and it can reportedly understand inputs in English.

The new TT is powered by a 2-liter turbocharged gasoline engine. The four-cylinder engine uses indirect injection in addition to the direct-injection system. The powerplant uses adjustable exhaust valve stroke and thermal management. The result is 230 horsepower and 370 Newton-meters, good for zero to 100 kilometers per hour in under six seconds, and an electronically controlled top speed of 250 kph.

“Today marks a new day in Audi history,” declared Audi Philippines head Benedicto Coyiuto. “The TT has always led Audi into bold, new innovations.”