New Audi TT Coupé: longer and wider
With a 69% aluminium superstructure

Motion Trends,
7th April 2006.

The all-new Audi TT Coupé was unveiled yesterday to the world public in front of the Brandenburg Gate in the German capital, Berlin, where three examples of the new sports car drove up to the historic gate.

Launched in the autumn of 1998 as a 2+2 coupe, Audi's first generation TT (based on the previous, 4th generation VW Golf) was followed by the roadster in summer 1999, competing against a new wave of small coupes and roadsters, including the first generations of the Mercedes-Benz SLK, BMW Z3 (followed by the Z4) and Porsche Boxter.

The second generation Audi TT Coupe is 137 mm longer than its predecessor at 4,178 mm, and 78 mm wider at 1,842 mm, with taut panels giving the impression of dynamic movement.

The new TT goes for aluminium, with a body constructed in the ASF Space Frame design developed by Audi. It consists of aluminium and steel. This is the first time that it has combined different materials alongside each other, with 69 percent of the superstructure made of aluminium.

The steel components making up the remaining 31 percent are to be found at the rear end, so as to ensure balanced distribution of the axle loads.

To improve downforce, a spoiler is extended from the tailgate when the vehicle reaches a speed of 120 km/h.

Like its predecessor, the new Audi TT is initially available as a 2+2-seater coupé; the separate roadster model is scheduled for later launch.

The basic luggage capacity of the boot is reasonable 290 litres (for its size and category). This capacity can be increased to 700 litres by folding down the rear seat backs. The sports seats provide side restraint, with a choice of three different leathers for the covers.

Two powerful petrol engines are available, both equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox, or optionally, with the dynamic S tronic dual-clutch gearbox.

The 2.0 litre turbocharged four-cylinder TFSI unit featuring FSI direct injection develops 147 kW (200 bhp). With a six-speed manual gearbox, it accelerates the TT to 100 km/h in 6.4 seconds, reaching a top speed of 240 km/h.

The naturally aspirated 3.2-litre V6 engine develops 184 kW (250 bhp), accelerating from zero to 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds and reaching a top speed of 250 km/h (electronically governed).

Whereas the four-cylinder engine comes with front-wheel drive, the V6 distributes its power across both axles by way of the quattro permanent four-wheel drive system.

The Audi dynamic suspension was newly developed and tuned for the TT Coupé, with new multi-link rear suspension. One of its hallmarks is its self-steering behaviour right up to the handling limits, which ranges from neutral to light understeer.

The track enlargement, with larger wheels ranging from 16 to 19 inches in size, and extensive changes in the area of elastokinematics were key areas of the developers’ work.

A magnetic ride damper system is available as an option. In this system, tiny magnetic particles circulate in the oil inside the shock absorbers. When a voltage is applied to them, they alter the damping characteristics within milliseconds. This adaptive system simultaneously ensures better levels of ride comfort and thoroughly sporty dynamism, according to the specific driving scenario and the preferences of the driver.

The standard features of the new Audi TT include (German market specifications) an automatic air conditioning system and a flat-bottomed sports steering wheel. The latter is not only entirely suitable for the sports car but also makes it easier to get in and out. The air vents, steering wheel spokes and many of the controls are finished in an aluminium look.

Options cover a variety of high-tech solutions, including the adaptive light dynamic cornering light system and the Audi parking system which aids parking.

The new TT marks the premiere of a new generation of audio systems. It is characterised by state-of-the-art reception and playback technology and intuitive user control. Six so-called softkeys control a variety of functions depending on which menu is selected. The chorus radio system with single CD drive comes as standard.

A Bluetooth interface is available for mobile phones. The telephone function can be operated via the MMI, the multifunction steering wheel and by speech control. The operator control for the optional navigation system takes its cues from the MMI system familiar from the Audi A6, A8 and Q7 model series.