Audi TT - TTS History
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Over the time that the Audi TT has been sold, it's changed roles somewhat, morphing from rolling sculpture and eye candy to more of a full-fledged sports car. In any case, the sporty TT and higher-performance TTS have been available both as a sporty 2+2 coupe or convertible.
The TT was sold first as a 2000 model; based on Volkswagen/Audi running gear shared by the Audi A4, the TT has been offered in two different generations, each with two different body styles and a choice of front- or all-wheel drive. All models have been built at a factory in Hungary.
The original Audi TT struck a fresh styling chord when it first arrived. Audi's prior coupes, from the 1980s Coupe GT to the unloved Audi 90 Coupe, had been more characteristically German. The Audi TT brought a lovingly detailed, Art Deco-influenced look to the sporty realm. The lovely lines--especially effective in flat grey paint--were met with an interior that could be fitted with beautiful swatches of baseball-glove leather and stitching, and aluminum trim. The TT was less convincing as a sports car in that first edition, which was sold through the 2006 model year. Safe but unexciting handling combined with somewhat lively turbocharged four-cylinder power in the best quattro all-wheel-drive versions; V-6 cars felt heavier and less responsive despite their extra power, while front-drive versions suffered some torque steer.
With the 2008 redesign, Audi turned the tables; the TT's exterior style was muted to match more of the cues found on its other cars. The latest TT fits more with the new R8 thanks to its side sculpting, low nose, and LED detailing. The cockpit loses its grabby circular theme, and now faces the driver and passenger with a flight-inspired set of knobs, switches, and LCD screens bearing a distinctly masculine appeal. It's sleeker for sure, though less distinctive. Either as a TT or a TTS, there are two body style choices: coupe and roadster.
Powertrains include a 200-horsepower, 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder which comes only with a fantastic six-speed dual-clutch transmission. The high-performance, 265-hp turbo TTS comes only with the dual-clutch transmission and all-wheel drive. All models with the old 250-hp V-6 version have been given the axe. The TT complements good fuel economy with nimble handling and more of an authentic sportscar feel, flat and eager to hook up with the pavement. Interior room isn't the TT's strongest suit, though the seats are wide and the cabin spacious enough for adults. The roadster models have a nicely executed power fabric top. Trunk and interior storage is somewhat limited, though, so weekend trips are best reserved for two.
For 2012, the Audi brings the top-performance TT RS to the U.S. for the first time. With a 360-horsepower, 2.5-liter high-boost-turbocharged in-line five-cylinder engine, a lowered magnetic suspension system, and upgraded performance trim and hardware, the limited-production TT RS has serious sports-car appeal for enthusiasts who plan on weekend track outings.
A replacement for the TT is coming soon, with the new car expected to share pieces with a new Volkswagen roadster and possibly, with a new entry-level Porsche as well.
