Thursday, January 7, 2010
Apparently, Audi just couldn't wait. The German automaker was all set to lift the veil on its next-generation TT at the New York International Auto Show, next week. But Audi decided not to wait for the New York show, a lightly attended event for the European press, and unveiled the car in Berlin on Thursday.
It's been six years since Audi introduced the original TT, a car that did a lot to buff up the automaker's sporty image. For the new version Audi increased both the car's overall length and width. It now measures 165 inches nose to tail, and 72.4 inches door to door, up five and three inches respectively.
The 2007 TT gets a sharp sheetmetal makeover, which removes the Deco lines and replaces them with bolder forms that hint at the Nissan 350Z, which was itself inspired by the original TT, according to its designer Ajay Panchal.
For the new TT, Audi combined aluminum and steel for a new body structure. Audi claims optimal weight distribution, but also adds a pop-up rear spoiler that deploys above 75 mph.
Audi will offer the next-generation TT with two engines: a turbocharged, direct-injected 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine that delivers 200 hp. This model accelerates from 0-60 mph in 6.4 seconds, Audi says, and reaches a top speed of 149 mph. The other powertrain is a 250-hp 3.2-liter V-6 that sprints to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds and has a limited top speed of 155 mph. Both engines are mated to a six-speed stick shift or can be combined with an S-tronic (sequential manual) transmission using Audi's slick double-clutch system. The 2.0-liter TT has front-wheel drive; the V-6 is a quattro.
A new rear suspension and other improvements, combined with a wider thread and larger wheels, are aimed at improving handling. Later in the year, Audi will add an adaptive suspension system.The new TT will be equipped with automatic climate control and an upgraded audio system. Adaptive lighting/corner lighting and a reverse-parking system is optional.
The new TT Coupe will be available at the end of summer and will be joined by a Roadster in 2007.