The Audi TT concept car was first introduced at the 1995 Frankfurt Auto Show.
1998-2006 Audi TT Coupe mk1 (Typ 8N)
Audi introduced the production model with slight changes on its bumper design and rear section (a small window was placed behind the doors). Initially, the Audi TT was only available in a coupe variant and was fitted with a 1.8L turbocharged engine delivering either 180 or 225 PS. Five year later, Audi added the TT with a naturally aspirated 3.2L V6 engine delivering 250 PS. Both diesel units came with front-wheel drive, while the V6 was equipped with all-wheel-drive. From its early production years, the Audi TT had to overcome plenty of handling problems and recalled all its 1999 units to fix it. The new cars – released after 2000 – were fitted with standard ESP and an extra rear spoiler. Also, in 2004, both Coupe and Roadster versions of the Audi TT were optioned with DSG gearbox.
1999-2006 AUDI TT Roadster mk1 (Typ 8N)
The first generation Audi TT was introduced to the large public in 1998. Initially launched in a coupe version, this model has later received a roadster body style (a year later). The Audi TT Roadster (Coupe also) was based on the Volkswagen Group A4 platform and featured almost the same design lines as the 1995 concept car (presented at the Frankfurt Motor Show). Its main rivals on the premium roaster sector were
the Mercedes SLK and BMW Z4. It came with a choice of two diesel units – 180 hp and 225 hp – and a top-of-the-range 3.2L V6 equipped with a DSG gearbox. Also, the Roadster featured a rear-placed wind deflector to reduce buffeting. After recalling all its TT models in 1999 due handling problems, Audi added both the Coupe and Roadster versions with standard ESP and a newly-designed rear spoiler.
2005-2006 Audi TT Quattro Sport (Rare, only 800-1000 produced)
Audi TT Quattro Sport is a limited edition model launched by the German manufacturer in 2005. Sold in about 1,000 units, this car featured a more powerful engine – 240-hp 1.8L turbocharged, as compared to 225-hp in the first generation model – less weight, wider rear wheels for improved grip and redesigned suspension. In order to reduce the overall gross weight of the car, Audi removed the rear bench (replacing it with a larger luggage compartment), its automatic air conditioning system (replaced by a heating system, while an air conditioning system became optional for must-have customers) and its spare wheel. The car also featured redesigned ‘sportier’ bumpers, standard xenon headlights, a luggage net and an exterior two-color theme.
Audi TT Coupe 2006-2014 Mk2 (Typ 8J)
The new Audi TT’s world premiere took place in front of the Brandenburg Gate (Berlin) on April the 6th, 2006. The second generation model was assembled on Audi’s famous ASF Space Frame and featured a combination of aluminium and steel components (69 to 31 percent respectively). Initially, the Audi TT was available only in a coupe configuration and had an overall luggage capacity of 290 litres (extendable to 700 litres by folding the rear bench). This model was fitted with either a 2.0L turbocharged TFSI engine delivering 200 hp or a 250-hp naturally aspired 3.2L V6, both equipped with a standard 6-speed manual transmission (S tronic dual-clutch gearbox was optional). The first unit came with front-wheel-drive, while the V6 was available with standard all-wheel-drive. Other new features on the new The Audi TT Coupe included redesigned sport-oriented suspension, larger track (due to the introduction of wider wheels) and an optional high-tech Audi magnetic ride damper system.
AUDI TT Roadster 2007 – 2014 Mk2 (Typ 8J)
One year after the launch of the new Audi TT Coupe in 2006, the German manufacturer decided to complete its TT range with the all-new Roadster. The new model featured the same engine choice as its bigger brother – 200-hp 2.0L diesel unit or a 3.2L V6 delivering 250 hp – while also equipped with Audi’s own-developed quattro all-wheel drive system. As compared to the Coupe version of the TT, the Roadster featured a longer wheelbase, a unique steel-made rear bulkhead, reinforced A-pillars and a more aggressive look (mainly due to the missing hard top). Also, the TT Roadster was equipped with an electronic spoiler designed to improve stability at high speed and an adaptive dampening system (used by the driver to select the desired type of suspension).
AUDI TTS 2008 – 2014
Audi introduced its brand new TTS model at the 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. In terms of exterior design, this top-of-the-range model featured newly designed bi-xenon headlamps, platinum-and-chrome finished front grille and larger air intakes (as compared to the TT models). Leather upholstery on seat covers & steering wheel, metal pedals, aluminum trim panels, high-resolution display system and split-folding rear seats were also included in the standard package. The car was fitted with a TFSI engine delivering a mighty 272 hp and a 6-speed manual transmission (265 hp plus an exclusive S Tronic gearbox with a choice of Normal or Sport operating modes for the US market). TTS’ rivals on the premium coupe sector were the Nissan 350 Z and Porsche Cayman.
AUDI TTS Roadster 2008 – 2014
Audi launched the newly-developed TTS model at the 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. It was available with a choice of two body styles – coupe and roadster – and was fitted with a brand new TFSI unit delivering no less than 272 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. That unit came with a choice of a 6-speed manual gearbox for the European market and an innovative S Tronic transmission for the US customers. Roadster’s bodywork was made from lightweight aluminium components, while its frame was developed based on the Audi Space Frame (ASF) technology. Also, it featured reinforced components that added about 60 kg to car’s overall weight. Car’s interior resembled the one in the TTS Coupe, including seats & steering wheel leather upholstery, metal pedals, aluminum trim panels and a state-of-the-art driver information system.
AUDI TT RS Coupe 2009 – 2014
2009 saw the introduction of the new Audi TT RS Coupe. This high-end sport version of the Audi TT model is equipped with a newly developed straight five engine. The turbocharged five cylinder unit returns 340 hp and can propel the coupe from 0 to 62 mph in 4.6 seconds. As usual for all the RS versions from Audi, the TT RS Coupe takes advantage of Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive technology for improved handling and a more controllable use of its powerful engine.
AUDI TT RS Roadster 2009 – 2014
Audi introduced in 2009 the high-performance sport version of the Audi TT called the RS. The model is commercialized under the two body types as the normal version, meaning coupe and roadster. As expected, the interior and exterior both underwent design changes for customers who want those exclusive looks and touches. The front and rear got more pronounced air diffusers and stabilizers and the ride height was reduced by 10 mm. The main piece of interest however, is the newly developed inline 5-cylinder turbocharged engine that has a rated output of 340 hp. The TT RS Roadster can accelerate from naught to 62 mph in just 4.7 seconds.
AUDI TT RS Plus 2012 – 2016
This Audi TT has a body kit and red wheels, like an RS3 Sportsback, LED lights just like any other Ingolstadt creation, and a regular old black leather interior. It’s even got the back seats in place, so people could think its a regular old coupe. But the significance of this car is way beyond that. This is actually the TT-RS Plus, which is basically the royal flush when in its segment.
AUDI TT RS Plus Roadster 2012 – 2014
Making the TT RS even more of a baby R8, Audi has finally done what we knew all along they could, which is to give the 2.5-liter engine a bit more power. They pared this up with a new cosmetics package that looks like it means business and there you have it: the TT RS Plus, available both as a Coupe and a Roadster.
The five-cylinder transversally mounted engine has received an extra 20 hp for a grand total of 360 hp. There’ also 15 more Nm of torque for that meaty in-gear feel, and also a new exhaust flap that will transform the engine noise once you really go for it.
AUDI TT 2014 – Present
The third generation Audi TT debuted at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show, following the ingredients of the iconic first version while adding a more dramatic styling, innovative technologies and new functions. The front of the new TT is dominated by horizontal lines. The Singleframe grille is much broader and flatter than that of the previous model, with a powerful line dividing it into two zones. Starting in the top corners of the grille, sharp contours run in a V across the hood, which bears the four Audi rings. The flat headlights give the new TT’s face a determined look, while from the side, the new TT looks equally lean and muscular. The flat greenhouse gives the impression of being an independent unit and the slight kink in the rear side window gives it additional tension, while the rear tries to mirror the front end with horizontal lines and flat taillamps. Lightweight construction is one of Audi’s greatest areas of expertise and the coupe’s underbody structure has optimized axle loads, high-strength steel panels, while the side sills and roof frame are made of extruded aluminum profiles. Clear, purist lines underscore both the lightness and the uncompromising sportiness of the Audi TT’s interior. The new multifunction steering wheel has a flattened rim, and aluminum-look clasps encompass the spokes while countless other details demonstrate the high standards which Audi places on interior design and craftsmanship.
AUDI TTS 2014 – Present
The third generation Audi TT debuted at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show, following the ingredients of the iconic first version while adding a more dramatic styling, innovative technologies and new functions. And along with it, the new performance TTS version made its appearance, bringing more power and increased performances. Building on the normal 2015 TT, the TTS comes with two extra colors (Panther Black and Sepang Blue) along with extended interior equipment. The operating concept for the new TTS has been revised from the ground up – in line with the consistent sports car character, all the elements focus on the driver. There are two variants of the multifunction steering wheel available. Drivers selecting the top version can activate almost all functions from the steering wheel without taking their eyes off the road.
AUDI TT Roadster 2014 – Present
The third generation Audi TT Roadster and TTS Roadster made their debut at the 2014 Paris Motor Show. The new model comes with even sharper geometry details, lightweight materials and a sporty, stable chassis. The exterior follows the same shapes from before, but now has been chiseled more aggressively to enhance the car’s sporty looks. The aircraft-inspired interior design remained simple while gaining new materials and technology including optional driving assistance, MMI navigation and touch as well as the fully digital instrument cluster. The quattro permanent all-wheel drive has been fully redeveloped, being offered as an optional on the TT and as standard on the TTS.
AUDI TT RS Coupe 2016 – Present
Launched at the 2016 Beijing Auto Show, the 2017MY Audi TT RS takes the third generation coupe to a whole new level regarding performance and design. Based on the standard model, the TT RS Coupe comes with large air intakes at the front, a new splitter, bigger rims, dual exhaust, air diffuser and a fixed wing at the back. Other eye-catching features at the rear are the new OLED lights in 3D design, which are being implemented for the first time in a production Audi. The interior features aluminum or carbon fiber trims and RS logos, steering-wheel mounted start button, fully digital driver-oriented instruments and sport seats. Power comes from a 5-cylinder aluminum-block engine that delivers 400 hp, 60 more than the previous model, channeled to all four wheels through an automatic seven-speed S-Tronic gearbox and the quattro all-wheel drive system.
AUDI TT RS Roadster 2016 – Present
Launched at the same time as the Coupe, the 2016 Audi TT RS Roadster follows the same recipe as before but increasing the dosage. Based on the third generation TT, the 2017MY TT RS Roadster differentiates through large air inlets at the front, lower lip spoiler, bigger rims, different bumper with integrated air diffuser, new dual exhaust tips, OLED taillights and a fixed rear wing. Underneath lies a stiffer chassis with an improved suspension, a new 2.5-liter 5-cylinder aluminum-block engine developing 60 more hp, a 7-speed S-tronic automatic gearbox and the well-known quattro all-wheel drive system. The interior features a new steering wheel with integrated start button, sport seats as well as aluminum or carbon fiber trimmings.
photos: autoevolution.com and audi.com
