Sneak peek at next-gen TT
Audi used a striptease approach to introduce its Q7 off-roader to the publicAnd the company seems intent on repeating the dose by revealing this shadowy glimpse of its next-generation TT coupe on its TT Lounge minisite (www.audi.com/TT).
The Mark II TT is still several months away from launch -- the car is scheduled to make its public debut at September's Paris motor show, and it's expected on sale here in the first half of 2007 -- so the early reveal is undoubtedly designed to pique curiosity and prompt chatter on internet forums.
Clearly evident from the teaser shot is that the TT successor will feature many of the styling cues pioneered by the Shooting Brake concept displayed at last October's Tokyo motor show. The face has distinct parallels with the concept, even though the TT's rump will differ markedly from the Shooting Brake's wagon-esque derriere.
Note the now ubiquitous single-frame Audi corporate grille, aggressive headlights and edgier profile. The second-gen TT also appears discernibly wider than its predecessor (although no external dimensions have been revealed at this stage).
Like its forerunner, the new TT shares its underpinnings with the Volkswagen Golf, but in this case the platform (known as A5) is from the Mark V model, which is a quantum leap ahead of the superseded Golf IV that provided the basis for the existing TT.
The entry-level TT Mark II will be powered by the 147kW280Nm 2.0-litre turbo FSI engine from the acclaimed Golf GTI, and it's likely to be offered with the same transmission options -- i.e. a six-speed manual or twin-clutch DSG sequential. Topping the line-up will be a 188kW330Nm 3.2-litre V6 model with a Haldex-based quattro all-wheel drive system.
New features are expected to include an electric pop-up boot spoiler that deploys at cruising speeds -- in a similar fashion to that of the Porsche 911. This will enable the TT's smooth rear profile to retain its aesthetic purity when the spoiler is not in use.
Current-model TTs feature a fixed rear spoiler, which was introduced belatedly after high-speed stability problems were reported in early cars.
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