SPY PICS: Next Audi TT to reference past master
Spy shots of third-generation Audi TT reveal something of Audi's plans for its distinctively styled sports carAlthough it’s more than difficult to extrapolate from these photos of a heavily disguised test mule going through its paces, Audi’s next-generation TT is reputedly turning back to its roots.
It is rumoured the new car deliberately references the dome-shape design of the first model introduced locally in 1999. The eye-catching lines were watered down significantly in the bigger, more-conventional second-generation TT that followed in 2005.
Although the extent to which the next model will follow the form of the original is hard to glean from these Automedia photos, it is clear the car will steer away from any suggestion of a wedge-shape profile, while the back-end will reportedly retain familiar TT design cues.
Not surprisingly, the third-generation Audi TT will be based on the universal, light-weight MQB platform that now underpins the Mk7 VW Golf and MkIII Audi A3.
There are rumours that, although the next TT will broadly rely on Audi’s all-wheel drive quattro technology, a base front-drive version – again like the original TT – is also under consideration.
The transverse-engined powertrains are expected to basically duplicate what’s available now, including, in Australia, 1.8-litre and 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinders, a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel and a 3.2-litre V6, with a choice of six-speed manual or S-tronic dual-clutch automatic transmissions. It is rumoured a new dual-clutch transmission is also in the wings.
Reportedly, the new car will make its debut towards the end of 2014, and it’s reasonable to assume a convertible version will be part of the line-up, although the next TT Roadster is likely to follow the launch of coupe models at a discreet distance further down the track.
Audi can be expected to capitalise on the TT’s visual and conceptual differences to its competition including BMW’s Z4, the Mercedes-Benz SLK and Porsche’s Cayman/Boxster.
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