TT hits the road

Audi has released its new TT coupe to the world media. The all-new coupe was unveiled in April in the shadow of Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate. The media launch took place in Europe late last month.

Audi Australia has released some details on the TT including a starting price of “around $70,000.” It will arrive Down Under in November.

Three variants will be available at launch in Australia. All use powerplants which should be familiar to local Audiphiles. The TT also gets a version of VW’s DSG sequential gearbox with auto mode know as S-tronic.

Two of the Aussie TT models (manual and S-tronic) will be front-wheel drive only and powered by 2.0-litre turbocharger FSI direct-injected four boasting 147kW and 280Nm. The third offering will feature a quattro all-wheel drive chassis and be powered by a 3.2-litre FSI direct-injected naturally-aspirated V6 with 184 kW and 320Nm.

While full Australian specifications and pricing are yet to be confirmed, key new features such as Audi new electronically-controlled 'magnetic ride' suspension are expected to be standard for Australian-delivery TTs.

A soft-top Roadster version has also been confirmed and will commence production during 2007. Expect to see it in Oz in the second half of next year.

Audi Australia managing director Joerg Hofmann says the new TT will outsell its predecessor locally.

“The new Audi TT will be a highly important model for Australia. The original Audi TT was very successful in Australia, and succeeded in boosting the image of the brand exponentially,” Mr Hofmann said.

“This new model will add to Audi’s growing profile in Australia,” he added.