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AUDI TT CONCEPT (1995)
The concept that started it all: as you can see from the prototype model shown in 1995, the production car that followed three years later was a fairly close reinterpretation
Written at the Volkswagen Group Design Center in California in 1994, the stunning exterior shape of the TT concept debuted at the 1995 Frankfurt Motor Show.
With a gaping hole in the form of a two-door sports car in its model range, the prototype was a taster to gauge interest in a coupe/roadster Audi. And it was a roaring success.
In stark contrast to rivals like BMW’s Z3, Mazda’s MX-5 and even Porsche’s Boxster, the rounded TT caused quite a stir.
AUDI TT MK1 (1998-2006)
The TT name is based on the Isle of Man TT (Tourist Trophy) motorcycle racing, which is still regarded as the greatest two-wheeled road race in the world
All TTs initially came with a manual transmission and the option of Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive (standard on the V6) with a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission was added to the range later in the production cycle
The TT name is based on the Isle of Man TT (Tourist Trophy) motorcycle racing, which is still regarded as the greatest two-wheeled road race in the world.
The Mk1 TT coupé wasn’t officially launched until 1998, with the roadster following a year later, with Audi experiencing a few production issues linked to the laser welding techniques required to create the seamless look of the sculpted body.
There were also a few teething problems during development that needed to be addressed, most notably high speed stability issues. Therefore, the brand’s rear spoiler and electronic stability program became standard features when production began.
When it appeared in showrooms, it had the option of two turbocharged four-cylinder 1.8-litre engines (178 hp and 222 hp respectively) and a naturally aspirated six-cylinder Volkswagen 3.2-litre V6 engine (247 hp).
All came with a manual transmission and the option of Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive (standard on the V6) with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission added to the lineup later in the production cycle.
Towards the end of the Mk1 model’s production run, Audi launched the limited edition TT quattro Sport, probably the one most collectors try to get their hands on (read the boxout higher up in this story).
AUDI TT MK2 (2006-2014)
The Mk2 TT arrived in 2006 with a design slightly different from the rounded Mk1. It had a more chiseled profile and an active rear spoiler that would hide at low speeds so as not to disturb the clear lines of the shape
Inside, the Mk2 retained the uncluttered upper dash section, although the introduction of touchscreen systems broke the design of the original
When Audi announced the Mk2 TT in 2004, it caused a lot of fanfare by saying it would have an aluminum body. However, by the time it arrived in showrooms in 2006, the panels were a mix of aluminum and steel. This lightened the load and provided an almost accurate 50:50 weight distribution between the front and rear.
It was also two inches longer and four inches wider than the first-generation TT, which was quite a large increase in the sports car’s footprint.
The design is slightly different from the rounded Mk1, with a more chiseled look and an active rear spoiler that would hide at low speeds so as not to disturb the clear lines of the shape.
Again, the base engine was a turbocharged 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine, although a new 2.0-litre four-cylinder was also available to sit between the 1.8 and 3.2-litre V6. As well – somewhat controversially – was a 2.0-litre TDI diesel engine, added to the engine range in 2008 to provide an alternative for those who cared more about better fuel economy and lower taxes (at the time).
The same year saw the arrival of the diesel, as well as a sportier TTS variant with an upgraded 2.0-litre 268PS petrol engine and chassis upgrades. A year later, an even hotter TT RS stared back at him.
AUDI TT MK3 (2014- PRESENT)
The current TT has been on sale since 2014. The exterior styling was more an evolution of the second-generation car than a revolution, adopting Audi’s new design language at the time, including massive grilles
Inside, all models had a TFT instrument panel – in fact the TT was one of the first Audi models to get this feature. The cabin clearly adheres to the winning formula of the TT
The third generation arrived in 2014 and – after being on sale for nearly a decade – will officially be the last TT ever.
The exterior styling was more an evolution of the second-generation car than a revolution, incorporating Audi’s new design language at the time, including huge grilles.
Built on the VW Group’s new MQB platform, it is lower and wider than the Mk2 to improve driving performance.
Again, 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol and diesel were the options for the conventional models, while the TTS received an upgraded 300PS engine.