Audi TT

Audi TT

Audi TT Coupé - latest model
Manufacturer	AUDI AG
Production	1st generation: 1998–2006 2nd generation: 2006–present
Assembly	Győr, Hungary (Audi Hungaria Motor Kft.)
Class	Compact/sports car
Body style(s)	2-door Coupé, 2-door Roadster
Layout	Transverse front engine, front-wheel drive or quattro on-demand four-wheel drive
Platform	Volkswagen Group A platform series
Related	Volkswagen Golf, Audi A3, SEAT León, Škoda Octavia
Designer	Peter Schreyer

The Audi TT is a two-door compact sports car manufactured by Audi Hungaria Motor Kft. in Győr, Hungary, since 1998, for the German automaker and Volkswagen Group subsidiary AUDI AG.

The Audi TT is now in its second generation — and both generations have been available in two car body styles; as a 2+2 Coupé, or two-seater Roadster. They have been built on consecutive generations of the Volkswagen Group A platform, starting with the A4 (PQ34). As a result of this platform-sharing, the Audi TT has identical powertrain and suspension layouts as its related platform-mates; this includes a front-mounted transversely orientated engine, front-wheel drive or quattro permanent four-wheel drive system, and fully independent front suspension using MacPherson struts.

Origins

The styling of the Audi TT began in the spring of 1994 at the Volkswagen Group Design Center in California.^[1] The TT was first shown as a concept car at the 1995 Frankfurt Motor Show.^[2] The design is credited to J Mays and Freeman Thomas,^[1][2] with Hartmut Warkuss, Peter Schreyer,^[3] Martin Smith^[2][4] and Romulus Rost^[5] contributing to the award-winning interior design.

A previously unused laser beam welding adaptation, which enabled seamless design features on the first-generation TT, delayed its introduction. Audi did not initially offer any type of automatic transmission option for the TT. However, from 2003, a dual clutch six-speed Direct-Shift Gearbox (DSG) became available, with the United Kingdom TT variants becoming the world's first user of a dual clutch transmission configured for a right-hand drive vehicle, although the outright world first for a road car equipped with a dual clutch transmission was claimed earlier by a Volkswagen Group platform-mate, the left hand drive Volkswagen Golf Mk4 R32.^[6][7]

Name

The Audi TT takes its name from the successful motor racing tradition of NSU in the British Isle of Man TT (Tourist Trophy) motorcycle race. NSU began competing in the TT in 1911, and later merged into the company now known as Audi.^[8]

The Audi TT also follows the NSU 1000TT, 1200TT and TTS cars of the 1960s in taking their names from the race.

The TT name has also been attributed to the phrase "Technology & Tradition".^[9]

TT Mk1 (Typ 8N, 1998-2006)

Audi TT (8N)

Audi TT Coupé (8N)
Production	October 1998–June 2006
Successor	Audi TT (8J)
Platform	Volkswagen Group A4 (PQ34)
Engine(s)	1.8 L I4 20v Turbo, 3.2 L VR6
Transmission(s)	5-speed manual (all models FWD), 6-speed manual (all modells 4WD), 6-speed DSG
Wheelbase	2,422 mm (95.4 in) quattro: 2,428 mm (95.6 in)
Length	4,041 mm (159.1 in)
Width	1,764 mm (69.4 in)
Height	1,346 mm (53.0 in)
Related	Audi A3 Mk1 Volkswagen Golf Mk4 Volkswagen New Beetle Volkswagen Bora/Jetta Mk4 SEAT León Mk1 SEAT Toledo Mk2 Škoda Octavia Mk1

The production model (internal designation Typ 8N) was launched as a Coupé in September 1998, followed by a Roadster in August 1999. It is based on the Volkswagen Group A4 (PQ34) platform as used for the Volkswagen Golf Mk4, the original Audi A3, the Škoda Octavia, and others. The styling differed little from the concept, except for slightly reprofiled bumpers, and the addition of a rear quarterlight windows behind the doors. Factory production commenced October 1998.

Early TT models gained press coverage for a series of high-speed accidents in Europe. Reported crashes and related fatalities occurred at speeds in excess of 180 kilometres per hour (110 mph), during abrupt lane changes or sharp turns. Both the Coupé and Roadster models were recalled in late 1999/early 2000, to improve predictability of the car's handling at very high-speeds. Audi's Electronic Stability Programme, and rear spoiler were added, along with suspension modifications. All changes were subsequently incorporated into future series production versions of the car.

Factory production of this generation ended in June 2006.

8N powertrain

Audi TT Roadster (US model)

Mechanically, the TT shares an identical powertrain layout as its related Volkswagen Group platform-mates. The TT uses a transversely mounted internal combustion engine, with either front-wheel drive, or 'quattro' on-demand four-wheel drive. It was first available with a 1.8 litre inline four cylinder 20-valve turbocharged engine in two states of DIN-rated power outputs; 180 PS (132 kW; 178 hp) and 225 PS (165 kW; 222 hp). The engines share the same fundamental design, but the 225 PS version features a larger K04 turbocharger, an additional intercooler on the right side (complementing the existing left-side intercooler), forged connecting rods, a dual tailpipe exhaust, and a few other internals - designed to accommodate the increase in turbo boost, from roughly 10 pounds per square inch (0.7 bar) peak, to 15 pounds per square inch (1.0 bar). Haldex Traction enabled four wheel drive, 'branded' as "quattro" was optional on the 180 engine, and standard on the more powerful 225 version.

The original four cylinder engine range was complemented with a 250 metric horsepower (184 kW; 247 hp) 3.2 litre VR6 engine in early 2003, which comes as standard with the quattro four-wheel drive system. In July 2003, a new six-speed dual clutch transmission - dubbed the Direct-Shift Gearbox, which improves acceleration through much-reduced shift times, was offered, along with a stiffer suspension.

TT quattro Sport

In 2005, Audi released the Coupé-only limited edition (800 sold in the UK, not the 1000 originally planned) Audi TT quattro Sport^[10] (known as the Audi TT Club Sport in Europe). Built by AUDI AG high performance specialist subsidiary quattro GmbH, it had increased power from its 1.8 litre turbocharged engine - rising to 240 PS (177 kW; 237 hp) and 320 newton metres (236 ft·lbf) of torque - and a reduction in weight of 75 kilograms (165 lb) to 1,390 kilograms (3,064 lb),^[10] which allowed for a 0 to 100 kilometres per hour (0 to 62.1 mph) time of 5.9 seconds, and an electronically limited top speed of 250 kilometres per hour (155.3 mph).^[10]

This weight loss was achieved by deleting the spare wheel, rear parcel shelf and rear seats, and the standard fitment air conditioning.^[10] Lightweight fixed-back Recaro bucket seats graced the interior.^[10] Distinguishable from other TT Coupés by its two-tone paint scheme (Phantom Black pearl painted roof, pillars and mirror housings, in combination with either Avus Silver, Phantom Black, Mauritius Blue or Misano Red body colour)^[10] and unique 18" 15-spoke cast aluminium alloy wheels, plus the same body kit as fitted to the TT 3.2 V6, the TT quattro Sport also featured black exhaust tailpipes and uprated suspension settings and new wheels, ½" wider at the rear for improved handling. The brochure stated V6-spec brakes were to be fitted, however models delivered in the UK came with the standard 225 spec brake callipers which were red-painted.

8N engines

The 8N powertrain options comprise of the following internal combustion engines and drivelines:

Lawsuits

There are two United States class action lawsuits affecting specific model years of the first generation TT.

On 22 June 2007, Pearson, Simon, Soter, Warshaw & Penny, LLP and the Law Office of Robert L. Starr filed a class action lawsuit against Volkswagen Group of America, alleging that the timing belts for model year 1999-2003 Audi and Volkswagen vehicles equipped with a 1.8 litre turbocharged engine fail prematurely.^[11] The vehicles included are the Audi TT, Audi A4 and Volkswagen Passat. The complaint alleges that the timing belts fail prior to the service interval, as stated in the owner's manual. The parties have reached a class-wide settlement, and preliminary approval of the settlement was granted by the court on 19 May 2008. Claim forms, class notice, and other documentation will be mailed on or about 1 August 2008. Details regarding the terms of the settlement will be in the notice sent to owners of the class vehicles.^[12]

On 22 May 2008, the U.S. District Court, Northern District of California, entered an order preliminarily approving a nationwide settlement of a class action lawsuit brought by Green Welling LLP, on behalf of all current and prior owners and lessees of 2000-2004, and 2005 model year Audi TTs. The lawsuit and settlement relate to allegedly defective instrument clusters, and Audi TT owners are entitled to submit claims for repairs, replacement and/or cash reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses, and all TT owners covered by the suit will receive a two year extension of their existing four year warranty (limited to the instrument cluster).^[13] There have been widespread reports of similar problems with instrument clusters on the second generation (8P/8PA) A3 model although Audi have yet to publicly acknowledge the defect.

8N awards

The original generation Audi TT was nominated for the North American Car of the Year award for 2000. It was also on Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list for 2000 and 2001.

TT Mk2 (Typ 8J, 2006-)

Audi TT (8J)

2007 Audi TT 2.0 TFSI (Australia)
Production	August 2006–present
Predecessor	Audi TT (8N)
Platform	Volkswagen Group A5 (PQ35)
Engine(s)	1.8 L I4 FSI Turbo, 2.0 L I4 FSI Turbo, 2.5 L I5 FSI Turbo (TT RS only), 3.2 L VR6, 2.0 I4 TDI CR diesel
Transmission(s)	6-speed manual, 6-speed S tronic
Wheelbase	2,468 mm (97.2 in)
Length	4,178 mm (164.5 in), TTS & TT RS: 4,198 mm (165.3 in)
Width	1,842 mm (72.5 in)
Height	1,352 mm (53.2 in), TTS: 1,345 mm (53.0 in), TT RS: 1,342 mm (52.8 in) S Convertible: 53.5 in (1359 mm) Convertible: 53.5 in (1359 mm)
Kerb weight	1,260–1,490 kg (2,778–3,285 lb)
Related	Audi A3 Mk2, Volkswagen Golf Mk5, Volkswagen Jetta Mk5, SEAT León Mk2, SEAT Toledo Mk3, SEAT Altea, Škoda Octavia Mk2

A preview of the second-generation TT was provided in the form of the Audi Shooting Brake concept car, shown at the Tokyo Motor Show in 2005. This concept was an insight into the new TT, but featured angular styling, and a "shooting brake" two-door hatchback body style.^[14]

Audi revealed the second-generation TT, internal designation Typ 8J, on 6 April 2006. It is constructed on the Volkswagen Group A5 (PQ35) platform, and uses aluminium in the front bodypanels, and steel in the rear, to enhance its near-neutral front-to-rear weight distribution. It is available in front-wheel drive or 'quattro' four-wheel drive layout, and is again offered as a 2+2 Coupé, and as a two-seater Roadster. Compared to the previous generation, this new variant is five inches longer and three inches wider than its predecessor.^[15] Factory production commenced during August 2006.^[16]

8J powertrain

The powertrain options initially only included petrol engines, which consist of either one of two inline four cylinder engines - the all-new 1.8 litre EA888 Turbocharged Fuel Stratified Injection (TFSI) (available initially only in Germany, later elsewhere from mid 2009),^[17] or the more common and established EA113-variant 2.0 litre TFSI. The Fuel Stratified Injection (FSI) technology was derived from the Audi Le Mans endurance race cars, and offers improved fuel efficiency as well as an increased power output and cleaner emissions. The 3.2 litre 'V6' badged VR6 engine is carried over from the previous generation, and this engine was also available in the Canadian model.^[18] 2.0 TFSI quattro models, with the latest EA888 engine, became available in 2009 model year.^[19]

A six-speed manual transmission is standard, with the six-speed Direct-Shift Gearbox (now called S-TRONIC on all Audi models) as an option for all but 1.8 litre engine. quattro on-demand four-wheel drive, again using the Haldex Traction clutch is available - standard on V6 models, but was not available on 1.8 TFSI.

8J suspension & other features

Like all its PQ35 platform-mates, the new 8J TT now has a multi-link fully independent rear suspension to compliment the front independent suspension. The entire suspension system can be enhanced with Audi's new active suspension, "Audi Magnetic Ride", available as an option. This is based on Delphi's MagneRide, which uses magneto rheological dampers (this means that an electronic control unit for the suspension will automatically adjust its damping properties depending on the current road conditions and driving manner).

The new TT also features an revised rear spoiler; which automatically extends at speeds greater than 120 kilometres per hour (75 mph), and retracts again below 80 kilometres per hour (50 mph). The spoiler can also be manually controlled by the driver via a switch on the dash.^[15]

2.0 TDI quattro

Launched at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show,^[20] Audi offered the first diesel engined version of Audi TT in the European market, the Audi TT 2.0 TDI quattro.^[20][21][22] As its name indicates, it is only available with quattro, and is also available in Coupé and Roadster versions.^[21] Power comes from the new 2.0 litre Turbocharged Direct Injection (TDI) engine, now with 16 valves, double overhead camshaft (DOHC), 1,800-bar (26,110 psi) common rail fuel delivery and eight-hole piezo fuel injectors,^[20][21] which produces a DIN-rated output of 125 kilowatts (170 PS; 168 bhp) at 4,200 revolutions per minute (rpm) and torque of 350 newton metres (258 ft·lbf) at 1,750 to 2,500 rpm.^[20][21] It includes a six-speed manual transmission.^[21]

Acceleration from standstill to 100 kilometres per hour (62.1 mph) on the Coupé is reached in 7.5 seconds, and will go on to reach a top speed of 226 kilometres per hour (140.4 mph).^[21] The slightly less aerodynamically efficient Roadster reaches 100 km/h in 7.7 seconds, with a top speed of 223 kilometres per hour (138.6 mph).^[21]

Audi claim average fuel consumption for the Coupé variant with this 2.0 TDI engine is 5.3 litres per 100 kilometres (53.3 mpg_-imp; 44.4 mpg_-US), which achieves a CO₂ emissions rating of 139 gram/km.^[21][22] The Roadster TDI achieves an average 5.5 litres per 100 kilometres (51.4 mpg_-imp; 42.8 mpg_-US) and CO₂ of 144 gram/km.^[21]

TTS quattro

At the 2008 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, Audi released the first Audi "S" model of the TT range - the Audi TTS quattro,^[23] with a heavily revised 2.0 TFSI engine.^[23] The cylinder block, cylinder head and the fuel injectors have all been modified from the base 2.0 TFSI engine (ID: CDL). Together with other modifications, this engine produces a DIN-rated motive power output of 200 kilowatts (272 PS; 268 bhp),^[23] and generates a torque turning force of 350 newton metres (258 ft·lbf) from 2,500 to 5,000 rpm.^[23][24]

It is available with a choice of either a six-speed close-ratio manual transmission,^[23] or a six-speed 'S tronic' transmission.^[23] In the United States, the S tronic gearbox will be the only available transmission. Like all Audi "S" models, it is only available with quattro four-wheel drive as standard.

The suspension is lowered by 10 millimetres (0.4 in) over the standard models, and includes "Audi Magnetic Ride" as standard^[23][25] and a new two-stage sports-biased Electronic Stability Programme (ESP).^[26] Radially ventilated front disc brakes are clamped by a single-piston gloss black caliper emblazened with a bold TTS logo, and a lap timer is prominent in the centre of the instrument cluster.^[27] 9Jx18" '5-parallel-spoke' design alloy roadwheels are standard,^[23] with 245/40 ZR18 high performance tyres. 19" '5-spoke star' wheels and tyres are optional.^[23][28] The exterior has some changes over the standard model - with a TTS body styling: with redesigned front, with larger air intakes, redesigned rear bumper, side sill extensions, and four exhaust tailpipes.^[23]

Official performance figures for the sprint from standstill to 100 kilometres per hour (62.1 mph) for the TTS Coupé can be reached in 5.4 seconds, with the Roadster two-tenths slower at 5.6 seconds.^[23] Top speed is electronically limited to 250 kilometres per hour (155 mph).^[23]

Audi UK offered eight TTS cars for official use by the race organisers at the 2008 Isle of Man TT motorcycle races.^[8][29]

The car went on sale in the USA at November 2008.^[30]

TT Clubsport quattro concept

Audi displayed a new show car variant of the second generation Audi TT - the Audi TT Clubsport quattro, at the 2008 Wörthersee Tour at Pörtschach am Wörthersee in Austria.^[31] Shown only in an open-topped 'speedster' variant, its 2.0 TFSI engine has been tuned to give 221 kilowatts (300 PS; 296 bhp).^[31] The soft-top on the standard TT Roadster has been deleted, and replaced with two 'humps', along with two substantial roll bars.^[31] LED daytime running lamps, an aggressive body kit with large frontal air intakes, black-painted 'single frame grille' and a lower spoiler lip complete the new look from the front.^[31] The axle track has been widened by 66 millimetres (2.6 in), with bolder and wider wheel arch extensions, polished 19-inch alloys, wider side sills and 255-section tyres are the highlight of the side profile.^[31] At the rear, twin polished stainless steel oval tail pipes exit aside a new rear diffuser.^[31]

Racing bucket seats, along with lightweight aluminium detail complete the interior look,^[31] and a six-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission with quattro four-wheel drive and TTS spec brakes (340 millimetres (13.4 in) up front, and 310 millimetres (12.2 in) at the rear) complete the mechanicals.^[31]

Whilst the TT Clubsport quattro is primarily a 'show car', Audi has not ruled out the possibility of small-scale production.^[31]

TT RS

With its world debut at the 2009 Geneva Auto Show,^[32][33] and developed by Audi's high performance subsidiary quattro GmbH at Neckarsulm,^[34] Audi released the first ever compact sports car Audi "RS" model - the Audi TT RS, which was available from 2009 in Coupé and Roadster variants. This new TT RS harks back to the sporting legacy of 1980s Audi Quattros - with their high performance five-cylinder turbocharged engines,^[33] the TT RS will include an all-new 2.5 litre inline five-cylinder Turbocharged Fuel Stratified Injection (TFSI) petrol engine. This new 183 kilograms (403 lb) engine produces a DIN-rated motive power output of 250 kilowatts (340 PS; 335 bhp) from 5,400 to 6,700 rpm, and torque of 450 newton metres (332 ft·lbf) at 1,600-5,300 rpm.^[33][35]

Historically, after the original Audi "RS" model - the Audi RS2 Avant, all Audi "RS" models have their assembly carried out at the quattro GmbH factory in Neckarsulm, Germany. The TT RS will be the first Audi RS vehicle that will not have any of its assembly performed in Neckarsulm, and will be completely assembled in the Audi factory in Győr, Hungary,^[16] alongside its' 'lesser' Audi TT brethren.

The TT RS has a new short-shift close-ratio six-speed manual transmission,^[33] and like all "RS" models, is only available with Audi's 'trademark' quattro four-wheel drive system, with the TT RS using a specially adapted version of the latest generation multi-plate clutch from Haldex Traction.^[33][36] Additions to the quattro system include a constant velocity joint before the cardan propeller shaft, and a compact rear-axle differential – uprated to cope with the increased torque from the five cylinder turbo engine.

Like the TTS, the TT RS has a 10 millimetres (0.4 in) lower ride height,^[33] optional "Audi Magnetic Ride",^[33] and rides on standard 18 inch roadwheels with 245/45 ZR18 tyres (optional 19" or 20" wheels are also available).^[33] The brakes are uprated to include two-piece cross-drilled and radially vented front discs, sized at 370 millimetres (14.6 in) in diameter.^[33] The front discs are clamped by gloss black painted four-piston calipers, adorned with the RS logo.^[33] Rear ventilated discs are sized at 310 millimetres (12.2 in) in diameter.^[33]

It includes a fixed rear spoiler (retractable optional),^[33] and has black interior with heated Alcantara/leather sports seats (Silk Nappa, Fine Nappa leather optional). The Recaro "RS bucket" seats, first seen in the Audi B7 RS4 are also available as an option. Also carried over from the B7 RS4 is the 'Sport' button, which sharpens the throttle response and deepens the exhaust note, and a three-stage user-selectable Electronic Stability Programme (ESP).^[33]

Official performance figures indicate the TT RS Coupé will accelerate from standstill to 100 kilometres per hour (62.1 mph) in 4.6 seconds (4.7 seconds for the Roadster), with an electronically limited top speed of 250 kilometres per hour (155.3 mph).^[33] There is a factory option to de-restrict the top speed to 280 kilometres per hour (174.0 mph).^[33] The Coupé has a kerb weight of 1,450 kilograms (3,197 lb),^[33] and the Roadster weighs in at 1,510 kilograms (3,329 lb).

As of 2010 the TT-RS is available with the 7-speed DSG automatic transmission capable of handling the torque delivered by the engine. The 6-speed gearbox used in the TT-S cannot cope with 450 newton metres (332 ft·lbf) which ss why the TT-RS initially was offered only with manual transmission.

The car began sale in March 2009, with delivery beginning in summer.^[37]

8J engines

The 8J powertrain options comprise of the following internal combustion engines and drivelines:^[38][39]

Audi was reported to stop offering 3.2 litre V6 (VR6) models in North America from 2010 model year.^[40]

8J awards

The second generation TT has been honoured with many awards, including the inaugural Drive Car of the Year, Top Gear Coupé of the Year 2006, Fifth Gear Car of the Year 2006, Autobild Most Beautiful Car, and World Design Car of the Year 2007, as well as being a finalist for World Car of the Year.

Motorsport

In auto racing, the Istook's Motorsports team has currently entered a Revo Technik-sponsored Audi TT in the Grand-Am KONI Sports Car Challenge Street Tuner (ST) class.^[41]

An Audi TT RS was used in 2009 24 Hours of Le Mans race as safety car.^[42]

See also

• Audi S and RS models

References

External links

• Audi.com - international Audi brand portal
• Audi TT lounge - official Audi TT international microsite
• Articlezbase.com - AudiTT Info
• TTOC - Audi TT Owners Club
• Dutch TT Club
• 2001 model Audi TT website
• In Depth: The New (2006) Audi TT Coupé, from AudiWorld.com