Wednesday, August 7, 2013
2007 Audi TT preview
The new Audi TT is coming soon, packing the new VW engines and an all-new chassis based on the new-generation Golf. Engines include a 200 hp inline-4 turbo and a 250 hp VR6. In the future, there might be a turbo VR6 RS model. External changes amount to a simple facelift, a better integrated rear spoiler and the new grille.I think that the TT looks better than before, now it actually looks like its an audi, before it seemed like an outcast
Inside, the TTs designers have swapped out some of the originals Bauhaus Cool, for greater driver focus. While the trademark milled aluminum twist vents are still present, the driving environment is much more like a racing car, with large, clear instrumentation and a wrap-around centre stack thats canted towards the driver. Unfortunately, the famous padded spars and embossed aluminum stereo cover plate are gone, but theyre replaced with functional furnishings that include a new and improved version of Audis MMI-plus infotainment interface that includes easier to use menus and soft key buttons (buttons with no set function). Meanwhile, the TT is as practical as before; it continues to bear a four-seat classification, though, how useful the rear two seats are is yet to be determined. With the fast roofline preserved, headroom for the rear two passengers doesnt look to be particularly generous.
Perhaps, then, the TT will appeal to those who want a sports car with a decent cargo hold. Like its competitors, the Z4 Coup and Porsche Cayman, the TT offers a very reasonable 290 litres (10.2 cu-ft) of cargo volume. Flip down those two rear seats, and that instantly increases to 700-litres (24.7 cu-ft) of luggage space.
Handling is expected to further benefit from a new multi-link rear suspension, wider track and larger wheels, up to 19 inches in size. A new option is Audis magnetic ride damper system, which automatically adjusts shock absorber settings for optimum ride comfort and driving dynamics. An automatic rear spoiler deploys at high speed to further improve the TTs behavior at the limits by generating aerodynamic downforce to the rear wheels, just the thing for those 80-mph sweepers in the rain.
Power for the TT comes from two different, but well-known sources. Base models come with the award-winning 200-horsepower 2.0-litre FSI-T engine, paired to FrontTrak front-wheel drive. Top-line TTs get the more powerful 250-horsepower 3.2-litre narrow-angle V(R)6 engine, mated to a rear-biased Haldex-based all-wheel drive system. The four-cylinder TT is also available with all wheel drive, allowing for yet another viable powertrain combination. Both engines come standard with a six-speed manual gearbox, though, for those who wish for more automation, the fantastic S Tronic (formerly DSG) six-speed dual-clutch gearbox can be ordered with either engine. Its unknown whether Audi will offer the V6 model with the six-speed in North America; although the first-gen TT V6 was offered with a manual gearbox in Europe, it wasnt available in North America.
Regardless of the engine and gearbox selected, the new TT is a formidably quick vehicle; even if you were to go for the most basic version, a 2.0T with six-speed manual, it will hit 100 km/h in just 6.4 seconds. The more powerful V6-motivated car can do it in 5.7 seconds. Opt for the twin-clutch paddleshift gearbox and both are quicker still. The two models are also born and bred for blasting down de-restricted roadways and race tracks; the 2.0T has a top speed of 240 km/h (149 mph), while the bigger, more powerful car had to be electronically restrained to 250 km/h (155 mph). Of course, to counter all of this go-fast goodness, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, brake assist and brakeforce distribution are standard equipment.
Preliminary Specifications:
Price Range (estimated MSRP): $57,000 - $70,000
Body Type: 3-door coupe
Layout: front engine, FWD (opt. AWD)
Engine: 200-hp, 207 lb-ft of torque, 2.0L, 16-valve, DOHC I-4 direct injection turbo
Opt. Engine: 250-hp, 236 lb-ft of torque, 3.2L, 24-valve, DOHC V6
Transmission: 6-spd manual (optional 6-spd twin-clutch sequential)
Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc, ABS, BA
Curb Weight (min w/S Tronic - max): 1,280 - 1,430 kg (4,075 - 4,340 lbs)
Dimensions (L/W/H/WB): 4178 / 1842 / 1352 / 2468 mm (173.4 / 73.9 / 70.9 / 116.0 in)
Seating Capacity: 2+2
Cargo Volume (seats up/down): 290 / 700 L (10.2 / 24.7 cu-ft)
Warranty (mo/km): 48/80,000 km comprehensive
Competitors: BMW Z4, Chevrolet Corvette, Chrysler Crossfire, Infiniti G35 Coupe, Mazda RX-8, Mercedes-Benz CLK/SLK, Pontiac Solstice GXP, Porsche Cayman
Web Site: www.audicanada.ca
