Paris show: Audi set to stretch TT

A GERMAN automotive publication is reporting that Audi is preparing to reveal a stretched four-door Sportback coupe version of its new TT at the Paris motor show, starting next week.

To back up its claim, Auto Zeitung is showing what appears to be an official-looking sketch of such a concept vehicle in side profile, revealing a long curved roof reminiscent of bigger Audi Sportback models, the A5 and A7.

Audi is on the record as saying it plans to expand the new-generation TT beyond the traditional two-door coupe and roadster variants, having already shown two TT-based concepts, the Allroad Shooting Brake and Offroad.

The Ingostadt company revealed the production soft-top TT Roadster only yesterday (see separate story), confirming it for the Paris extravaganza. It follows the TT Coupe that made its debut at the Geneva show in March.

Auto Zeitung says the TT Sportback is aimed at vehicles such as the Mercedes CLA and “is positioned as a dynamic alternative to Audi A3 sedan”.

It says the TT Sportback concept is 4470mm long – a significant 293mm longer than the TT Roadster revealed yesterday – thus providing “plenty of room for rear passengers” and an even larger boot than the coupe with up to 850 litres of luggage space with the rear seats folded.

The concept is armed with a 294kW version of Audi’s 2.0 TFSI turbo four-cylinder engine. If it goes into production, it will not be until 2017, Auto Zeitung says.