Audi lifts the lid on fresh TT
BY TIM NICHOLSON | 19th Jul 2018
JUST one day after teasing its refreshed TT sportscar, Audi has revealed some official details of updates to its coupe and convertible range, including styling tweaks and upgraded on-board technology.
Audi Australia has confirmed a first-half 2019 launch for the refreshed model, a few months after the European debut in the fourth quarter.
The update is timed to coincide with the 20th anniversary of the original TT in 1998.
Audi has increased the standard equipment offering for the updated third-generation TT from the base variant up, which now includes the Audi drive select system, automatic wipers and headlights, heated exterior mirrors, the multifunction steering wheel ‘plus’ that includes infotainment and voice control buttons and an illuminated USB port.
The already standard Audi Virtual Cockpit digital instrument cluster gains a new sports display that shows engine output, torque and g-forces.
Exterior styling changes are limited but include a new version of the Singleframe grille.
S line versions gain a full-length front splitter, vertical air inlets, titanium black grille, side sills and a wider rear diffuser with vertical air inlets under the tail-lights.
The S line also gains three new colours – cosmos blue, pulse orange and turbo blue.
Audi has not yet revealed the full extent of the mechanical updates for the TT, but it is expected to get a slight power bump over the existing model.
The company has confirmed that all updated engines will be fitted with a new particulate filter to help meet stricter emissions standards, and that the dual-clutch automatic transmission has grown from six speeds to seven.
In some international markets, Audi has dropped the diesel and base 1.8-litre turbo-petrol engine variants, which were not offered in Australia. Overseas reports have suggested that the decision could have been related to changes to the World-harmonised Light-vehicle Testing Procedure (WLTP).
The current Australian-spec TT is powered by a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine producing 169kW/370Nm. It is paired with either a six-speed manual or automatic.
The sportier TT S uses an uprated version of the same engine, pumping out 210kW/380Nm, while the fire-breathing TT RS is powered by a 298kW/480Nm five-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
