1 Feb 2015
AUDI’S third-gen TT Coupe landed in Australia in February 2015, offering a slightly shorter, lighter and better-equipped version of the iconic German design icon that came before.
Initially the same (169kW output) 2.0 TFSI four-cylinder petrol engine powered all three variants on offer, in front-drive manual, front-drive S-tronic dual-clutch auto and quattro all-wheel drive S-tronic.
Retaining the same iconic design, but improving technology and driveability, were the Mk3 TT’s central objectives. From 1230kg for the base vehicle, TT 3’s lost 50 kilograms, and again employs the previous Aluminium Space Frame tech with the majority of the body being built in aluminium.
Underneath, the Audi adopts the Volkswagen Group’s MQB modular architecture (with elements shared with the Golf 7 and related A3), but boasts unique chassis and passenger cell components featuring high to ultra-high strength steel for maximum rigidity. Aluminium is used for the MacPherson strut front and four-link independent rear suspension components.
The variable ratio electric rack and pinion steering system is completely new, offering ‘progressive steering’ responses ranging from 14.0:1 ratio to less than 10.1:1.
The EU6-rated 1984cc, 2.0-litre, direct-injection twin camshaft 16-valve four-cylinder petrol engine delivers 169kW of power between 4500 and 6500rpm, as well as 370Nm of torque from 1600 to 3400rpm.
Among the interior’s highlights is a ‘virtual cockpit’ with all electronic dials, sat-nav, vehicle control and multimedia data displayed within the instrumentation pod. An aeronautical inspired dashboard offers airplane wing motifs taking in the turbine-style air vents, while other changes include more cabin space due to the wheelbase stretch, an electronically controlled park brake, ‘3D’ toggle switches, and a next-generation MMI rotary pushbutton controller.
A TT Mk3 Convertible is set for the second quarter of 2015.
