Geneva show: Audi warms up new TT

AUDI is getting set to peel back the secrecy from its new-generation TT sportscar in a three-pronged new-model blitz at next month's 2014 Geneva motor show.

A concept of the third-generation two-door sports machine is expected to be sprung on the Audi stand alongside the new A3 Cabriolet and S1 Quattro hot hatch.

The soft-top A3 and baby S1 – the new flagship of the A1 range – have been revealed in official pre-show images and confirmed for Australia, but the TT has been kept under wraps.

While the A3 Cabrio will lob here in June and the S1 is due in the third quarter of this year, the new TT is not due to go into production until late this year, with Australian sales expected in 2015.

European speculation suggests the new TT will be built on the Volkswagen Group's modular MQB platform that underpins the new Audi A3 and Volkswagen Golf, among others.

The TT is again expected to come in coupe and soft-top roadster forms, but Audi has hinted that it will not stop there, with potential for a rugged sports crossover vehicle as foreshadowed by the Allroad Shooting Brake Concept at the recent Detroit motor show. A hybrid powertrain is also a possibility.

The Allroad Concept boasted a hybrid powertrain – dubbed E-tron Quattro – combining a 215kW/380Nm four-cylinder turbo petrol engine with two electric motors – one integrated into the dual-clutch transmission driving the front wheels and a second mounted on the rear axle driving the rear wheels. The system is said to propel the Allroad to 100km/h in 4.6 seconds.

Combined peak power is 300kW, while maximum torque is 650Nm – well above the power and torque of the current most powerful TT, the 265kW/465Nm five-cylinder turbocharged TT RS.

It is unclear if that much-awarded five-cylinder engine will make the cut in the new model, but Audi's new 2.0-litre turbo-charged four-cylinder engine due out soon in the 170kW S1 almost certainly will, along with lesser petrol and diesel four cylinder engines.

What is certain is that the new TT will have a ground-breaking new electronic dash, as previewed at the recent Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

The large 12.3-inch screen is shifted from the usual position in the central dash to directly in front of the driver. The screen is flanked by the usual speedo and tacho, which can be adjusted electronically for size.

The design frees up dash space for a cleaner look.

The TT is likely to feature lightweight panels, perhaps of aluminium or carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic to improve performance and reduce fuel.

The current TT range is priced from $69,350 (plus on-toad costs) to $139,900 for the TT RS, with Roadster variants starting at $72,800.

Also at Geneva, the A3 Cabriolet will continue the rollout of the small-car range that so far includes the five-door Sportback, sedan and S3.

The new model, to be priced from $47,300, gives Audi an entrant against the like of the BMW 1 Series Convertible and Mini Cooper Cabrio.

Details of launch timing, range and pricing for Australia are expected to be rolled out by Audi Australia after the Geneva show.