The Audi TT is a small 2-door sports car marketed by Volkswagen Group subsidiary Audi since 1998. It is assembled by the Audi subsidiary Audi Hungaria Motor Kft. in Gy?r, Hungary, using bodyshells manufactured and painted at Audi's Ingolstadt plant for the first two generations and parts made entirely by the Hungarian factory for the third generation.
For each of its three generations, the TT has been available as a 2+2 Coupé and as a two-seater roadster employing consecutive generations of the Volkswagen Group A platform, starting with the A4 (PQ34). As a result of this platform-sharing, the Audi TT has identical powertrain and suspension layouts as its related platform-mates; including a front-mounted transversely oriented engine, front-wheel drive or quattro four-wheel drive system, and fully independent front suspension using MacPherson struts.
Video Audi TT
Origins
The styling of the Audi TT began in the spring of 1994 at the Volkswagen Group Design Center in California. The TT was first shown as a concept car at the 1995 Frankfurt Motor Show. The design is credited to J Mays and Freeman Thomas, with Hartmut Warkuss, Peter Schreyer, Martin Smith and Romulus Rost contributing to the award-winning interior design.
A previously unused laser beam welding adaptation, which enabled seamless design features on the first-generation TT, delayed its introduction. Audi did not initially offer any type of automatic transmission option for the TT. However, from 2003, a dual clutch six-speed Direct-Shift Gearbox (DSG) became available, with the United Kingdom TT variants becoming the world's first user of a dual clutch transmission configured for a right-hand drive vehicle, although the outright world first for a road car equipped with a dual clutch transmission was claimed earlier by a Volkswagen Group platform-mate, the left hand drive Volkswagen Golf Mk4 R32.
Maps Audi TT
Name
The Audi TT takes its name from the successful motor racing tradition of NSU in the British Isle of Man TT (Tourist Trophy) motorcycle race. NSU marque began competing at the Isle of Man TT in 1907 with the UK manager Martin Geiger finishing in fifth position in the single-cylinder race. The 1937 Isle of Man Lightweight TT race was won by Ewald Kluge with a 250cc supercharged DKW motor-cycle and the DKW and NSU companies later merged into the company now known as Audi.
The Audi TT also follows the NSU 1000TT, 1200TT and TTS cars of the 1960s in taking their names from the race.
The TT name has also been attributed to the phrase "Technology & Tradition".
TT Mk1 (Type 8N, 1998-2006)
The production model (internal designation Type 8N) was launched as a Coupé in September 1998, followed by a Roadster in August 1999. It is based on the Volkswagen Group A4 (PQ34) platform as used for the Volkswagen Golf Mk4, the original Audi A3, the ?koda Octavia, and others. The styling differed little from the concept, except for slightly reprofiled bumpers, and the addition of rear quarterlight windows behind the doors. Factory production commenced October 1998.
Early TT models received press coverage following a series of high-speed accidents and the related fatalities which occurred at speeds in excess of 180 kilometres per hour (110 mph) during abrupt lane changes or sharp turns. Both the Coupé and Roadster models were recalled in late 1999/early 2000, to improve predictability of the car's handling at very high speeds. Audi's Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), or Anti Slip Regulation (ASR) and rear spoiler were added, along with suspension modifications. All changes were incorporated into subsequent production.
The original generation Audi TT was nominated for the North American Car of the Year award for 2000. It was also on Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list for 2000 and 2001. By 2003 Audi had provided a "face-lift" to the TT, with a number of small styling and practicality improvements.
Factory production of this generation (2000-2006) ended in June 2006.
Powertrain
Mechanically, the TT shares an identical powertrain layout with its related Volkswagen Group platform-mates. The TT uses a transversely mounted internal combustion engine, with either front-wheel drive, or 'quattro' on-demand four-wheel drive. It was first available with a 1.8-litre inline four-cylinder 20-valve turbocharged engine in two states of DIN-rated power outputs; 180 PS (132 kW; 178 hp) and 225 PS (165 kW; 222 hp). The engines share the same fundamental design, but the 225 PS version features a larger K04 turbocharger (180 PS version came with a smaller K03S), an additional intercooler on the left side (complementing the existing right-side intercooler), larger 20mm wrist-pins, a dual tailpipe exhaust, intake manifold with inlet on driver's side, and a few other internals - designed to accommodate the increase in turbo boost, from roughly 10 pounds per square inch (0.7 bar) peak, to 15 pounds per square inch (1.0 bar). Haldex Traction enabled four-wheel drive, 'branded' as "Quattro" was optional on the 180 engine, and standard on the more powerful 225 version.
The original four-cylinder engine range was complemented with a 250 PS (184 kW; 247 hp) 3.2-litre VR6 engine in early 2003, which came as standard with the quattro four-wheel-drive system. In July 2003, a new six-speed dual clutch transmission - dubbed the Direct-Shift Gearbox (DSG), which improves acceleration through much-reduced shift times, was offered, along with a stiffer suspension.
TT quattro Sport
In 2005, Audi released the Coupé-only limited edition (800 sold in the UK, not the 1000 originally planned) Audi TT quattro Sport (known as the Audi TT Club Sport in Europe). Built by AUDI AG high-performance specialist subsidiary quattro GmbH, it had increased power from its 1.8-litre turbocharged engine - rising to 240 PS (177 kW; 237 hp) and 320 newton metres (236 lbf?ft) of torque - and a reduction in weight of 75 kilograms (165 lb) to 1,390 kilograms (3,064 lb), which allowed for a 0 to 100 kilometres per hour (0.0 to 62.1 mph) time of 5.9 seconds, and an electronically limited top speed of 250 kilometres per hour (155.3 mph).
This weight reduction was achieved by removing the spare wheel, rear harmonic damper, rear parcel shelf and rear seats, and the standard fitment air conditioning. The main battery was also relocated to the rear of the vehicle in order to maintain weight distribution as much as possible. Lightweight fixed-back Recaro bucket seats graced the interior. Distinguishable from other TT Coupés by its two-tone paint scheme (Phantom Black pearl painted roof, pillars and mirror housings, in combination with either Avus Silver, Phantom Black, Mauritius Blue or Misano Red body colour) and unique 18" 15-spoke cast aluminium alloy wheels, plus the same body kit as fitted to the TT 3.2 V6, the TT quattro Sport also featured black exhaust tailpipes and uprated suspension settings and new wheels, ½" wider at the rear for improved handling. The brochure stated V6-spec brakes were to be fitted, however models delivered in the UK came with the standard 225 spec brake callipers which were red-painted.
At the 2014 Geneva Motor Show, Audi presented the new 2014 Audi TT Quattro Sport Concept. It is powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder TFSI engine that can produce 420 horsepower and 331 lb.-ft. of torque. It uses Audi's Quattro AWD system and an S Tronic dual-clutch transmission.
8N engines
The 8N powertrain options consist of the following internal combustion engines and drivelines:
Lawsuits
There were two United States class action lawsuits affecting specific model years of the first generation TT.
On 22 June 2007, Pearson, Simon, Soter, Warshaw & Penny, LLP and the Law Office of Robert L. Starr filed a class action lawsuit against Volkswagen Group of America, alleging that the timing belts for model year 1999-2003 Audi and Volkswagen vehicles equipped with a 1.8-litre turbocharged engine fail prematurely. The vehicles included are the Audi TT, Audi A4 and Volkswagen Passat. The complaint alleged that the timing belts failed prior to the service interval, as stated in the owner's manual. The parties have reached a class-wide settlement, and preliminary approval of the settlement was granted by the court on 19 May 2008.
On 22 May 2008, the U.S. District Court, Northern District of California, entered an order preliminarily approving a nationwide settlement of a class action lawsuit brought by Green Welling LLP, on behalf of all current and prior owners and lessees of 2000-2004, and 2005 model year Audi TTs. The lawsuit and settlement related to allegedly defective instrument clusters, and Audi TT owners are entitled to submit claims for repairs, replacement and/or cash reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses, and all TT owners covered by the suit will receive a two-year extension of their existing four-year warranty (limited to the instrument cluster).
2.7T Quattro gmbH Concept
For the 30th anniversary Quattro gmbH unveiled an Imola Yellow TT that sported a 2.7 Bi-Turbo Engine from a B5 Audi RS4 that produced 280KW (440 Nm @ 2500 RPM) which was manufactured in 2001. This was accomplished by using a B5 RS4 donor car, which included engine, transmission, rear differential, axles, brakes, and wheels from a B5 Avant. Using the RS4 drivetrain, Audi had the ability to utilize a torsen based 6-speed Quattro manual transmission in a car that is normally using a transverse engine layout and Haldex based all wheel drive system.
TT Mk2 (Type 8J, 2006-2014)
In August 2004, Audi announced that the next generation TT will be made of aluminium, and would go into production in 2007. A preview of the second-generation TT was provided in the form of the Audi Shooting Brake concept car, shown at the Tokyo Motor Show in 2005. This concept was an insight into the new TT, but featured angular styling, and a "shooting-brake" two-door hatchback body style.
Audi revealed the second-generation TT, internal designation Type 8J, on 6 April 2006. It is constructed on the Volkswagen Group A5 (PQ35) platform, and uses aluminium in the front bodypanels, and steel in the rear, to enhance its near-neutral front-to-rear weight distribution. It is available in front-wheel drive or 'quattro' four-wheel drive layout, and is again offered as a 2+2 Coupé, and as a two-seater Roadster. Compared to the previous generation, this new variant is five inches longer and three inches wider than its predecessor. Factory production commenced during August 2006.
8J powertrain
The powertrain options initially only included petrol engines, which consist of either one of two inline four-cylinder engines - the all-new 1.8-litre EA888 Turbocharged Fuel Stratified Injection (TFSI) (available initially only in Germany, later elsewhere from mid 2009), or the more common and established EA113-variant 2.0-litre TFSI. The Fuel Stratified Injection (FSI) technology was derived from the Audi Le Mans endurance race cars, and offers improved fuel efficiency as well as an increased power output and cleaner emissions. The 3.2-litre 'V6' badged VR6 engine is carried over from the previous generation, and this engine was also available in the Canadian model. 2.0 TFSI quattro models, with the latest EA888 engine, became available in 2009 model year.
A six-speed manual transmission is standard, with the six-speed Direct-Shift Gearbox (now called "S-TRONIC" on all Audi models) as an option for all engines. Quattro on-demand four-wheel drive, again using the Haldex Traction clutch is available - standard on V6 models, but not available on the 1.8 TFSI.
8J suspension and other features
Like all its PQ35 platform-mates, the new 8J TT now has a multi-link fully independent rear suspension to complement the front independent suspension. The entire suspension system can be enhanced with Audi's new active suspension, "Audi Magnetic Ride", available as an option. This is based on BWI Group's MagneRide, which uses magneto rheological dampers (this means that an electronic control unit for the suspension will automatically adjust its damping properties depending on the current road conditions and driving manner).
The new TT also features a revised rear spoiler which preserves the clean aesthetics of the TT when not raised. The spoiler automatically deploys at speeds greater than 125 kilometres per hour (78 mph) to increase down-force, and retracts again below 80 kilometres per hour (50 mph). The spoiler can also be manually controlled by the driver via a switch on the lower centre console. Manual operation by the switch reverts to automatic operation (i.e.: manual mode is cancelled) if the vehicle speed rises above 125 kilometres per hour.
2.0 TDI quattro
Launched at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show, Audi offered the first diesel engined version of the Audi TT in the European market, the Audi TT 2.0 TDI quattro. As its name indicates, it is only available with quattro, and is also available in Coupé and Roadster versions. Power comes from the new 2.0-litre Turbocharged Direct Injection (TDI) engine, now with 16 valves, double overhead camshaft (DOHC), 1,800-bar (26,110 psi) common rail fuel delivery and eight-hole piezo fuel injectors, which produces a DIN-rated output of 125 kilowatts (170 PS; 168 bhp) at 4,200 revolutions per minute (rpm) and torque of 350 newton metres (258 lbf?ft) at 1,750 to 2,500 rpm. It includes a six-speed manual transmission.
Acceleration from standstill to 100 kilometres per hour (62.1 mph) on the Coupé is achieved in 7.5 seconds, and it will go on to reach a top speed of 226 kilometres per hour (140.4 mph). The slightly less aerodynamically efficient Roadster reaches 100 km/h in 7.7 seconds, with a top speed of 223 kilometres per hour (138.6 mph).
Audi claim average fuel consumption for the Coupé variant with this 2.0 TDI engine is 5.3 litres per 100 kilometres (53.3 mpg-imp; 44.4 mpg-US), which achieves a CO2 emissions rating of 139 gram/km. The Roadster TDI achieves an average 5.5 litres per 100 kilometres (51.4 mpg-imp; 42.8 mpg-US) and CO2 of 144 gram/km.
TT S-Line
As an additional package a standard Audi TT can be bought from factory with a special body kit upgrade to make it look like the Audi TT-RS version. The upgrade includes a fixed rear spoiler, and Alcantara/leather sports seats (Silk Nappa, Fine Nappa leather optional).
TTS
At the 2008 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, Audi released the first Audi "S" model of the TT range - the Audi TTS quattro, with a heavily revised 2.0 TFSI engine. The cylinder block, cylinder head and the fuel injectors have all been modified from the base 2.0 TFSI engine (ID: CDL). Together with other modifications, this engine produces a DIN-rated motive power output of 200 kilowatts (272 PS; 268 bhp), and generates a torque of 350 newton metres (258 lbf?ft) from 2,500 to 5,000 rpm.
It was available with a choice of either a six-speed close-ratio manual transmission, or a six-speed 'S tronic' transmission. In the United States, the S tronic gearbox was the only available transmission. Like all Audi "S" models, it was only available with quattro four-wheel drive as standard.
The suspension was lowered by 10 millimetres (0.4 in) over the standard models, and includes "Audi Magnetic Ride" as standard and a new two-stage sports-biased Electronic Stability Programme (ESP). Radially ventilated front disc brakes are clamped by a single-piston gloss black caliper emblazoned with a bold TTS logo, and a lap timer is prominent in the centre of the instrument cluster. 9Jx18" '5-parallel-spoke' design alloy wheels are standard, with 245/40 ZR18 high-performance tyres. 19" '5-spoke star' wheels and tyres are optional. The exterior has some changes over the standard model - with a TTS body styling: with redesigned front, with larger air intakes, redesigned rear bumper, side sill extensions, and four exhaust tailpipes.
Official performance figures for the sprint from standstill to 100 kilometres per hour (62.1 mph) for the TTS Coupé can be reached in 5.4 seconds, with the Roadster two-tenths slower at 5.6 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 250 kilometres per hour (155 mph).
Audi UK offered eight TTS cars for official use by the race organisers at the 2008 Isle of Man TT motorcycle races.
The car went on sale in the USA at November 2008.
In 2014, at the International Motor Show in Geneva, Audi unveiled the new TTS model for the 2016 model year, alongside the standard 2016 Audi TT model. Both models are planned to go on sale in the beginning of 2015.
TT Clubsport quattro concept
Audi displayed a new show car variant of the second generation Audi TT - the Audi TT Clubsport quattro, at the 2008 Wörthersee Tour at Pörtschach am Wörthersee in Austria. Shown only in an open-topped 'speedster' variant, its 2.0 TFSI engine has been tuned to give 221 kilowatts (300 PS; 296 bhp). The soft-top on the standard TT Roadster has been deleted, and replaced with two 'humps', along with two substantial roll bars. LED daytime running lamps, an aggressive body kit with large frontal air intakes, black-painted 'single frame grille' and a lower spoiler lip complete the new look from the front. The axle track has been widened by 66 millimetres (2.6 in), with bolder and wider wheel arch extensions, polished 19-inch alloys, wider side sills and 255-section tyres are the highlight of the side profile. At the rear, twin polished stainless steel oval tail pipes exit aside a new rear diffuser.
Racing bucket seats, along with lightweight aluminium detail complete the interior look, and a six-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission with quattro four-wheel drive and TTS spec brakes (340 millimetres (13.4 in) up front, and 310 millimetres (12.2 in) at the rear) complete the mechanicals.
Whilst the TT Clubsport quattro is primarily a 'show car', Audi has not ruled out the possibility of small-scale production.
TT RS
With its world debut at the 2009 Geneva Auto Show, and developed by Audi's high-performance subsidiary quattro GmbH at Neckarsulm, Audi released the first ever compact sports car Audi "RS" model - the Audi TT RS, which was available from 2009 in Coupé and Roadster variants. The TT RS featured an all-new 2.5-litre engine transverse five-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine. This new 183 kilograms (403 lb) engine produces a DIN-rated motive power output of 250 kilowatts (340 PS; 335 bhp) from 5,400 to 6,700 rpm, and torque of 450 newton metres (332 lbf?ft) at 1,600-5,300 rpm.
Ever since the original Audi "RS" model - the Audi RS2 Avant - all Audi "RS" models were assembled at the quattro GmbH factory in Neckarsulm, Germany. The TT RS is the first Audi RS vehicle that will not have any of its assembly performed in Neckarsulm but will be completely assembled in the Audi factory in Gy?r, Hungary, alongside the base Audi TT.
The TT RS has a new short-shift close-ratio six-speed manual transmission, and like all "RS" models, is only available with Audi's 'trademark' quattro four-wheel-drive system, with the TT RS using a specially adapted version of the latest generation multi-plate clutch from Haldex Traction. Additions to the quattro system include a constant velocity joint before the cardan propeller shaft, and a compact rear-axle differential - upgraded to cope with the increased torque from the five-cylinder turbo engine.
Like the TTS, the TT RS has a 10 millimetres (0.4 in) lower ride height, optional "Audi Magnetic Ride", and rides on standard 18-inch wheels with 245/45 ZR18 tyres (optional 19" or 20" wheels are also available). The brakes are upgraded to include two-piece cross-drilled and radially vented front discs, sized at 370 millimetres (14.6 in) in diameter. The front discs are clamped by gloss black painted four-piston calipers, adorned with the RS logo. Rear ventilated discs are sized at 310 millimetres (12.2 in) in diameter.
It includes a fixed rear spoiler (retractable optional), and has black interior with heated Alcantara/leather sports seats (Silk Nappa, Fine Nappa leather optional). The Recaro "RS bucket" seats, first seen in the Audi B7 RS4 are also available as an option. Also carried over from the B7 RS4 is the 'Sport' button, which sharpens the throttle response and deepens the exhaust note, and a three-stage user-selectable Electronic Stability Programme (ESP).
Official performance figures indicate the TT RS Coupé will accelerate from standstill to 100 kilometres per hour (62.1 mph) in 4.5 seconds (4.7 seconds for the Roadster), with an electronically limited top speed of 250 kilometres per hour (155.3 mph). There is a factory option to de-restrict the top speed to 280 kilometres per hour (174.0 mph). The Coupé has a kerb weight of 1,450 kilograms (3,197 lb), and the Roadster weighs in at 1,510 kilograms (3,329 lb).
As of 2010 the TT-RS is available with the 7-speed DSG automatic transmission capable of handling the torque delivered by the engine. The 6-speed gearbox used in the TT-S cannot cope with 450 newton metres (332 lbf?ft) which is why the TT-RS initially was offered only with a manual transmission.
The car went on sale in March 2009, with delivery beginning in summer.
In 2010, the TT-RS was confirmed for the US market. The decision was influenced by an internet petition to bring the TT-RS stateside, which succeeded with over 11,000 signatures. The TT-RS arrived in Q3 2011 as a 2012 model.
In 2012, the TT RS plus was launched. It featured the uprated version of the TT RS' engine that had originally been developed for the RS Q3 concept car; this version of the engine produces 355 hp (265 kW; 360 PS) at 5500 rpm, and 343 lb?ft (465 N?m) of torque at 1650 rpm. As a result of this power increase, Audi claimed that the 0-62 mph time had decreased to 4.3 seconds for the manual version, and 4.1 seconds for the S-tronic version. In addition to this, Audi raised the top speed limiter, with the TT RS plus being restricted to 174 mph (280 km/h).
8J engines
The 8J powertrain options consist of the following internal combustion engines and drivelines:
Audi was reported to stop offering 3.2-litre V6 (VR6) models in North America from 2010 model year.
8J awards
The second generation TT has been honoured with many awards, including the inaugural Drive Car of the Year, Top Gear Coupé of the Year 2006, Fifth Gear Car of the Year 2006, Autobild Most Beautiful Car, and World Design Car of the Year 2007, as well as being a finalist for World Car of the Year. In addition, an HPA-prepared version of the car was the winner of the SEMA Gran Turismo Award in 2007.The Audi TT has been the What Car? best Coupe of the Year for six consecutive years since 2007.
TT Mk3 (Type FV/8S, 2014-)
Like its predecessor, the Audi TT FV/8S was previewed in the form of the Audi Allroad Shooting Brake concept car, shown at the Detroit Motor Show in 2014.
Audi revealed the third generation TT at the Geneva Motor Show 2014. This model uses the Volkswagen Group MQB platform, and is available with a choice of TFSI and TDI engines. The 2.0 TFSI is available in two versions: a version producing 169 kW (230 hp) & 370 Nm (272.90 lb-ft) of torque in the TT and 228 kW (310 hp) & 380 Nm (280.27 lb-ft) of torque in the TTS. A 2.0 TDI producing 135 kW (184 hp) and 380 Nm (280.27 lb-ft) of torque is also available as an option for the TT. The TFSI engines are available with quattro all wheel drive. The TDI comes in front wheel drive configuration. The 2017 TT RS made a global debut at the Beijing Motor Show in April 2016.
The interior of the third generation Audi TT is notable for its HVAC design, featuring temperature and airflow controls that are embedded in the air-vents themselves, hence improving ergonomics.
TT RS
In 2016, the MQB-based Audi TT RS coupé and roadster were announced with the five-cylinder 2.5 litre TFSI engine now producing 400PS (394.5 bhp) and 480Nm (354 ft-lbs) of torque between 1,700 and 5,850 rpm. Audi's all-wheel drive quattro system remains and the only transmission option is the 7-speed S tronic automatic gearbox.
Motorsport
In auto racing, the Istook's Motorsports team has currently entered a Revo Technik-sponsored Audi TT in the Grand-Am KONI Sports Car Challenge Street Tuner (ST) class.
Under the racing name of RS Werkes, Istook's Motorsports out of Fort Worth, Texas, built and raced the first TT RS brought into the United States in the Grand Am GS class in 2012, 2013 and 2014.
An Audi TT RS was used in 2009 24 Hours of Le Mans race as safety car.
The Abt Sportsline team entered a TT into the DTM, and Laurent Aïello took the title in 2002. Istook's Motorsports has also raced the TT in SCCA's World Challenge race series. Because of their racing involvement, they received the first U.S. Version of the TT-RS in July 2011.
Audi TT Offroad
The Audi TT Offroad Concept was unveiled as an SUV concept version of the Audi TT at the 2014 Auto China.
Literature
- Lewandowski, Jürgen, Staretz, David, Völker, Herbert: Das TT Buch. Delius Klasing, Bielefeld 1999, ISBN 3-7688-1117-4.
- Ruppert, James: Audi TT - The complete Story. The Crowood Press, Marlborough 2003, ISBN 1-86126-585-9 (in englisch)
- Maxeiner, Dirk, Lewandowski, Jürgen, Vann, Peter: Excittement - Die neue Generation des Audi TT. Delius Klasing, Bielefeld 2006, ISBN 3-7688-1881-0.
- Kraus-Weysser, Folker: Audi TT. Steiger, Augsburg 1999, ISBN 3-89652-189-6
See also
- Audi S and RS models
References
External links
- Audi.com - international Audi brand portal
- Audi TT lounge - official Audi TT international microsite (dead link)
- In Depth: The New (2006) Audi TT Coupé, from AudiWorld.com
- Audi TT 2.7T B5 RS: The unknown prototype, from fourtitude.com
Source of article : Wikipedia
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