2005 Audi TT

Features

The production model was launched as a coupé in September 1998, followed by a roadster in August 1999, based on the Volkswagen A platform used for the Volkswagen Golf and the Skoda Octavia. The Audi TT uses a transversely mounted engine with front or Quattro all wheel drive. It was first available with a 1.8 L turbocharged inline four cylinder engine. For the first two years of production (1999-build cars were sold as 2000 models), both front wheel drive and Quattro models featured a 180 hp (134 kW) version of this engine. In 2001, a more powerful Quattro model was released which was equipped with a 225 hp (168 kW) engine which shares the same basic design but features a larger turbocharger, an additional intercooler on the driver’s side, forged connecting rods, a dual exhaust, and a few other internals designed to accommodate the increase in turbo boost from roughly 10 psi peak to 15.

All TT models were recalled in late 1999/early 2000 following concerns over the car’s handling which was considered unstable under high-speed cornering as the result of throttle lift-off oversteer - a number of modifications were made, which were subsequently incorporated into all future examples: rear-wing spoilers were fitted (to reduce lift) and suspension settings were altered (to increase understeer). The original four cylinder engine range was complemented with a 250 hp (186 kW) 3.2 L VR6 in early 2003, which comes with the Quattro 4 wheel drive system. In October, 2004 a new DSG (dual-clutch) gearbox was offered along with a stiffer suspension.

Some expect Audi to reveal the second-generation TT (to be named the Audi Le Mans) in 2005, particularly at the 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show in Frankfurt am Main. In August 2004, Audi announced that the next-generation TT will be made of aluminum and would go into production in 2007 estimated to go on sale for around £70,000. Rumour has it that the chassis will come from the Audi manufactured Lamborghini Gallardo.

Audi has developed the TT with some notable improvements including a 3.2 V6 and achieved a top speed of 155mph, however the handling and steering are considered by BBC’s Top Gear presenter, Jeremy Clarkson, to be "boring". It compares with the Nissan 350Z which has more grip.