You're looking at the 2007 Audi TT, mostly. The next TT will be aluminum-bodied and pick up many of the design cues of the production-ready Shooting Brake concept revealed at the Tokyo Show. The question is: Will the new TT be a wagonlike hatchback like the Shooting Brake (a British coach-building term for a sport two-door wagon) or hatchback coupe like the current car? Will there be a roadster?
The answer, according to insiders, is yes, yes, and yes. The new TT, codenamed AU354, is due on sale in the third quarter of 2006. The roadster version will go on sale a year later and may come with vestigial rear seats. The Shooting Brake is expected to follow that.
Higher-performance TTS and TTRS models will follow about 2008, with the TTRS's turbocharged 3.2-liter V-6 making up to 350 horsepower. Audi is reportedly planning to double TT volume to about 65,000 buyers worldwide. Meanwhile, the Tokyo Shooting Brake concept features a raft of high technology that'll find its way into production. Let's have a look.
Talking points
- Dimensions: At 164.6 inches overall, the Shooting Brake is nearly half a foot longer than the current TT coupe. It's slightly narrower (72.4 inches) and barely taller, at 53.1 inches.
- Hood: The 250-horsepower, 3.2-liter V-6 carries on and is the Shooting Brake concept's engine. In the next TT, the 200-horse FSI turbo four replaces the old 225-horse 1.8T. Again, the next TT will share the A3/VW Golf platform.
- Nose: Hope you like Audi's signature single-frame radiator grille by now because the TT gets it next, though happy to say without the giant vertical bars.
- Headlamps: LED low beams are described as an open pinecone; high beams are blossom-shaped.
- Under nose: An aluminum diffuser guides airflow beneath the car.
- Under car: MacPherson struts up front, multilink rear. Magneto-rheological fluid in the dampers applies voltage (like GM's system) to adjust the suspension between sport and ride-comfort modes.
- At dash-to-axle point: Steering is electromechanical with speed-dependent power assist.
- Wheels: The 19-inch double-spoke wheels are from Audi's quattro tuner company and are similar to the RS4's.
- Rear side: Note wide C-pillar, prominent rear end.
- Tail: Horizontal rear lights wrap around to the sides and are designed to accent the horizontal divide along the car's tail. The hatch lid extends well into the roof for a wider, taller opening. Dual exhaust pipes are large.
- Taillamps: LEDs cast light onto the reflector, distribute it back to the rear through a double-cloverleaf-shaped mask for an unmistakable appearance.
- Interior: Low seat position, high center console, short shift lever.