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It's the coupé that Audi bosses say will run rings around the competition - and in a UK exclusive, Auto Express has driven it first!
The sensational new TT promises to be a massive hit - but while there's no doubt that the designers have done a great job of refining and adapting the classic shape, will the car now be just as good to drive as it is to look at?
With Porsche's Cayman in its sights, the all-new TT is aiming high. While the outgoing model was favoured by style-conscious buyers, the redesigned Audi aims to attract performance fans, too.
And it certainly looks more imposing. Measuring 137mm longer and 78mm wider than before, the TT has lost some of its pure curves and shapes, but it has a more aggressive, purposeful stance.
Inside, designers have taken a similar approach - the two-plus-two cabin has been revamped to offer improved space in the rear seats. Material quality is superb, and while the dials and switches look familiar, the layout is new. The exception is the flat-bottomed steering wheel, borrowed from the RS4, while the gearlever is mounted higher and closer to it for faster shifting.
However, it's hard not to feel a little disappointed when you fire the 3.2-litre V6. The flagship's engine is smooth, and offers plenty of acceleration across the rev range, from 2,200rpm to 6,400rpm, but it's never particularly exciting - even though it delivers an impressive time of only 5.7 seconds for the 0-60mph sprint. A flat-out top speed of 155mph confirms the car's performance credentials, but there's no aggressive sound or rasping exhaust note to emphasise the all-new TT's sporting intentions.
Mated to Audi's six-speed double-clutch DSG transmission, the engine is refined - but the system is a £1,400 option, and doesn't offer a huge performance advantage. We would stick with the six-ratio manual gearbox. Accelerate from a standstill and the throttle response is jerky at first, but it becomes smoother as the revs rise.
A major part of sharpening the new coupé's responses was in re-engineering its structure. As Audi uses its spaceframe design - also seen on the A2 supermini and A8 executive car - the new TT is 50 per cent stiffer than before, and the construction comprises 69 per cent aluminium and 31 per cent steel. As a result, the car is 90kg lighter, and has better weight distribution. The TT has its steel components at the rear, as well as a spoiler which pops up at speed to provide greater grip at the back.
On the road, the result is impressive stability. Also, the steering feels crisper than before, responding more accurately even to the smallest inputs.
The new TT features multi-link axles, and an optional adaptive damper suspension set-up is available. Called Magnetic Ride, this gives a choice of Sport and Comfort modes. Opt for the stiffer setting and body roll is reduced when cornering, for a sportier feel. Comfort offers a greater blend of sharp responses and smooth ride for everyday use. Priced £29,285, the all-wheel-drive flagship will be sold alongside a cheaper 2.0-litre turbo car, available with front or four-wheel drive. Whichever TT you choose, you won't be disappointed.
Jurgen Zoellter
Source = Auto Express
It's the coupé that Audi bosses say will run rings around the competition - and in a UK exclusive, Auto Express has driven it first!
The sensational new TT promises to be a massive hit - but while there's no doubt that the designers have done a great job of refining and adapting the classic shape, will the car now be just as good to drive as it is to look at?
With Porsche's Cayman in its sights, the all-new TT is aiming high. While the outgoing model was favoured by style-conscious buyers, the redesigned Audi aims to attract performance fans, too.
And it certainly looks more imposing. Measuring 137mm longer and 78mm wider than before, the TT has lost some of its pure curves and shapes, but it has a more aggressive, purposeful stance.
Inside, designers have taken a similar approach - the two-plus-two cabin has been revamped to offer improved space in the rear seats. Material quality is superb, and while the dials and switches look familiar, the layout is new. The exception is the flat-bottomed steering wheel, borrowed from the RS4, while the gearlever is mounted higher and closer to it for faster shifting.
However, it's hard not to feel a little disappointed when you fire the 3.2-litre V6. The flagship's engine is smooth, and offers plenty of acceleration across the rev range, from 2,200rpm to 6,400rpm, but it's never particularly exciting - even though it delivers an impressive time of only 5.7 seconds for the 0-60mph sprint. A flat-out top speed of 155mph confirms the car's performance credentials, but there's no aggressive sound or rasping exhaust note to emphasise the all-new TT's sporting intentions.
Mated to Audi's six-speed double-clutch DSG transmission, the engine is refined - but the system is a £1,400 option, and doesn't offer a huge performance advantage. We would stick with the six-ratio manual gearbox. Accelerate from a standstill and the throttle response is jerky at first, but it becomes smoother as the revs rise.
A major part of sharpening the new coupé's responses was in re-engineering its structure. As Audi uses its spaceframe design - also seen on the A2 supermini and A8 executive car - the new TT is 50 per cent stiffer than before, and the construction comprises 69 per cent aluminium and 31 per cent steel. As a result, the car is 90kg lighter, and has better weight distribution. The TT has its steel components at the rear, as well as a spoiler which pops up at speed to provide greater grip at the back.
On the road, the result is impressive stability. Also, the steering feels crisper than before, responding more accurately even to the smallest inputs.
The new TT features multi-link axles, and an optional adaptive damper suspension set-up is available. Called Magnetic Ride, this gives a choice of Sport and Comfort modes. Opt for the stiffer setting and body roll is reduced when cornering, for a sportier feel. Comfort offers a greater blend of sharp responses and smooth ride for everyday use. Priced £29,285, the all-wheel-drive flagship will be sold alongside a cheaper 2.0-litre turbo car, available with front or four-wheel drive. Whichever TT you choose, you won't be disappointed.
Jurgen Zoellter
Source = Auto Express
