History of the Audi TT: The past, the present and the future
Audi launched the first generation TT in the late '90s, now we're on the third generation. Take a look not only at the new one, but where it's come from.
The original Audi TT took the world by storm -- it was a small, good looking sports car that appealed to those with a taste for the aesthetic. Designed by some very talented people (who have gone on to do some stunning stuff -- Peter Schreyer, one of the team who worked on the interior made Kia's EU offerings look the way they do), the TT looked unlike anything else the company had produced.
Based on the Mk IV Golf platform, many didn't find its drive able to match its looks. That said, the 3.2-litre V-6 did make it go effing quick, even if it didn't excite the driver.
Over its life, the TT had a number of engines and even a limited edition Quattro Sport model, which featured rock hard suspension, 237bhp and no rear seats. It was a giggle, mind.
As well as for its stunning design, the Mk I TT will be remembered for something else: its stunning design flaw. Early TTs were very smooth indeed, so smooth that should a driver decide to make a manoeuvre at high speed the car would get a touch...spinny. This, as you'd imagine, wasn't ideal. As a result, Audi recalled the car, adding a boot spoiler (ruining the lines of the car, but not the lives of the drivers), ESP and tweaking suspension. After that it wasn't quite a handful.
In 2006, the Mk I's time was up and the Mk II appeared. Looking like a wonderfully "modern" take on the iconic design, the Mk II was lighter, tighter and all-round quicker. At the time, the buzz wasn't surrounding the range topping 3.2-litre V-6, but the 2.0-litre turbo. The smaller engined car boasted a comparatively modest 197bhp, but it handled just that little bit better, turning the TT in to a proper sports car.
As the Mk II matured it was given a number of powerplants -- everything from lower-powered petrols, to a 2.0-litre diesel all the way to a 355bhp 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbocharged TT RS Plus.
Now, though, in 2014, a new TT is on the loose. Check the video above to see not only what the new car promises to be, but also where it came from.