Sunday, November 11, 2007

Modern Design: Audi TT

Audi TT

But despite its evolutionary style, this is a ground-up redesign built upon the VW Golf (Rabbit)/Audi A3 chassis. Significant structural enhancements went into the topless two-seat Roadster to make it as fun to drive as the 2+2 hardtop Coupe. Extensive use of aluminum and steel throughout the Roadster chassis banished any dreaded convertible cowl-a mighty feat, given that Audi engineers managed to do this while reducing weight by 300 pounds versus the original Roadster and retaining the same cargo volume as the Coupe.

That's not all the trick stuff, either. The power convertible top (in V-6 models) folds down in a brisk 12 seconds, or roughly twice as long as it takes the sportiest TT to get to 60 mph.

Along with a 200-horsepower direct-injection turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder and a 250-horsepower, 3.2-liter V-6, the TT gets Audi's revolutionary S-tronic dual-clutch transmission and quattro AWD system-though not in all configurations (yet). At the corners, Audi spices up a traditional MacPherson-strut front/multilink rear suspension setup with will plenty of lightweight aluminum and their optional Magnetic Ride Adaptive Damping system.

The new Audi TT is bigger, faster, and more technologically advanced than the groundbreaking icon it replaces. Is this enough to make it Motor Trend's 2007 Car of the Year? Check back here later or pick up our January 2008 issue when it hits newsstands December 4.
Source: motortrend

No comments:

Related Articles