The Audi TT is a 2-door sports car with three generation models. Introduced in 1998, it has remained popular with several generations of sports car enthusiasts.
From the moment of its launch, and now, after more than two decades, it is still turning heads. So what is the story behind this car?
What inspired the Audi TT?
The idea of the Audi TT was first birthed at the Volkswagen Design center in California. Two American designers, J May and Freeman Thomas came up with the exterior design. Freeman Thoams, a Porche enthusiast, definitely borrowed some features from the Porche 911 when dreaming up the Audi TT.
The design team claimed they took inspiration for the interior from every form of art you see around; fashion, music, architecture, sport, and the like. For instance, the shape of the seat was inspired by baseball gloves.
A car racing tradition in England inspired its name. The name of the competition was British Isle of Man Tourist Trophy (TT), which was held in late spring on the Isle of Man. Even in the 1900s when this race started it was considered dangerous. In 1911, the Isle of Man TT transferred to the much longer Snaefell Mountain Course of 37+ miles. The TT race continues, and it is still one of the most dangerous races in the world.
What are the different models?
Audi TT MKI (1998 - 2006)
With the warm welcome the car design (an all-wheel-drive with two seats) received at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1995, Audi first appeared as a concept car. It was produced as a Coupe, then Roadster was created the following year after.
The car’s interior won awards, especially because of its comfortable seats. Its baseball glove shape hugs the driver perfectly, proving that comfy and sporty are not mutually exclusive.
Audi TT Quattro Sports (2005-2006)
In 2005, Audi celebrated 25 years of Quattro and made an Audi TT social edition.
The car was a lighter model of the Audi TT (661 lbs) with a more powerful engine. Its weight reduction resulted from removing the harmonic damper, spare wheel, and rear seats.
Audi TT MK II (2006-2014)
In 2004, Audi TT announced that all their new cars would be made of both aluminum and steel.
The advantage of using aluminum and steel was ensuring a 50-50 weight distribution between the car’s front and rear. The new model increased in length by 5 inches and width by 3 inches. The high-speed was improved rear spoiler that retracted when driven below 50 mph and extended when driven at 75mph or higher.
Other features include:
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Larger track (due to wider wheels)
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The high-tech magnetic ride damper system
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Sport-oriented suspension.
Audi TT MKIII (2014 to present)
Carrying on with the use of Aluminum and steel, this model was a much more improved version with more specifications. The body shape was modified and became lighter, wider, and lower to accommodate higher speed. Check out our Audi TT cars available.
What is the future of the TT?
In 2019, Audi announced that the current TT model would be the last in the model’s lifecycle. Production of this model will cease in 2023. However, there’s hope the TT will be reimagined and modified to be larger, with four doors.
One of the reasons for this change was for the car production to be in line with the declaration of Audi’s carbon-neutral future. So, the Audi TT will need to change to a battery electric vehicles (BEV). No doubt Audi TT enthusiasts will be showing off their classic sports cars at auto shows for years to come.
From the start of its production until now, the Audi TT has made waves with its impressive design and sporty appeal. Even though the TT as we know it will be discontinued, we aren’t underestimating Audi’s ability to surprise us again!
