WINDHOEK – The all-new Audi TT is set to make its appearance in the local Audi dealership in the coming months, boasting a new lean and muscular body with a low stance. At 4.18 metres, the car is almost exactly the same length as its predecessor, though its wheelbase has grown by 37 mm to 2 505 mm, making for especially short overhangs. It is 1 832 mm wide, and has the same height as the previous model at 1 353 mm.
The front wheel arch breaches the line of the bonnet, which continues over the door as a tornado line and runs almost horizontally through to the tail as a strong body shoulder. Its rear design and twin tailpipes are also positioned closer to the middle of the vehicle, reminiscent of the first generation Audi TT.
The front of the new TT is dominated by horizontal lines. The three-dimensional Singleframe grille is much broader and flatter than that of the previous model, with a powerful line dividing it into two zones. Starting in the top corners of the grille, sharp contours run in a V across the bonnet, which bears the four Audi rings – as on the Audi R8. The air intakes feature struts that direct part of the flow away from the front to the flanks.
Xenon plus headlights are standard, and Audi can optionally provide LED headlights or Audi Matrix LED headlights, where the high beam is generated by controllable individual LEDs. The LED headlights and Matrix LED headlights also include dynamic turn signals.
The biggest revolution is in the interior of the new Audi TT. As with the exterior, horizontal lines and surfaces emphasize the width while clear and purist lines underscore both the lightness and the uncompromising sportiness of the Audi TT’s interior. Two other ingenious design and technically innovative tricks enabled the designers to create an instrument panel that is the first of its kind. The instrument cluster and the MMI screen have been combined to form a central, digital unit – the Audi virtual cockpit.
In addition, the controls for the air conditioning system are positioned directly in the air conditioning vents. Seat heating, temperature, direction, air distribution and air flow strength controls are located at their center, while the setting selected is shown on small displays in the air conditioning system.
The Audi Virtual Cockpit is a fully digital instrument cluster, which sets new standards with its dynamic animations and precise graphics. Drivers can choose between two display modes: In the classic view, the speedometer and rev counter are in the foreground; in “infotainment” mode the virtual instruments are smaller. The space that becomes free as a result provides ample room for other functions, such as the navigation map.
The intelligence of Quattro Drive – the software that determines precisely the possible torque distribution between the front and rear axles – is a completely new development especially for the TT. The innovative control philosophy continuously senses the ambient conditions, driving status and the driver’s wishes. This means that the ideal distribution of torque is calculated and the TT’s dynamic drive characteristics enhanced in every situation.
The new Audi TT Coupé will be priced between N$558 000 and N$642 000 with the 5 year/100 000km Audi Freeway Plan.