At the Sydney International Motor Show late last month, Audi in Australia announced that it would take signed orders tbr the stunning coupé, with a deposit on each vehicle.The level of public interest shown in the TT Coupé was exceedingly positive, with 100 people already making the commitment to purchase the vehicle.

Orders for the TT Coupé have been taken on a first come, first served basis according to managing director. Mr Matthias Seidl.

"The first TT Coupés for Australia have now been ordered in production, meaning the first shipment of vehicles will arrive mid next year," Mr Seidl said.

"All orders taken up to the present day have been numbered by our dealer network and will be matched on a first ordered, first supplied system.

"We anticipate that there may be a waiting list for the TT next year as demand is expected to outstrip supply. Already we have had many more enquiries than we would ever be able to fill, and with 100 firm orders already taken in just one month, we expect to pre-sell our full complement of vehicles before this year is out.

"We are encouraging our customers to finalise their decision to purchase and place an order with their Audi dealer as soon as possible, to increase the likelihood that the vehicle will be delivered in 1999," Mr Seidl said.

The new Audi TT Coupé is aimed at men and women who are technology and performance-oriented, and who want to make their mark in an unmistakable and ultra-modern car.

The TT Coupé is in the enviable position of having already achieved the status of a timeless classic in Australia, even before its local launch.

Audi will initially launch the 132kW 1.8-1itre Turbo TT Coupé mid-1999, priced around $75,000.