Audi's TT Coupe has materialised. The first
official photographs of the divinely inspired European dream rnachine have been released
bthe company's headquarters in Ingolstadt.
 Minor
modifications have been made to the original design concept. namely the addition of a
rear-quarter window. Audi's designers have deliberately kept technical
alterations to a minimum in a conscious effort to preserve the fascination of the show
car, first unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1995.
This bold. passionate and uncorventional coupe, which
will be launched in Australia during the first half of next year, is based on a modified
version of Audi's popular A3 1.8-litre Turbo platform - a car which has received nothing
but very high praise from Australian and international media.
"The new Audi TT 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 Coupe is in the enviable position of having already achieved the status of a
timeless classic even before it's launch," said managing director of Audi in
Australia, Mr Matthias Seidl.
"For these drivers the new TT Coupe represents an innovative piece of automobile
culture that meets their own exacting standards.The car inspires driving enjoyment. It
prefers acceleration to top speed, and agility to aggression. It also means that
travelling to your destination is more fun than arriving."
 Supreme
driving pleasure will be assured by the modified four-cylinder, 1.8 litre turbocharged
powerplant which boasts Audi's market-leading five-valves-per-cylinder technology.
The TT Coupe displays an impressive power output of 132
kW and pumps out 235 Nm of torque between 1950 and 4700 rpm. Top speed is 225 kmh and the
curvaceous coupe hits 100 kmh after just 7.4 seconds.
A range-topping 165 kW (225 bhp) powerplant with 280 Nm of torque will become available
toward the end of 1999/early 2000. A 'top-down' roadster version will also be launched
around the same time.
"Customers will have the opportunity to place orders for this cult car when pricing
is confirmed in autumn 1998. However, we anticipate that the TT Coupe will be under
$100,000 when launched in Australia next year," Mr Seidl said.
As expected, the-TT Coupe will have a sophisticated suspension package which has been
specifically developed and tuned to meet the strenuous demands of sports car driving and
safety, including MacPherson strut front suspension.
The design of the four large discs with antilock brakes and Audi's electronic brake force
distribution have also been conceived \vith sporting performance in mind.
Wheels and ty'res are an obvious feature of this Bauhaus-inspired vehicle, hence the use
of 16-inch cast aluminium wheels which amply fill the wheel housing and provide the
necessary road adhesion on a vehicle which aleadv features one of the widest tracks in its
class.
In accordance with Audi's high safety standards, the TT Coupe carries a high level of
safety equipment on top of the quattro active safetv system. Equipment includes two front
and two side airbags as well as pyrotechnic front seat belt restraints.
The TT fulfils both current and anticipated European side and frontal impact crash
requirements. The vehicle's body shell structure has been given super-rigid status due to
a tubular steel construction in the region of the seat cross member which acts as an
additional cross bracing of the door post.
Purism oozes from every line and curve of the cult coupe's 4.04m long, 1.86m wide and
1.35m high two-plus-two seater low-slung body. The interior has likewise been
purpose-built for functionality, but is at the same time far from spartan or lacking in
personality.
"Perfection is synonymous with simplicity in the TT Coupe. But simplicity does not
mean monotony. It means concentrating on a clear concept, an organic form, on clean
lines," said Matthias Seidl.
"It also means paying close attention to detail,
such as the use of a quick-access petrol filler similar to that used in motor sport, which
will please those drivers who don't have a pit crew on hand for refuelling."
The cockpit is stylish and elegant, and the generous use of aluminium and Alcantara
leather as standard sees the interior working in perfect harmony with the
partially-aluminium exterior. The instrument panel is clear and uncluttered, with
fascinating optics and no superfluous dials or gadgets which can be found in the more
conventional German luxury marques.
Cockpit controls are responsive, perfectly positioned to suit the driving posture and are
made of tactile, attractive materials which beg to be handled. Even the aluminium radio
cover has been designed for functionality and form - because great music doesn't have to
be seen to be heard or appreciated.
The TT Coupe has a roomy luggage area which can be extended by folding down one or both
halves of the split-fold rear seats xvithout restricting the function of the adjustable
front seats. The elegant rear hatch extends from the roof of the vehicle down to the
bumper.
The Audi TT Coupe is built in the company's new production facility in Gyor,
Hungary, where Audi's high-tech five-valve engines are produced. Around
30.000 cars are expected to be built per year.
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