Merging the letters...
Merging the letters ST with TDCi would have been unheard of a few years ago. However, following the success of the previous-generation VW Golf GT TDI, the blue oval is keen to create a racy flagship version of its family favourite.
Given the success of...
Given the success of the current model, which is now six years old, the designers have been wary of making too many serious styling changes. The result is a more elegant, stretched version of the TT"s shape, which takes inspiration from the 2003 Nuvolari concept and features the company"s familiar chrome grille.
Replacing such an important model in its line-up is not something the German firm has taken lightly, and the development programme can be traced back to early last year. Auto Express published the first spy shots of the test mule back in issue 798. These revealed the next-generation car"s wider track and longer wheelbase, allowing a more spacious cabin to be created.
As with the current TT, buyers will have a choice of front-wheel drive or an updated version of Audi"s quattro all-wheel-drive transmission. Power is likely to come from the manufacturer"s stable of FSI petrol engines, with the option of a V6 unit in flagship models.
While it was first thought that the car seen here would be unveiled at September"s Frankfurt Motor Show, pride of place on the Audi stand has been reserved for the Q7 off-roader. That means the TT will make its debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March.
The coup탩 and convertible are set to go on sale simultaneously across the Continent in the summer. Right-hand models are due in the UK late next year.