Audi has chosen the 20th anniversary of its TT to reveal the model’s latest evolution – a facelifted third-generation model.
The updated sports car receives a mild redesign, improved equipment levels and a new TT S Black Edition to sit at the top of the range.
To celebrate two decades of TT, there will also be a TT 20 Years model – limited to just 999 models worldwide. It’s set to feature a raft of unique styling details, but Audi isn’t revealing yet how many will be available for the UK – or how much it will cost.
Elsewhere in the range, the TT now receives Audi’s new naming structure. 40 TFSI and 45 TFSI models offer up 194bhp and 245bhp respectively – both from 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engines.
Potent TT S models sit above these, with power set at 302bhp. That’s actually a slight decrease over the previous car’s 306bhp, thanks to a petrol particulate filter to reduce exhaust emissions. However, with a 20Nm improvement in torque, the new TT S will sprint from 0-60mph a tenth of a second quicker than previously. Times for the Coupe and Roadster are set at 4.3 and 4.6 seconds respectively.
Its diesel-powered TT ‘Ultra’ has, however, been axed.
The ‘40’ and ‘45’ models are available with either a six-speed manual gearbox or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic – S models come exclusively with the latter. In terms of drivetrain, ‘40’ models are front-wheel drive only, S models are only available with quattro four-wheel drive, while ‘45’ models split the difference and offer a choice of either.
On the styling front, it really is a case of ‘blink and you’ll miss it’. There’s a new grille with a 3D effect and a single-piece frame, while Audi’s Matrix LED lights are now available. There are also OLED (organic LED) rear lights.
The legend returns to its roots – Audi launches the #NewTTS on the Isle of Man, celebrating the model’s 20 year anniversary with a special media test drive on a closed section of the world-famous TT Mountain Course pic.twitter.com/ihZdSHyFI3
— Audi UK Press Office (@AudiUKPress) July 18, 2018
A selection of new alloy wheels completes the package, alongside three new paint colours – Turbo Blue, Pulse Orange and Cosmos Blue.
The new model is likely to carry over existing trim levels but with improvements to spec. An upgraded version of the once-groundbreaking ‘Virtual Cockpit’ will now feature an optional Sport display, showing drivers their G-force, engine and torque graphs. All TTs will get automatic headlights and wipers, drive select, heated mirrors and a multifunction steering wheel, which on most models will be the sole controller for the infotainment system.
Audi has not revealed pricing for the facelifted TT, but expect a small price increase over the outgoing model’s £28,855 starting price. The facelifted TT will arrive in showrooms towards the end of 2018.
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