You'd never guess that the
stunning Audi TT is a close relative of the
Volkswagen Golf. Underneath that dramatic body
lurks the platform of VW's Golf, though for the TT, little of the major mechanicals have been
carried over without some modification.
It's Hard to believe when you consider that the
TT started life as a concept. The design, penned
by some of Audi's youngest designers, was not
originally intended for production. However, such
was the public's overwhelming reaction to the
retro-styling of Audi's concept coupe, that the
car was readied for production and launched in
the UK in June 1999. Much of the original design
was kept including its convex nose and tail, big
doors cut into angular sills, flush lamps and
huge front air intakes. The cabin's a delight
too, with strong use of aluminium including
distinctive studded air vents copied from it's
'racing' style fuel filler.
Although it's success has not been without drama,
the TT is almost certainly guaranteed it's place
as a motoring classic.
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| May 1999-Nov 1999 Launched in 2+2 seater
Coupe form, the TT is available with a choice of
two 1.8 turbo power units. The first, a 180 BHP
model with 5 speed gearbox, single rear exhaust
tail pipe and 16" alloy wheels. The second,
a 225 BHP model with 6 speed gearbox, twin rear
exhaust tail pipe and 17" alloy wheels. Both
standard with quattro four wheel drive. Equipment
includes Electronic Climate Control, Leather or
no cost option half leather with 'Alcantara'
inserts, Concert 'Hi Fi', full instrumentation,
remote central locking including tailgate release
and alarm system with engine immobiliser. 'Xenon'
headlamps with wash, heated seats and Drivers
Info System (DIS) are standard on the 225 BHP
model but optional on the 180. Optional extras
for both include metallic paint, Bose sound
system and 6 disc CD autochanger. Colours limited
to Aluminium Silver, Denim Blue (featured right)
or Brilliant black.
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| Nov 1999-Dec 1999 In the light of reports
that the TT's handling could be compromised at
high speed, Audi has introduced a number of
modifications which could be retro fitted to
earlier cars at no cost to their owners. The
suspension is modified with revised damper
settings and a rear spoiler fitted to create more
rear down force. In addition, Audi announce it is
to fit its latest safety device, Electronic
Stability Programme (ESP) to all 2000 spec TT's.
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| Dec 1999-Jan 2000 All new 2 seater roadster
version introduced with a choice of 180 BHP and
225 BHP power units. Specification similar to
Coupe but with additional power soft top and
electric glass wind deflector. Tan 'baseball'
style leather seats with stitching, an option on
Roadster only. Colour choice widened on all
models and other options now include
'Competition' style alloys and cruise control.
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| Jan 2000-June 2000 Audi announce a major
program of retrofitting ESP to all previously
registered models. This entails sending each car
to Germany for a production line style re-fit.
This major work is offered as a no cost
enhancement.
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| June 2000-Sep 2000 In light of lower
European prices, Audi UK announce a price drop of
around £3000 for the TT and offer compensation
to customers who have recently purchased.
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| Sep 2000-Present 2001 year 180 BHP model
is now fitted with a 6 speed gearbox. All models
now available in a much wider colour choice
including 'Lifestyle' colours at premium prices.
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