Preview: 2015 Audi TT

2015 Audi TT. Click image to enlarge

We’re shown the clay model that inspired the latest TT – a process that takes two years and a team of selected designers to refine.  From sketch to CAD drawing to final “optic” clay model, there is “always a human being behind it”.   Each component of the car is handcrafted and the model is viewed in natural light in an open courtyard before moving ahead.

The new car is the shortest version of the MQB platform at 2,505 mm, but is 37 mm longer than its predecessor. Like the previous car, it’s built on a version of Audi’s space frame – a mostly aluminum shell with hot stamped, high-strength steel forming floors and bulkhead.  This, along with other weight-saving measures, helps shave 50 kg off the TT’s weight, while making it 23 percent stiffer.

While other markets will receive a diesel, possibly in a front-wheel drive configuration, North American models will feature the 2.0L TFSI with a power bump to 230 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. The TTS-badged cars have been tweaked to produce 310 hp and 280 lb-ft with a 0–100 km/h time of 4.7 seconds.  Details on the possibility of the potent TT RS are as yet unavailable.

It’s possible we’ll get a six-speed manual gearbox, however it’s unlikely we’ll receive the front-wheel-drive models available to Europe. North Americans will be restricted to a reworked version of the Quattro all-wheel-drive system and six-speed S tronic transmission.

Inside is a much more sophisticated cabin than TTs past, devoted not only to driver comfort, but convenience and simplicity.  Where the original 1995 TT show car boasted only a tape deck and CD player, the new TT has two 64-GB SD card slots and an 11-GB hard drive.

The designers refer to the new cockpit as “tidy minimalism – a symbiosis of tech and design” providing a sporting driver interface.

The heart of this is the virtual display – a 12.3-inch hexagonal display that Audi describes as the new benchmark – providing 1,440 x 540 resolution via two Nvidia processors. [Yeah, but can it run Crysis? –Ed.]

The display incorporates gauges, relevant information and navigation guidance rendered in beautifully crisp colour.

2015 Audi TT. Click image to enlarge

The redesigned MMI system has been greatly streamlined, cutting out the endless shuffling through pages in an effort to reduce driver distraction.  There’s easy-to-use voice recognition, and the main control knob is now touch-sensitive –using a finger, the driver can scribble the first couple of letters and the system uses optical recognition for quick access to phone lists, destinations or favourite genres of music.

Advanced headlights are an integral part of the premium German auto market. BMW is developing a laser system and Mercedes-Benz has come up with one that swivels to follow bends in the road and illuminate pedestrians and obstacles.

Audi has countered with its new “Matrix” LED lighting system which functions similarly, but has no moving parts. Comprised of some 25 different segments containing small diodes, lenses and reflectors, these slick headlights automatically deactivate certain portions when oncoming traffic is detected. Like the Mercedes system, the Matrix headlights work with the car’s sensors, cameras and GPS systems to warn of pedestrians and animals at night, and to anticipate corners and adapt accordingly.

Brilliant, right? (No pun intended)

But just like the Mercedes-Benz system – these intuitive new headlights aren’t legally approved in North America. It seems almost ludicrous that a safety innovation with no apparent downside wouldn’t be welcomed with open arms – but that’s what happens when innovations move faster than lumbering bureaucracy.

As consolation there are some 15 driver-assist systems on board, including adaptive cruise control, lane assist, park assist, night vision and head-up display. We’ll retain the current LED headlights with automatic cornering.

There’s no word yet on pricing. While the TT is likely to arrive in Europe late fall as a 2015 model, it will probably get here sometime late next spring – perhaps as a 2016.