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The New Audi TT: Designed to Thrill
The introduction of the TT in 1998 started a whole new generation of sports coupe models. The Audi TT certainly broke all the norms and became a huge success worldwide. The TT becomes a benchmark for other automakers like Nissan and BMW.
Last week Audi SA introduced the new TT which Walter da Silva, Head of Design at Audi AG describes as "a thorough evolution of its predecessor." The new TT retains the lines which separates the original from its rivals. It also has a more refined and intense appearance. The front of the TT with its trapezoidal grille and prominent four rings reflect the latest corporate image of the German premium brand. The headlights have a more purposeful slant to them come to think it the term purposeful perfectly describes the TT. It has also more pronounced shoulders which are much better compared to what its predecessors have. The bonnet is also made sleeker and smoother enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of the sports car.
The new Audi TT has slightly steeper A-pillars compared to the old model and therefore provides better visibility plus, adds more space within the cabin making access to the vehicle easier. A new dramatic light clusters that features a square LED setup at the rear makes the car extremely visible at night and while braking. Unlike previous model, the new TT is provided with a rear spoiler that is discreetly fitted but designers think that a retractable version is more appropriate so as not to spoil the lines.
Two models are available at this time although the automaker has confirmed that more powerful versions are going to be introduced including the Roadster in June. The 2.0T which was voted as Engine of the Year in its class for the last two years delivers 147kW and can accelerate to 100km/h in just 6.4 seconds. It is available in both Manual and S-Tronic versions. The 2.0T is a remarkable car to drive with reasonable soundtrack from the exhaust and provides some great thrills on the open road.
The 2.0T is going to be available in showrooms for just R352,000 which is a great price considering the fact that the outgoing model with only a 1.8T motor cost R370 grand and to think that it did not have the benefit of the Quattro-all-wheel-drive system.
There is also the 3.2 litre V6 Quattro which revs out 184 kW combined with an inspiring 320 Nm of torque that delivers 2500 rpm and provides some low speed fun action. It creates the same exhaust sound found on most supercars. The power delivery is quick and unreserved plus it even has a launch control feature found on the S-Tronic version. The price of the 3.2 liter is also quite reasonable at R440 grand although a thousand grand higher than Roadster version of Nissan, the 350Z which is currently the world’s best selling sports coupe derivative. But according to Audi, the 350Z is not in the same premium segment as the TT.
Audi is among the major subsidiaries of Volkswagen along with Bentley, Skoda, Lamborghini and SEAT. The acquisition and redevelopment of the aforementioned famous brands have helped the German automaker to become a global force in auto industry and to rank fourth among largest automakers in the world along with General Motors, Toyota and Ford. Volkswagen is renowned for its top-of-the-line vehicles and auto parts like Volkswagen Engine Parts.
About the Author: Growing up with three brothers, Natalie Anderson became exposed early to the world of automobiles. This 29-year-old account manager now dreams of having her very own top-of-the-line vintage car.
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