Audi has given us our first glimpse of the third-generation TT Coupé ahead of its reveal at next month's Geneva Motor Show. Shown in a series of sketches the new car draws inspiration from the range topping R8 supercar while still retaining the distinctive TT shape.
Exterior
As with most cars to emerge from the vast VAG stable of late the new TT's styling is a case of evolution rather than revolution. There are touches of R8 (and even a few inspirations from the R8 e-tron like the repositioning of the four-ring grille), but the overall shape is that of the familiar TT. Compared to the outgoing model the front end is more chiselled, more aggressive looking with slimmer LED headlights that can be upgraded to the latest Matrix LED units from the A8 saloon should customers wish. The TT hallmark of the front wheelarch cutting into the bonnet line is retained with a strong shoulder line continuing to the rear of the car. It looks impressive in the sketch but it will be interesting to see how it translates into the metal.
Interior
No word yet on the TT's innards but we do know from earlier this year that the new car will get a 12.3-inch screen that replaces the traditional dial cluster. Also previously shown was a new flat-bottomed steering wheel and digital temperature readouts integrated into the dashboard's air vents.
Mechanicals
While not explicitly stated the new car will be based on the MQB platform meaning the third generation car should be lighter and stiffer than before. With MQB having already shown itself capable of front- and four-wheel drive applications we can expect to see both in the TT, while on the engine front a lot of the powertrains from the A3 are likely to be carried over. This does mean an end of the V6 model as no MQB car has yet been fitted with such an engine but the range topping TT RS is likely to get Audi's 2.5-litre five-cylinder unit, though we will have to wait for the RS 3 with the same powerplant to debut first. Lower down the range, the TT-S will get the same 2.0-litre engine as seen in the S3 and Golf R and the petrol offering is likely to kick off with the 180hp 1.8-litre TSI engine. A range of efficient diesels will also be offered with everything from 120- to 184hp.
Anything else?
More technical details and the car itself will be revealed in Geneva next month. The new car is expected to hit showrooms later this year, perhaps carrying a slight pricing premium over the outgoing model.