Audi TT News

Let’s start at the baby of the range, the new A3 Cabrio, which is a dedicated four-seat soft top to rival BMWs newly-launched 1 Series Convertible.

Audi will launch its new S 5 version of its TT later this year, promising more punch from the sleek German coupe.

AS THE Audi R8 diesel hogs the spotlight at the Detroit Motor Show, another German coupe sitting alongside it has a big future.The bright red TTS does not have the impact of the shiny silver supercar, but it is already cleared for showrooms.It shows that Audi wants to get even more from the TT as it pushes its affordable sporty line-up with the new S5 and regular TT cabrio.The TTS is the same but different, as you would expect after 10 years and two TT models. It has a much sharper image thanks to a 196kW engine (from the S3 hatch) for its quattro all-wheel drive, magnetic-ride suspension, 18-inch alloy wheels, body build-up and more.It will be sold as a coupe and a convertible and is confirmed for Australia.“It is coming in the second half of the year, probably the third quarter,” Audi Australia spokeswoman Anna Burgdorf says.“It is a range-topper for us, like all our S models. It is quattro with S packaging.“It will have everything, as you would expect. It will be the S model of the TT range — the first time we have had that.”The TTS is a performance flagship, thanks to a 0-100km/h sprint time of 5.2 seconds and 350Nm on tap from 2500 to 5000 revs.But Audi also claims economy of 8.0 litres for 100km for the six-speed manual.Things are even better for the S-Tronic double-clutch gearbox version, which sprints to 100km/h in five seconds and sips at 7.8 litres/100km.Audi is making a big deal of the magnetic-ride system in the TTS, which is already an option in the TT and a hit with HSV, Ferrari and Chevrolet, which uses it in the Corvette.It also trumpets the car's 18-inch alloys and new headlights with Audi's signature LED running lights, and the sports bucket seats.Apart from the sports push, the TTS is also a 10th-anniversary celebration for the retro-look Audi.The TT was first shown as a concept car at the 1995 Frankfurt Motor Show and was followed by a roadster concept a few weeks later at the Tokyo Motor Show.Audi got a huge response from potential buyers and full-scale production began in 1998. The second-generation car followed in 2006.The arrival of the TTS will be big for Audi, in a significant year.But no one is talking about pricing for the new TT.“It is still being discussed,” Burgdorf says. 

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Audi’s S-line performance pack has made its way to the iconic TT, boosting performance and power in both the coupe and cabriolet.The TTS split the difference between the base and premium TT; combining the former’s 2.0-litre powerplant with the latter’s quattro AWD, a-la S3.However, engineering and ECU tweaks have brought the power figure up to 200kW, which is another 12kW more than the S3, and avoids the S-line’s typically firm ride issues with a more forgiving – but no less sporting - adaptive suspension (Magnetic ride control).It is also the third Audi model to receive the R8 sports coupe’s distinctive feline LED headlights, which will become part of the marque’s corporate face in the next few years.Speaking of which, the R8 V12 TDI Concept has finally thrown off its covers. The 6.0-litre V12 is closely related to that of the Audi R10 racecar, which claimed victory in both the 2006 and 2007 Le Mans 24 hour. It develops 368kW and a whopping 1000Nm, running to 100km/h in 4.2-secs. And it does it sipping 10.1L/100km (with a six speed manual).We will see the TTS here in October, and hold our breath for the production R8 V10.

The man who moulded VW and Audi in his image, including cars such as the latest Golf, Audi TT and R8, is the chief design officer of Kia Motors Corporation.Peter Schreyer's influence is evident in his Kee Concept, unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show. He says the grille style will become the face of Kia.The Kee 2+2 coupe, designed at Kia's Frankfurt design centre, looks like a hot-rodded chopped and channelled R8 with its low roof line and sleek body.Kee stands for “key” and acknowledges the Chinese and Korean word Ki, the cultural concept for life force.Schreyer says the Kee represents a new ethos for Kia and is not a flight of design fancy. “This car stands as an indication of Kia's design philosophy,” he says. “It is how Kia wishes to be viewed: exciting, appealing, creative, aspirational, with products that are beautiful and functional, purposeful and realistic. It will influence every Kia to come and (shows) that Kia embraces the future.”Kee has an aluminium B-pillar visible through panoramic grey-tinted glass, 20-inch wheels, hand-cut 240mm low-profile tyres, an electronic micro-switch door release in the side-window and a clamshell rear-hatch opening supported by electronic dampers. It is powered by a 2.7-litre V6 engine with 150kW of power.Kee sports semi-suede microfiber seats, a square-bottomed steering wheel and a computer mouse-like lever that flips up to reveal the electronic starter button. The instrument cluster is illuminated in red-orange.The steering wheel has paddles to shift the six-speed semi-automatic sequential gearbox. The gear stick has been replaced by a lever, which is nudged forward or backward to select drive mode. Question: what do you think of this bold new design for Kia? Leave your comments below.

The brain's logical left lobe would probably dictate a highly specced and relentlessly reliable Japanese model.The riotous right side might love something Latin.Call it a feeling from the gut, then, but some part of you simply must have a badge featuring either a blue-and-white roundel or a three-pointed star. Or even four rings.Never mind that they're almost always over-priced for the package on offer and about as suited to Australian roads as Beethoven to a Shannon Noll audience, but we seem unable to get enough of the wares offered by BMW, Mercedes-Benz and increasingly, Audi.Which is just as well, given that there will be releases from all three marques this month.June marks the opening salvo of a second-half-of-'07 product offensive on three fronts, using every type of armament at the makers' disposal; from diesel hatchbacks through high-end sports machines to ferociously powerful SUVs.In popular terms, the most significant of these is the new-generation Mercedes-Benz C-Class.The W204 series arrives next month with the four-cylinder Kompressors, V6 petrols and two diesel models.A six-cylinder purchase gets you a seven-speed auto transmission, but the fours make do with five speeds.Hard to say where the pricing will sit at this point, though a slight increase on the current model is possible.A more dynamic driving experience is promised, something to which Merc's Agility Control system is central.Indications from the world launch in Spain are that Mercedes' best-selling product has achieved that stated aim within a veneer of sexier, or slightly less conservative, styling.Of course, this launch took place on European roads, not our Australian tarmacs.The vastly improved new Smart fortwo coupe and cabrio arrive in November, to the delight of at least several hundred people.Between then and now, though, comes something altogether more potent.The ML 500 SUV and R 500 MPV cop a 285kW V8, up 60kW on the hardly deficient current version.These should be among us by early October, along with a 320 CDI model of the S-Class, marrying the marque's superb V6 diesel to its luxury limo.BMW fires two shots; one small-calibre, the other medium, from its locker this month.The One Series evokes mixed reactions but a coupe version is due next year and the five-door hatch receives a new four-cylinder diesel engine, minor inside and out facelifts and mechanical upgrades for greater efficiency.The updated Five Series gets new front and rear bumpers, restyled headlights and tail lights with LED.Better yet, it gets a quicker-shifting six-speed automatic tranny, controlled by the electronic gear selector from the X5 off-roader.The 530i Sedan and Touring gain 10kW of power and 15Nm of torque for totals of 200kW and 315Nm, and smarter 0-100km/h times throughout the range.New Seven Series Executive and Sport models arrive next month, but the lip-smacking becomes deafening in the fourth quarter with the new M3 coupe.Forsaking the straight six, this fourth-gen M3 packs an all-new, 309kW/400Nm V8 of four litres.Driven by the rear wheels (of course) through a six-speed-manual, it promises acceleration to 100km/h in only 4.8sec.The M3 is billed as the first production vehicle in its segment to feature a carbon fibre-reinforced roof; an innovation to save weight and lower the centre of gravity.Audi's counter-offensive begins next week with the local release of its S3 hot hatch and a ragtop version of the TT. Expected to outsell its hard-hat cousin, the open TT dispenses with the coupe's comedy back pews, increasing its boot space.Nor does it command an unreasonable premium over the coupe, with the front-drive 2.0 TFSI starting at $77,500, the V6 quattro at $92,900. But the roadster's sole transmission is the manual-matic S-tronic.No such pandering for the S3, which unites a creamy six-speed manual with quattro. And how all-wheel drive is needed.Hosting a rebuilt and “up-gunned” version of the VW Golf GTI's two-litre, direct-injection turbo four, the S3 can call upon a V6-daunting 188kW and 330Nm. At an estimated $65,000, it will come in cheaper than the top-whack, but decidedly lesser, A3.If the S3 is a genuine Q-car (there being little to visually distinguish it from Audi's milder hatches), there's no denying the latest Q7.Due in November and priced from $124,000, the already imposing SUV packs a turbine-like 4.2 TDI, a turbo diesel dreadnought that generates 240kW at 3750rpm and a warping 760Nm between 1800 and 2500rpm.As Wagnerian as it is, its thunder may be stolen as early as October. Not so much by the A5 and S5 (touring coupes with Walter da Silva style and nice engine notes) but the R8 sports car.Though it will be priced in the region of $270,000, you won't be able to buy one for ages, even if you have the readies.Audi has been taking orders for the instantly desirable, mid-engined V8 quattro two-seater since it was unveiled at last year's Sydney Motor Show.That car evokes a profound response from a region lower even than the gut.

The TT Clubsport quattro concept was unveiled to a gathering of VW faithful at the annual enthusiasts' meet at Worthersee in Austria. The sleek, roofless derivative of the TT Roadster pays unabashed homage to classic speedster styling, the most famous of which came from Porsche. Audi claims to have produced a purist driving machine with a beautiful, basic design that includes a pillar-less, wraparound windscreen and clean, muscular design front to back. The Clubsport's presence is enhanced by an 80mm-wider front and rear track compared to the production TT, along with expansive front air inlets and broad fenders housing 20-inch wheels wrapped in 265/30 rubber. The brake discs are ceramic, a first for Audi, and under the bonnet is a version of the 2.0-litre engine of the year: the TFSI direct injection turbocharged petrol found in the S3. Power is boosted to 224kW. Racing bucket seats, four-point belts and widespread use of aluminium give the interior a purposeful look. The gear lever and gate styling is borrowed from the Audi R8. While Audi is saying that consideration is being given to a limited production run of the Clubsport, it is more likely that the pure design will suffer a similar fate to the beautiful F-type Jaguar concept penned by Ian Callum. Cost and the practical constraints of building a car to meet both safety and design regulations in a range of markets threaten the very purity that gives such concepts their appeal.

More than $1 million dollars worth of luxury Audi vehicles rolled into Darwin on May 2 as part of the company's push to raise awareness of the brand in regional areas of AustraliaAudi Australia has achieved its fourth all-time record sales result, as the month of April drew to a close.Closing the month with sales of 605 units, Audi is now 41 per cent ahead of its April 2006 result, or 177 units.Cumulatively, the brand is now 41 per cent ahead of the same period last year, up 740 units to 2536 units for the year.Audi Australia's managing director Joerg Hofmann said the result is yet another sign of confidence in the Audi brand in Australia.A further sign of commitment from the German luxury brand in Australia is the recent appointment of AP Eagers/Stuart Motor Group in the Northern Territory.The dealership, officially known as `Audi Centre Darwin', is headed by dealer principal David Russell.“AP Eagers prides itself on customer satisfaction and service excellence and will bring a professional sales and aftersales model to Audi customers in Darwin and the Northern Territory,” Mr Russell said.“Audi is the fastest-growing luxury brand in Australia and will end 2007 with another year of record growth.“The growth of Audi in the market is a clear sign of growing interest in the brand from the luxury car-buying public and the Northern Territory is another important region to assist Audi in its mission to become the No.1 premium brand.”Audi is yet to launch several key new models this year, including the new TT Roadster, Audi S3, Audi A5/S5, Audi R8 and the new Q7 4.2 TDI quattro.Another feather in the cap of the new Audi Centre Darwin is the Audi Roadshow, which showcases the most sought-after models for prospective customers, including the rare Audi S6, TT Coupe and RS 4 models.The roadshow aims to build awareness of the Audi brand around the country, particularly in relation to its top-most models.The roadshow will be in Darwin until May 14 and any interested Audi customers are encouraged to visit David and the team at Audi Centre Darwin to arrange a personal appointment for a test-drive.An official dealership opening cocktail party will be held on Tuesday.Audi Australia's regional sales manager Peter Barron and regional after-sales manager Robert Montgomery will attend the event. Be sure not to miss the AUDI ROADSHOW, showcasing the eight vehicles listed below, at Audi Centre Darwin on the Stuart Highway, Berrimah, until May 14AUDI A3 3.2 V6 Quattro S TronicCharacterised by the sporting elegance of a coupe and the versatility of a five-door vehicle, sophisticated technology and well-defined driving dynamicsDIMENSIONS: L: 4286. W: 1763, H: 1423. wheelbase 2578m.ENGINE: 3.2 V6 developing 184kW (250bhp), 320Nm. 0-100km/h in 6.3sec. Maximum speed 250km/h (governed).TRANSMISSION: Quattro permanent four-wheel drive with electronically controlled multi-plate clutch, electronic diff lock.PRICE: $65,500.AUDI RS4 AVANT 4.2 V8 QuattroThis is a thoroughbred sports saloon with supreme everyday qualities.ENGINE: With maximum output of 309 kilowatts (420 bhp), the 4163cc, V8 revs to 8250rpm and reaches peak torque of 430Nm at 5500rpm, with 90 per cent of total torque available between 2250-7600rpm. 0-100km/h in 4.8secs and 200km/h in 16.6sec. Top speed is limited electronically to 250 km/h.TRANSMISSION: Latest generation of Audi's permanent four-wheel drivePRICE: $168,100.AUDI CABRIOLET 3.2 V6 FSI MultitronicNewly designed body with emphatically sporty stylingDIMENSIONS: L: 4573mm, H: 1391mm, w'base 2650mm. Luggage compartment: 315L (246L with the hood open).ENGINES: 3.2 FSI V6 developing 188kW (255bhp), 330Nm, 0-100km/h: 6.8s. Top speed: 250km/h (governed).TRANSMISSION: 7-speed continuously variable multitronic automatic transmission (in combination with front-wheel drive). Front-wheel drive.PRICE: $107,800.AUDI A6 AVANT 3.2 V6 FSI Quatro TiptronicAudi A6 allroad quattro. New, distinctly sporty designDIMENSIONS: L: 4.93m, W: 1.86m, H: 1.46-1.52m, wheelbase 2.83m.ENGINES: Powerful 3.0 V6 TDI developing 171kW (233bhp), 450Nm. TRANSMISSION: 6-speed tiptronic gearbox. Quattro permanent four-wheel drive for all engine versions.PRICE: $109,150.AUDI S6 5.2 V10 Quattro TiptronicDistinct sports appeal, elegant style and supreme comfortENGINE: 5.2L V10 engine with FSI technology. This is the first time a V10 engine has been incorporated into a member of the A6 family. Output of 320kW at 6800 rpm and peak torque of 540Nm achieved between 3000-4000 rpm. 0 to 100km/h in 5.2secs. Top speed: 250km/h.TRANSMISSION: Latest generation of quattro permanent four-wheel drive with asymmetric/dynamic torque split.PRICE: $195,900.AUDI A8 4.2 TDI Quattro TiptronicPowerfully dynamic, elegant design.DIMENSIONS: L 4.43 m, W 1.90 m, H 1.25 m, wheelbase 2.65 mENGINES: High-revving V8 developing 309kW (420bhp), 430Nm between 4500 and 6000rpm. Acceleration 4.6secs. Top speed: 301km/hTRANSMISSION: Six-speed manual gearbox with short gearshift travel. R tronic sequential gearbox (optional). quattro permanent four-wheel drive, perfect weight distribution 44 per cent to 56 per cent.PRICE: $210,000.AUDI Q7 4.2 V8 FSI Quattro TiptronicPowerful yet elegant exterior and interior design.DIMENSIONS: L: 5.09m, W: 1.98m, H: 1.74m, wheelbase 3.00m. Five, six or seven seats available.ENGINE: 4.2 V8 FSI developing 257kW (350bhp), 440Nm at 3500 rpm.TRANSMISSION: 6-speed tiptronic transmission, quattro permanent four-wheel drive with asymmetric/dynamic torque split.PRICE: $116,800.AUDI TT 3.2 V6 Quattro S-TronicNew dynamic, striking exterior and interior design. Body using innovative ASF principle incorporating aluminium and steel, with roadster-specific reinforcements.DIMENSIONS: L: 4.18m, WL 1.84m, H: 1.36m, wheelbase 2.47m.ENGINES: 3.2 V6 developing 184kW (250bhp), 320Nm.TRANSMISSION: Six-speed S tronic quattro permanent four-wheel drive for the V6 versionPRICE: $88,900.

Arriving in May, the Audi A6 allroad quattro will be powered by the 3-litre TDI engine at launch and be priced around $106,000.The S3 is expected to arrive in June at around $66,000 with a 2-litre, 188kW TFSI engine and a six-speed manual transmission.The TT Roadster will be launched in June with a 2-litre TFSI engine and a 3.2-litre V6 quattro, featuring S-tronic transmission. Prices are not yet available.To reduce weight, the Roadster retains a cloth hood rather than following the trend for folding hard tops.However, it is now electro-hydraulically powered for hands-free operation, with no need to attach or detach the hood to or from the windscreen rail.Opening or closing takes 12sec and can be carried out at speeds of up to 30km/h.Incorporating a heated glass rear window, the new soft top is lighter than before through the use of a new steel and aluminium support framework.It also claimed to be quieter with an additional layer of soundproofing.A powered mesh wind deflector is fitted to streamline airflow through the cabin.The soft top stows smaller than before thanks to a new Z-fold system which stacks the rigid front section of the roof on top of the cloth to form a cover that sits flush with the body and eliminates the need for a tonneau cover.