Power Wheels Magazine A Notch Above
The all-new Audi TT was recently launched by PGA Cars, this third generation Coupé is makes use of innovative technologies in its engine, its control and display concept, including the Audi virtual cockpit.
The front of the new TT is dominated by horizontal lines. The Singleframe grille is much broader and flatter than that of the previous model, with a powerful line dividing it into two zones. Starting in the top corners of the grille, sharp contours run in a V across the hood, which bears the four Audi rings. The air intakes feature struts that direct part of the flow away from the front to the flanks.
New 3D design headlights give the new TT’s face a determined look. Xenon plus are standard in the base units, and the full LED headlights come standard with the S line package. The pioneering Audi Matrix LED technology is optional, where the high beam is generated by controllable individual LEDs. Theres another Audi innovation: dynamic turn signals that light up sequentially in the direction in which the driver is steering. The predictive cornering light uses navigation data to move the cone of light into the curve before the steering wheel is turned. The tail lights also have dynamic turn signals. Another parallel to the front headlights: the strip in the tail lights, which also form a daytime running light contour – another Audi innovation. The third brake light is an extremely narrow strip positioned under the edge of the rear spoiler.
From the side, the new Audi TT is 4.18 meters, almost exactly the same length as its predecessor, though its wheelbase has grown by 37 mm to 2,505 mm, making for especially short overhangs. It is 1,832 mm wide, and has the same height as the previous model at 1,353 mm.
The fuel flap on the right side panel is the classic circle and surrounded by socket screws; a light tap on the TT logo and the flap opens. What is new is that there is no tank lid beneath the flap. This means that there is nothing to be unscrewed and the pump nozzle slots straight into the tank neck, just like in motor racing.
At a speed of 120 km/h a spoiler extends from the trunk lid to improve both air resistance and downforce. All models have two large round exhaust tailpipes.
The optional S line exterior package makes the design of the bumpers, air intakes, Singleframe grille, sills and the rear diffuser even sharper and sportier. And handling is even more dynamic, with 18” wheels and a body that rests 10 mm lower.
The new TT’s body has taken composite construction even further, in line with the idea: the right amount of the right material in the right place for optimal functions.
It’s underbody structure has optimized axle loads and is made of modern, high-strength and ultra-high-strength steel alloys. In the sections of the passenger cell that are subject to the most structural stress, form-hardened steel panels, which are both ultra-high-strength and light are used – these constitute 17 percent of the body’s weight. The side sills and roof frame are made of extruded aluminum profiles that are integrated into the structure using cast aluminum nodes. This structural principle creates a very rigid and safe bodyshell. The aluminum side sections and roof complete the structure. The hood, doors and trunk lid are also made of this light metal.
The new Audi TT weighs in at just 1335 kg. The low overall weight is further proof of Audi’s expertise in lightweight construction. It impacts positively especially on acceleration, handling and fuel consumption.
The operating concept for the new TT has been revised from the ground up – in line with the consistent sports car character, all the elements focus on the driver. There are two variants of the multifunction steering wheel available. Drivers selecting the top version can activate almost all functions from the steering wheel without taking their eyes off the road.
The second control unit is the likewise newly developed MMI terminal on the console of the center tunnel. Two toggle switches activate the navigation/map, telephone, radio and media menus. There are two buttons on both sides of the central rotary pushbutton, supplemented by a main menu and a back button. The driver can easily enter destinations using the touchpad on the top of the rotary pushbutton – the MMI touch recognizes your personal handwriting. It is also possible to scroll through lists or zoom in on maps.
The menu structure of the MMI resembles that of a smartphone, including the free-text search. All important functions can be accessed directly. One special highlight is the MMI direct search. This enables you to start writing immediately when navigating, without having to use a set form. The two side buttons activate context-dependent functions (right button) and options (left button). The operating logic is easy to understand and conveys a completely novel “joy of use.”
The new TT offers a further possibility: the voice control system. Audi is also breaking new ground in this area, natural voice controls are used that enable simple commands – such as “Take me to Munich” or “I want to talk to Sabine” – to control the vehicle systems without having to take your hands off the steering wheel.
Instead of the conventional analog displays, the new TT has the Audi virtual cockpit on board – this fully digital instrument cluster sets new standards with its dynamic animations and precise graphics. Drivers can choose between two display modes: In the classic view, the speedometer and rev counter are in the foreground; in “infotainment” mode the virtual instruments are smaller. The space that becomes free as a result provides ample room for other functions, such as the navigation map.
With a resolution of 1,440 x 540 pixels, the 12.3” TFT screen boasts brilliantly sharp images. At work in the background is a Tegra 30 graphic processor from market leader Nvidia’s Tegra 3 series. At the lower edge of the Audi virtual cockpit, the displays for outside temperature, time and mileage are permanently visible. Warning or information symbols may also appear there.
Under the hood of the TT is the the 2.0 TFSI which has 230 hp that has the additional indirect injection supplementing the direct injection of the FSI, the Audi valvelift system (AVS) to adjust the valve stroke on the exhaust side and thermal management, which uses a rotary valve module and an exhaust manifold integrated into the cylinder head, it delivers torque of 370 Nm from 1,600 to 4,300 rpm mated to a six-speed manual transmission and front-wheel drive, it can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds, and on up to an electronically governed top speed of 250 km/h.
The Audi drive select is standard on the new Audi TT. It controls the engine response, transmission characteristics, and the steering assistance. You can choose between comfort, auto, dynamic, efficiency and individual modes. In dynamic mode, the Audi TT’s peak performance is activated. Engine response is quickened and the transmission system allows for quick delivery of power. The exhaust system also changes into a more aggressive note. In efficiency mode, Audi drive select influences the air conditioning and the start-stop system accordingly.
The front suspension is based on a McPherson system; aluminum components reduce the weight of the unsprung chassis masses. The four-link rear suspension can process the longitudinal and transverse forces separately.
A new feature is the standard progressive steering – its rack is designed such that the ratio becomes more direct as the steering is turned. In this way, the new TT can be steered agilely and precisely with little movement of the steering wheel in downtown traffic and on winding country roads.
There are 11 different wheel versions available. The TT 2.0 TFSI come as standard with 18” aluminum wheels in V-spoke design. 19” forged aluminum wheels in 5-arm star design are standard on the TT 2.0 TFSI S Line.
All variants of the new Audi TT Coupé come with a generous range of standard equipment, the MMI radio and the electromechanical parking brake, the S sport seat with numerous leather and trim variants – the convenience key, hold assist, high-beam assist, the LED interior lighting package, front seat heating, and the storage and luggage compartment package.
For infotainment, customers can choose from various options. The connectivity package boasts a touchpad, MMI touch. At the top of the modular range is the MMI Navigation plus with its large flash memory, two card readers, Bluetooth interface and voice control system. The T30 chip from market leader Nvidia’s Tegra 3 series, which is used in the new generation of the modular infotainment platform, controls all navigation and multimedia functions in the car and, together with the processor, presents all content in the Audi virtual cockpit.
Powerful assistance systems make driving the new TT an even more pleasurable experience. As an option the car can be equipped with Audi side assist, which uses rear-mounted radar sensors to help drivers change lane more safely; camera-based traffic sign recognition; Audi active lane assist, which helps the driver if required by steadily correcting steering or warning him or her if there is a danger of unintentionally drifting out of lane and the park assist system with display of surroundings, which independently guides the car into suitable spaces.
For more information, please contact 09178139064 or visit the Audi showrooms in Greenhills, Global City and Alabang.
Photos by PGA Cars and Neil Pagulayan