Audi Hatches Plans for 3 New TTs

The latest TT has been rewriting the rulebook for Audi. It’s a car where style meets substance in equal quantities, orchestrated by high-tech engineering. From the semi-aluminum, semi-steel chassis to the twin-clutch S tronic (DSG) gearbox, the second generation TT is the sports car the first generation should have been. Currently Audi serves up the TT in six different ways - convertible, coupe, 2.0T FrontTrak with S tronic, and 3.2 V6 quattro with S tronic or six-speed manual.

What’s now entering our radar is the distinct possibility for three new models that will raise the TT a few rungs up the ladder, and expand the car’s model lineup in ways that we’ve never seen before.

The first new addition will be a new halo model for the TT range. Predicted to be called the TT-S, it will feature the upgraded version of the 2.0T engine as premiering in the Audi S3. Some pretty impressive mods have been made to this engine to sustain its 265 horsepower peak rating, including some important internal strengthening plus various elements of turning (ECU, turbo, exhaust). This warmed up version of the TT makes just 15 hp more than the V6 model, but the characteristics of the vehicle in terms of power delivery and handling will make it the purist’s choice. It is expected to make its debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit next month.

Next up is where things start to get revolutionary. Backing Audi’s motorsport heritage and exemplary performance is a diesel-powered TT. That’s right, a TT TDi. Because the TT shares some of its architecture with the Volkswagen/Audi A5 chassis cars (Audi A3, VW Jetta, etc.), the engine could conceivably fit without too much issue. Reportedly, this car has been spotted during cold weather testing, made evident by its lower, quieter exhaust note, and it has been reported that the car could receive a hotter version of the 2.0 TDI “clean diesel” engine, producing 200 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque, a heady increase over the forthcoming Jetta TDI.

Last but not least is the ultimate TT, the ultra-high performance machine that will bring the TT on the same playing field as the Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG and BMW M-Coupe/M-Roadster. According to insiders, this hottest of TTs will receive a 2.3-liter five-cylinder engine that is both turbocharged and direct injected.

Incidentally, this engine reflects the powerplant featured in the high-end Audi Coupe Quattros, right down to the displacement. There is much more power with this model though, as 308 horsepower is its predicted peak output, which is plenty to extract from such a small displacement engine.

Although the car was previously dubbed TT-RS (or RS-TT) after Audi’s high-performance models, it may receive a simplified name of TT-R.