Audi TT Second Generation 2006-Present
Audi AG has manufactured the Audi TT brand since its inception in 1999, and it is currently still in production in Gyor, Hungary. The Audi TT has two classes, which consist of a luxury sport car model and a roadster, and Audi has also produced two generations of the cars. The Second Generation has been in production since 2006, and is based strongly on the Volkswagen A5 platform, allowing uniqueness of the brand by combining platforms between com
panies, since Volkswagen is the parent company of Audi.
The plans for the Second Generation were announced in 2004, two years prior to it first hitting the production line, and it was first presented to the public on April 6th, 2006, and it was given the internal indicator of “Typ 8J”. Like its relative the Audi TT First Gen, it was heralded as a brave, unchallenged look and design, which is synonymous with the brand. That unmatched, bold design of the Audi TT brand on the whole is accredited to its bold designers Freeman Thomas and J Mays, both of the California design studio, along with Martin Smith for designing the award winning interior.
The body style of the original has been greatly enhanced and brought up to a higher level of standard, keeping essential traits of the First Gen, and adding a whole new look that is completely Second Generation. And it is still offered in the 2+2 coupe (4-door coupe), and the unequaled roadster design, for all the traditional lovers of the car. The car is constructed out of aluminum at the front, and out of steel at the back to intensify its balance all around, allowing the car to be available in both front wheel drive, and all wheel drive. The dimensions of the second generation TT consists of a wheelbase of 2468mm (97.2in); a length of 4178mm (164.5in); a width of 1842mm (72.5); and a height of 1352mm (53.2in).
The typical production car comes with the 3.2 litre VR6 engine, with 250PS (247hp or 184kW), but has an option of Audi’s version of direct injection engine; 2.0 litre Turbo I4, better known as FSI (Fuel Straight/ Stratified Injection), with 200PS (197hp or 147kW). The FSI technology was taken from the Le Mans racing cars, which offered improved fuel efficiency, and increased power output, and was integrated into Audi’s blueprints for the 2.0 litre Turbo I4 engine. The transmission come in the standard 6 speed manual, but has the option of the DSG enhanced model as an addition, with “quattro all wheel drive” coming standard with the V6 engine.
Second Generation TT has a couple of new interactive embellishments that allows for stronger performance, and a smoother ride e.g. newer active suspension the “Audi Magnetic Ride” comes as an option for the car and is based on “Delphi’s MagneRide magneto rheological dampers”. The Audi Magnetic Ride will allow the suspension to automatically adjust, depending on the current road conditions that car might encounter. Another one of its interactive additions to the TT is the improved back spoiler, which automatically elongates allowing speeds greater than 75mph (120km/h), but retracting at an appropriate position to allow 50mph (80km/h). The driver using a switch on the dashboard can also control the back spoiler.
The Second Generation TT has many admirers, due to its level of class and distinction. It also has captured many awards for up keeping of a loved car, and adding another new essence to it. The TT has been a finalist for “World Car of the Year”, the first recipient of the “Drive Car of the Year”, and also copped the top nods for “Top Gear Coupe of the Year 2006”, “Atuobild’s Most Beautiful Car”, “Fifth Gear Car of the Year 2006”, and “World Design Car of the Year 2007”.