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The Audi TT is a sports car manufactured by German automaker Audi AG since 1998 in Győr, Hungary. It is now in its second generation — and available as a 2+2 coupé or two-seater roadster.
[edit] OriginsThe development of the Audi TT began in September 1994 at the Audi Design Center in California.[citation needed] The TT was first shown as a concept car at the 1995 Frankfurt Motor Show. The design is credited to J Mays and Freeman Thomas,[1] with Martin Smith and Romulus Rost contributing to the award winning interior design. A previously unused laser welding adaptation which enabled seamless design features on the first-generation TT also delayed its introduction. Audi did not initially offer an automatic transmission option for the TT. A Direct-Shift Gearbox (DSG) became available, the first for a production car, in 2003. [edit] NameThe Audi TT takes its name from the successful racing tradition of NSU in the British Isle of Man TT motorcycle race. NSU began competing in the TT in 1911, and later merged into the company now known as Audi.[2] The Audi TT also follows the NSU 1000TT, 1200TT and TTS cars of the 1960s in being named for the race. [edit] First generation (Typ 8N, 1998-2006)
The production model (internal designation Typ 8N) was launched as a Coupé (TT-C) in September 1998, followed by a Roadster (TT-R) in August 1999, based on the Volkswagen Group A4 (PQ34) platform used for the Volkswagen Golf Mk4, the original Audi A3, the Škoda Octavia and others. The styling differed little from the concept, except for slightly reprofiled bumpers, and the addition of a rear quarterlight windows behind the doors. Factory production commenced October 1998. Mechanically, the TT uses a transversely mounted internal combustion engine with front or quattro four-wheel drive. It was first available with a 1.8 litre inline four cylinder 20-valve turbocharged engine, with either 180 PS (132 kW; 178 bhp) or 225 PS (165 kW; 222 bhp). The engines share the same basic design but the 225 PS version features a larger turbocharger, an additional intercooler on the driver's side, forged connecting rods, a dual exhaust, and a few other internals designed to accommodate the increase in turbo boost from roughly 10 psi peak to 15. Haldex Traction enabled four wheel drive, 'branded' as "quattro" was optional on the 180 PS (132 kW; 178 bhp) engine, and standard on the more powerful version. Early TT models gained press coverage for a series of high-speed accidents in Europe. Reported crashes and related fatalities occurred at speeds in excess of 180 km/h (112 mph), during abrupt lane changes or sharp turns. Both the coupé and roadster models were recalled in late 1999/early 2000, to improve predictability of the car's handling at very high-speeds. Audi's Electronic Stability Programme, and rear spoiler were added, along with suspension modifications. All changes were subsequently incorporated into future versions of the car. The original four cylinder engine range was complemented with a 250 PS (184 kW; 247 bhp) 3.2 litre VR6 engine in early 2003, which comes as standard with the quattro four-wheel drive system. In July 2004, a new Direct-Shift Gearbox (DSG) (dual-clutch) gearbox, which improves acceleration through drastically reduced shift times, was offered, along with a stiffer suspension. Factory production of this generation ended in June 2006. [edit] TT quattro SportIn 2005, Audi released the limited edition (800 sold in the UKs not the 1000 originally planned) TT quattro Sport (known as the TT Club Sport in Europe). It had increased power from its 1.8 litre turbocharged engine - rising to 240 PS (177 kW; 237 bhp) and 236 lb (107 kg) ft of torque - and a reduction in weight of 49 kilograms (108 lb) to 1,416 kg (3,122 lb), which gave an electronically limited top speed of 250 kilometres per hour (155 mph). This was also assisted by deleting the spare wheel, and by taking out the rear parcel shelf and rear seats. Lightweight fixed-back Recaro bucket seats graced the interior. Distinguishable from other TT coupés by its two-tone paint scheme (black painted roof, pillars and mirror housings, in combination with either Avus Silver, Phantom Black, Mauritius Blue or Misano Red body colour), and unique 18" 15-spoke aluminium alloy wheels, plus the same body kit as fitted to the TT 3.2 V6, it also had uprated suspension settings, V6-spec brakes fitted, and the new wheels were wider at the rear for improved grip. [edit] 8N enginesThe 8N powertrain options comprise of the following internal combustion engines and drivelines:
[edit] LawsuitsThere are two class action lawsuits affecting specific model years of the first generation TT. On 22 June 2007, Pearson, Simon, Soter, Warshaw & Penny, LLP and the Law Office of Robert L. Starr filed a class action lawsuit against Volkswagen Group of America, alleging that the timing belts for model year 1999-2003 Audi and Volkswagen vehicles equipped with a 1.8 litre turbo-charged engine fail prematurely.[3] The vehicles included are the Audi TT, Audi A4 and Volkswagen Passat. The complaint alleges that the timing belts fail prior to the service interval, as stated in the owner's manual. The parties have reached a class-wide settlement, and preliminary approval of the settlement was granted by the court on 19 May 2008. Claim forms, class notice, and other documentation will be mailed on or about 1 August 2008. Details regarding the terms of the settlement will be in the notice sent to owners of the class vehicles.[4] On 22 January 2008, the U.S. District Court, Northern District of California, entered an order preliminarily approving a nationwide settlement of a class action lawsuit brought by Green Welling LLP, on behalf of all current and prior owners and lessees of 2000-2004, and 2005 model year Audi TTs. The lawsuit and settlement relate to allegedly defective instrument clusters, and Audi TT owners are entitled to submit claims for repairs, replacement and/or cash reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses, and all TT owners covered by the suit will receive a 2-year extension of their existing 4-year warranty (limited to the instrument cluster).[5] [edit] 8N awardsThe original generation Audi TT was nominated for the North American Car of the Year award for 2000. It was also on Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list for 2000 and 2001. [edit] Second generation (Typ 8J, 2006-)
A preview of the second-generation TT was provided in the form of the Audi Shooting Brake concept car, shown at the Tokyo Motor Show in 2005. This concept was an insight into the new TT, but featured angular styling, and a "shooting brake" 2-door hatchback body style.[6] Audi revealed the second-generation TT, internal designation Typ 8J, on 6 April 2006. It is constructed of aluminium in the front, and steel in the rear, to enhance its balance, and is available in front- or four-wheel drive layout. Factory production commenced during August 2006. [edit] 8J powertrainThe powertrain options initially only included petrol engines, which consist of either one of two inline four cylinder engines - the 1.8 litre Turbocharged Fuel Stratified Injection (TFSI) (available in Germany), or the more common 2.0 litre TFSI. The Fuel Stratified Injection (FSI) technology was derived from the Audi Le Mans endurance race cars, and offers improved fuel efficiency as well as an increased power output and cleaner emissions. The 3.2 litre VR6 engine is carried over from the previous generation, and this engine was also available in the Canadian model.[7] A six-speed manual transmission is standard, with the Direct-Shift Gearbox (now called "S tronic" on all Audi models) as an option for all but 1.8 litre engine. quattro four-wheel drive, again using the Haldex Traction clutch is standard on V6 models, but was not available on 1.8 TFSI. 2.0 TFSI quattro models began available in 2009 model year.[8] [edit] 8J suspension & other featuresAudi's new active suspension, "Audi Magnetic Ride", is available as an option, and is based on Delphi's MagneRide, which uses magneto rheological dampers (this means that the suspension will automatically adjust its damping properties depending on the current road conditions and driving manner). The new TT also features an improved rear spoiler which automatically extends at speeds greater than 120 km/h (75 mph), and retracts again at 80 km/h (50 mph). The spoiler can also be manually controlled by the driver via a switch on the dash.[9] It is again offered as a 2+2 coupé, and as a roadster. [edit] 2.0 TDI quattroIn 2008, Audi offered the first diesel engined version of Audi TT as a quattro model, available in Coupé and Roadster versions, in the European market.[10] Audi claim average fuel consumption on the engine is 5.3 L/100 km (0 mph) in the coupé variant.[11] It includes a six-speed manual transmission. [edit] TTS quattroAt the 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Audi released the Audi TTS quattro. The cylinder block, cylinder head and the fuel injectors have all been modified from the base 2.0 TFSI engine. The engine is rated 272 PS (200 kW; 268 hp) and 350 N·m (258 lb·ft) of torque from 2,500 to 5,000rpm.[12] It is available with a choice of either a six-speed, short shift manual transmission or 6-speed S tronic transmission. In the United States, only the S tronic gearbox will be available. Like all "S" models, it is only available with quattro four-wheel drive as standard. The suspension is lowered by 10 mm (0.4 in) over the entry models, and includes a new two-stage sports-biased Electronic Stability Programme (ESP).[13] Radially ventilated front disc brakes are clamped by a single-piston gloss black caliper emblazened with a bold TTS logo, and a lap timer is prominent in the centre of the instrument cluster.[14] 9Jx18" '5-parallel-spoke' design alloy roadwheels are standard, with 245/40 ZR18 tyres. 19" wheels and tyres are optional. The exterior has some changes over the standard model with a TTS Body Styling with redesigned front, with larger air intakes, redesigned rear bumper and side sill extensions. The car went on sale in the USA at November 2008.[15] [edit] TT RSDeveloped by Audi's high performance subsidiary quattro GmbH at Neckarsulm,[16] the Audi TT RS (available in Coupé and Roadster), it includes an all-new 2.5 litre inline five-cylinder Turbocharged Fuel Stratified Injection (TFSI) petrol engine rated at 340 PS (250 kW; 335 hp) and 450 N·m (332 lb·ft) @1,600-5,300 rpm.[17] It has a 6-speed manual gearbox, and like all "RS" models, is only available with Audi's 'trademark' quattro four-wheel drive system, with the TT RS using a specially adapted version of the latest generation multi-plate clutch from Haldex Traction.[18] Additions to the quattro system include a constant velocity joint before the propeller shaft, and a compact rear-axle differential – uprated to cope with increased torque. Like the TTS, the TT RS has a 10 mm (0.39 in) lower ride height, optional "Audi Magnetic Ride", and rides on standard 18-inch roadwheels with 245/45 ZR tyres (optional 19" rims are also available). The brakes are uprated to include two-piece cross-drilled and radially vented front discs, sized at 370 mm (15 in) in diameter. The front discs are clamped by gloss black painted four-piston calipers, adorned with the RS logo. It includes a fixed rear spoiler (retractable optional), and has black interior with heated Alcantara/leather sports seats (Silk Nappa, Fine Nappa leather optional). The Recaro "RS bucket" seats, first seen in the Audi B7 RS4 are also available as an option. Official performance figures indicate the TT RS Coupé will accelerate from standstill to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.6 seconds (4.7s for the Roadster), with an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). There is a factory option to de-restrict the top speed to 280 km/h (174 mph). The Coupé has a kerb weight of 1,450 kilograms (3,197 lb), and the Roadster weighs in at 1,510 kg (3,329 lb). The car began sale in March 2009, with delivery beginning in summer.[19] [edit] 8J enginesThe 8J powertrain options comprise of the following internal combustion engines and drivelines:[20][21][22]
Audi was reported to stop offering 3.2L V6 models in 2010 model year.[23] [edit] 8J awardsThe second generation TT has been honoured with many awards, including the inaugural Drive Car of the Year, Top Gear Coupé of the Year 2006, Fifth Gear Car of the Year 2006, Autobild 'Most Beautiful Car', and World Design Car of the Year 2007, as well as being a finalist for World Car of the Year. [edit] ProductionHistorically, all "RS" models have some aspect of their assembly carried out at the factory in Neckarsulm, Germany. The TT RS will be the first RS vehicle that will not have any of its assembly performed in Neckarsulm, and will be completely assembled in the Audi factory in Gyor, Hungary.[citation needed] [edit] MotorsportIn auto racing, the Istook's Motorsports team has currently entered a Revo Technik-sponsored Audi TT in the Grand-Am KONI Sports Car Challenge Street Tuner (ST) class.[24] An Audi TT RS was used in 2009 24 Hours of Le Mans race as safety car.[25] [edit] See also[edit] References
[edit] External links
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