Is This Really the End of the TT?

The Passage of Time

The Audi TT has always been one of our favorites. We’ve always found the tiny little coupe to be so unique, simple, and quirky in such a pleasing way. The original TT debuted in 1998 for the 1999 model year and now in 2019, it seems like the model is done for. If this really is the end for the TT we thought it only right to look back at the wonderful little machine that changed automotive design all those years ago. 

A Bit of A Rough Start

The TT has always had a quirkiness about it. The round little bulbous body was so bubbly and non-offensive, it quickly earned itself a "cute car” title, an unfortunate label as it is truly a great sports car. However, plagued by failing timing belts, faulty electronics, and high-speed accidents, the TT started life a bit rough. But sales were strong, with the first generation showing steadily growing sales throughout its lifetime and growing today as a staple car in Audi's line-up.  

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Round two

The 2nd gen of the model was assembled on Audi's ASF Space Frame and made with a combination of aluminum and steel components with a ratio of 69 to 31%. Outfitted with a 2.0-liter turbo TFSI engine the powerplant produced 200 horsepower and 250 horsepower from the 3.2-liter V6 variant. The 2.0-liter came with front-wheel drive while the V6 was equipped with standard all-wheel drive. 

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Round 3

At the 2014 Geneva Motor Show, the third gen of the TT debuted to the world. Moving further from the overly smooth design of the original and taking on cues from the big brother R8, the TT had much more dramatic styling. Improvements continued on in the cabin with a multifunction steering wheels and pleasant creature comforts. 

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Then came the 20th anniversary

The TT 20th Anniversary Edition is available in both coupe or roadster. The TT comes standard in Aviator grey pearl, as well as an exclusive color only on US-spec cars, Nimbus Gray Metallic, Audi’s smooth matte primer grey variant. “20 Years of TT” badges are added to the front fenders, and OLED taillights only available on the TT RS are standard, as is the high-gloss black trim. Unique 19 inch five spoke gunmetal wheels are wrapped in summer performance tires and a trumpet style exhaust rounds out the package.

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Is this the end?

Fast forward to May 23rd and Audi has unveiled a plan for the brand to move towards electrification and alternative powertrains for their vehicles. That plan sadly looked as if there was no longer a place for the TT and R8 in the stable of models. CEO Bram Schot has laid out a strategy for the near future that has the brand focusing heavily on sustainability and cutting models that no longer make economic sense. However, Schot went on to say that the TT could have a spiritual successor that would be "emotive" and would slot into the same bracket in a few years. 

>>Join the conversation about the end of the TT right here in Audi World.

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