known internally within Audi by the name "Typ 8N", but it later
became known as the First Generation TT, as a second, improved
model of the car was produced and developed from 2006 to
present. The TT name came from the famous "NSU TT" small rear
engine of the 1960's, and does not mean "Twin Turbo" for the
record. The Audi TT was the first presented in a concept car
design at the 1995 Frankfurt Motor Show but it was then decided
that it should be established within the coupe class in 1998. J
Mays and Freeman Thomas originally designed the car, both of
Volkswagen's California design workshop, with Martin Smith
designing the bold and innovative interior. And it originated in
the class of the 2 door roadster, and the 2 door luxury
sportscar, with either a front wheel drive or four wheel drive,
and a front positioned engine.
The first thing people noticed about the car was that it
obtained a couple of design patterns from earlier vehicles, the
complete appearance was thought to be definite and unique. The
design appeal of the First Generation TT consisted of a its
smooth-curved body, rounded bodywork, the distinctive use bare
"anodized aluminum", and no definite show of bumpers, the car
was light-years away from the current styling trends that
beseeched the market at that time. Despite all of the car's
curvaceous outlines, it does not improve the aerodynamics of the
vehicle; in fact the "drag coefficient" is actually very high at
0.35. A small number of changes were performed to the TT
apperance wise, so it didn't vary much from the showcased
concept car, except the addition of finely re-profiled bumpers,
and "back quarter-light windows located behind the doors".
The Audi TT foundations were based intensely on the "Volkswagen
A4 platform", which came from the "A platform", which was also
used in the Volkswagen New Beetle, Audi A3, Volkswagen Golf/
Rabbit, SEAT Leon, and the Skoda Octavia. The proportional
blueprint of the TT is made up of a width of 1764mm (69.4in); a
length of 4041mm (159.1in); wheel-base of 2422mm (95.4in); and a
height of 1346mm (53in). The car also possessed a fuel capacity
of 55 litres (14.5 US gal/12.1 imp gal).
The car was initially obtainable with an engine with capacity
of "1.8 litre Turbo I4" which consists of a "Turbo-charged
inline four cylinder, 20 valve" motor that overturned either
"180PS (178hp or 132kW) or 225PS (222hp or 165kW)". The 225PS
engine owns a bigger turbo-charger, an extra intercooler located
on the driver's side, fabricated connecting rods, and other
mechanically internal modifications, all proposed to increase
turbo boost from about 10 psi to peak at 15 psi. In 2003, the
original layout of the four cylinder range was given a boost
with the 3.2 litre VR6 engine, which outputs 250PS (247hp or
184kW). The First Generation TT engines were mounted crosswise,
with optional front or "quattro" all wheel drive with the
smaller engine, but came standard in the 3.2 litre version. The
TT transmission came with 4 different formats; a 5 speed manual;
a 6 speed manual; a 6 speed automatic; and the later enhanced 6
speed DSG.
In late 1999, early 2000 the First Generation TT had its load
of problems because eyebrows raised as questions grew about the
car's poor handling as the tally of fatal accidents piled up.
The car was deemed unstable when cornering at high speeds, due
to "throttle lift-off oversteering". It was imperative that Audi
rectify the situation as quickly as possible by altering the
problem by changing the suspension settings to increase
under-steer, and adding a rear wing spoiler to lower lift. These
changes helped the problem, and gave the car back its
reputation.
Sales-wise the First Gen was a huge success, both in commercial
and private markets, as the car reached a public, which had not
been considered beforehand. The customers that filled the market
were mostly, young people and women in particular that bought
Audi TTs. There was even a long waiting list for it both in the
US and the UK, where it was something of a fashion item. The car
was distinguished for it elegant flair and improved offering, as
the acclaim were stacked on it as the car was highlighted in the
sought after "Car and Driver" magazine's distinguished "Ten Best
List" for both 2000 and 2001. In addition, it was also nominated
for the "North American Car of the Year".
About The Author: Have a look at our car website with pictures
and wallpaper of supercars at http://www.supercars.dk . If you
want more info on the Audi TT then have a look at
http://www.supercars.dk/Audi
