Audi TT turns 25, but something similar is unlikely to return

This May, the Audi TT car celebrates its 25th anniversary and it is unlikely to have another one in the future. This news is not surprising, because Audi had already announced some time ago that the TT model would no longer be produced.

Indeed, Audi has anticipated the future and the TT has no place in it. Unfortunately, the brand has not provided an equivalent model to replace the TT, which is leaving us as it celebrates its quarter century on the market.

Audi introduced the Audi TT as a concept car at the 1995 Frankfurt Motor Show . Three years later, in May 1998, the production version was unveiled and it was practically identical to the concept car, with some minor differences, such as the presence of small rear side windows.

This demonstrates that it is very likely that Audi's next proposal will be much lighter, even if it is a concept car with a license plate. Initially designed as an Audi A3 Coupé , in a 2+2 and two-seater roadster version , it eventually became a unique model, without being associated with a range of the German brand. The mechanical base of the car would be that of the Volkswagen Golf IV , for cost reasons.

Audi TT (8N)

Initially, the engines considered for the Golf were versions with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive (Haldex type) with powers ranging from 125 to 200 horsepower. However, Audi eventually opted for 180 and 225 horsepower 1.8-liter turbo engines for the car. Production of the TT coupé ran between 1998 and 2006 , with 178,765 units manufactured , while the TT Cabriolet saw 90,733 examples roll out of the Volkswagen Group's Hungarian plant in Györ between 1999 and 2006.

Nevertheless, the first generation of the car concluded with a model that laid the foundation for what was to come next. Audi introduced a few years before its discontinuation a version fitted with Volkswagen's 3.2-litre, 250 horsepower VR6 engine , with all-wheel drive and dual-clutch gearbox (DSG), which allowed the car to reach a acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds . This car served as a prelude to the TT S or TT RS .

Audi TT (8J)

In 2007, the Audi TT saw a second generation which featured a partially aluminum front body. This new version of the TT was developed on the automotive group's PQ35 platform , which was also used as the basis for other vehicles such as the SEAT Altea , SEAT León, Volkswagen Golf and Audi A3 .

When launched, the TT marked a first by offering diesel engines, while its top model featured the 250 horsepower VR6 . Subsequently, the TT S quattro and TT RS versions , equipped with a 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder engine developing 272 horsepower and a more powerful engine respectively, were introduced.

In 2009, it entered the market with a new 5-cylinder turbo engine from Audi , with a displacement of 2.5 liters and an impressive sound. Early models produced 340 horsepower , but Audi quickly increased that to 360 horsepower .

Audi TT (8S)

In 2014, Audi launched the third and final generation of its TT, which is the rarest and most exclusive of the three. Although there were fewer units produced, this was not a problem as it was positioned much higher up the market, with prices similar to top-end versions of the Porsche 718 Cayman, such as the TT RS which now offers 400 horsepower .

By comparison, Volkswagen's Beetle , which had a similar design as a selling point, only lasted two generations over a 22-year period before being phased out in 2019.

The Chrysler PT Cruiser had a single generation that lasted 10 years, before the arrival of the New Beetle. Although it enjoyed some success in the early years, this enthusiasm quickly faded and interest in this car waned. On the other hand, the Audi TT has never opted for a neo-retro style that imitates old models. It has its own clean and aerodynamic lines, which makes it unique and unrepeatable.

Its interior stands out for its singular character, perhaps due to its 2014 vintage, which does not have a central touch screen. To adjust the air conditioning, you have to use the physical buttons integrated in the ventilation openings.

All the information needed to navigate, use Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is accessible via the customizable digital dashboard. The latter is controlled by physical buttons and wheels located on the steering wheel, a feature that is unimaginable these days.

It should be noted that the electric model that will replace the TT will not be identical. As well as the soundtrack being different, it remains to be seen if Audi will be able to capture the surprise and statement of intent that the first Audi TT embodied in this new electric model.

It's hard to say whether the flag design, which was an irreverent feature of the TT, will be retained. Only time will tell. For now, those who want to own an Audi TT of any generation should consider buying it before prices rise.