New York Auto Show: Audi's TT latest in auto erotic couture
Audi's 2007 TT coupe received a suitably haute couture introduction in the fashion capitol of North America, New York City. Flanked by coathanger models wrapped in the latest stylings of designer Doo.Ri Chung, the press conference also featured an appearance by German supermodel Tatjana Patitz, lending it an indisputable Sex And The City quality.
We've already hipped readers to the TT's official technical specs, so we'll commence with first impressions in the metal. As we've said, Audi obviously had its hands full trying to replace arguably the most aesthetically cohesive and important automobile design of the last quarter century. Given the company's obsession with integrating the questionable 'single frame' grille, along with the necessary increase in dimensions to accommodate everything from pedestrian safety regs to increases in space, they've done a fine job. It remains indisputably a TT, with fine detailing inside-and-out, including pretty rear light fixtures with rectilinear internal lenses with clandestine amber turn signals. Also well hidden is the retractable rear winglet, which increases downforce at speed without blighting the rump of the TT (as the previous iteration's hastily added spoiler did).
(Click through to the jump for more commentary, press release and 20 additional images, many
high-res!)
Similarly, the TT's interior won't rewrite the books the way the previous iteration did-- it is a measured update, but its requisite Spartan yet sexy motif has been maintained, with a superb small-diameter flat-bottomed wheel, and plenty of metal trim. What hasn't made the generational leap, sadly, are the grab handle/knee braces. There appears to be a bit more legroom in front, though the rear 2 seating is still best reserved for agreeable toddlers and soft bags. The trunk, however, is larger, and will now accommodate two sets of clubs.
10 April 2006
THE ALL-NEW AUDI TT IN FASHION IN NEW YORK CITY
AUBURN HILLS, Mich. – Audi has announced today that the all-new TT will make its North American debut at the 2006 New York Auto Show. New York has long been one of the premiere cities for fashion and design trends through out the world. This makes New York the perfect place for the 2008 TT to make its auto show debut.
These fashion and design trends will be on display during the Audi press conference at 3:10pm on Wednesday, April 12. Acclaimed New York fashion designer Doo.Ri Chung will be present to show off some of her new Spring 2006 line as Audi ties automotive design with fashion. Supermodel Tatjana Patitz will assist Doo.Ri Chung during the press conference, and will also help introduce the new Audi TT.
When the original Audi TT debuted in 1998, it caught the automotive world by storm, and forever changed people’s perceptions of design and style. The new 2008 TT will be no different. Now embodying direct gasoline injection and Aluminum Space Frame (ASF) technology, the new TT will be a leader in technology as well as design.
For more information, please visit www.media.audiusa.com.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Hawt 5:54PM (4/12/2006)
Damn that Audi is sweet. For more automotive sweetness check out http://www.autoorbis.com
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Presto 5:59PM (4/12/2006)
The speedo goes up to 280?
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Nathan 6:02PM (4/12/2006)
Yes, 280 KM/H
(roughly 174 MPH)
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Presto 6:18PM (4/12/2006)
280 KM/H.
Damn the Europeans and their metric system. (kidding)
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Joel A 6:34PM (4/12/2006)
Sweet. Though the interior looks as bored as the looks on the models' faces :)
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David 6:40PM (4/12/2006)
Looks great, an improvement IMO.
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rip 6:42PM (4/12/2006)
So, is the glovebox stuffed full with the supermodel's underwear?
The interior is a little disappointing, though like you said, the original is a tough act to follow.
Overall, looks like another good design from Audi. Can't wait to see one in person. And where is the convertible??
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Eric L. 7:08PM (4/12/2006)
Compared with the wonderful chrome/black contrast of the original interior, the gray charcoal bin of newer Audis (including the TT) is a disappointment. I'm sure the car will perform well, but its lost some flash, even with the new 350Z/911 like profile.
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Jeff Welch 7:16PM (4/12/2006)
I felt that one of the coolest things about the outgoing TT was the interior. It was edgy, modern, and sporty; this new interior is sterile.
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USAFMech 7:23PM (4/12/2006)
Yeah, we only wanted 2 pictures of the models anyway.
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WillDaThrill 8:46PM (4/12/2006)
Nice. Should have used more of that trunk space for leg room though. But then you'll probably bump your head on the hatch.
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Nick 8:53PM (4/12/2006)
bring back the rubber shift boot. and add more aluminum to the inside...sigh i guess its too late. at least the exterior is nice. the interior is...boring
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Steve Hanna 9:39PM (4/12/2006)
Why aren't the model shots avaialable in hi res?
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JGN 10:00PM (4/12/2006)
It looks like a Lexus, meh.
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RT 3:20AM (4/13/2006)
Do we have pricing yet?
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chris_b 5:10AM (4/13/2006)
Ooo.. it looks better and better every new picture they release. it looks better than i expected! and those new headlights arn't acually that bad after all. first time i saw em in the shooting brake concept I thought it was ugly! but it looks really cool and im sure it will look better in real life. and that front overhang, what's wrong with it?i dont know but I keep hearing that its too long. luks arite 2 me.
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Oblivion 7:54AM (4/13/2006)
This thing is just horrendus, Audi is so bland these days. Think of something new, same ole same ole crap.
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Edward 7:58AM (4/13/2006)
I give this a big thumbs down, Audi will always be the other luxury car manufaturer.
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Brad Gillette 8:03AM (4/13/2006)
2.0? Are they referring to the 2nd edition? Or does it contain VW's turbocharged 2 liter four-banger? If so, you'd think they'd be wary of putting a 2.0 badge on it after the oh so not long ago memory of the VW 2.Slow 110hp base powerplant.
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JR 8:16AM (4/13/2006)
Holy shift-knob!! I could take it off and use it for batting practice.
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