TTs through the years
In the pages that follow, we have attempted to drag together (from all sorts of sources!) a historical review of the TT.
From when it was launched, back in 1999, detailing all the major revisions that Audi (and Audi UK) deemed fit for us to have
Please note that these changes apply to UK spec TTs only. Whilst several changes were world wide, Audi UK (in conjuction with Audi) decide which models and what levels of spec we get.
It is also worth noting that many of the changes were made by Manufacturer Year - which is roughly October. However, many cars also sit in showrooms for a while before being registered...
1999
After first being seen at the 1995 Frankfurt Auto Show as a concept model, Audi took on board all the positive comments and decided to put 'our' TT into production.
A mere 4 years later, the first production cars roll off the line.
For the launch, there are two models:
The TT 180 comes with five spoke 16" wheels as standard* and a five speed gearbox.
The TT 225 comes with 17" six spoke alloys as standard* and benefits from the addition of xenon headlights and washer system and DIS (Drivers Information System).
* 'Comps' were £450 extra for 225s and £1,055 for 180s
At the launch, TTs came without the now familar rear spoiler (or ESP) - something Audi were to regret later.
2000
Following the tragic deaths of some journalists, the blame for which was attributed to high speed 'lift off oversteer', in early March 2000 all TTs were recalled for retro fittment of both ESP and a rear spoiler.
NOTE: This was not a mandatory recall - many owners took the ESP option, but not the spoiler.
SOME owners took neither.....
NOTE: Front suspension arms were also 'upgraded', which in the opinion of many was a backwards step.
It is the opinion that the original versions made the TT more involving to drive, with a more 'neutral' balance - the downside of which was ancrease in the likelyhood of oversteer.
In September 2000, the six speed gearbox was introduced on 180 models.
2001
A big year for the TT!
Still only available in a quattro 180 or 225 guise, in Jun 2001 New paint (Hibiscus Red) and Silver Grey leather upholstery colours become available.
Recaro seat options become an upgrade option (on the TTR only).
18-inch split-rim alloy wheels become available.
And then, in Nov 2001, The S-Line is announced!
Based on 225TTC, The S-Line comes with two exclusive paint colours and 18-inch, nine-spoke alloy wheels, and the suspension lowered by an additional 20mm compared with the standard car.
Available in either Misano Red or Avus Silver paintwork, with a choice of either 'normal' black leather interior, or new Brilliant Red or Silver Grey.
A 6 CD autochanger and BOSE are included as standard, along with S-Line badges! (And an alloy gear knob) .
On a less cheerful note, a recall notice is issued: Serial number is 42C9 to replace the rear ball joints.
2002
The year starts of well - both 180 & 225 get 18-inch, nine spoke alloy wheels with 225/40 tyres, and lowered suspension. New titanium headlamp surrounds, and an alloy gear knob.
Some metallic & pearl effect paints are now free upgrades, although Avus Silver and Misano Red command a surcharge of £445.
Sounds familar?
These changes bring the 'std' 225 very much in line (opps!) with the spec of the recent S-Line special eddition. Which pleases most new owners.... And upsets most S-Liners.
Some S-Line owners negotiate cash back from Audi as compensation.
This spec is often known as 'post face-lift'.
All went quiet until October - when we got...
A revised radiator grille!!!
However - Audi were playing with us. In November, the all new(ish) TT 3.2 (DSG) is announced - although no price or release date is set.
2003
And then came a bolt out of the blue!
In Apr 2003, the TTR 150 arrived. With front wheel drive, a 5 speed box, 16-inch 'seven spoke' alloy wheels as standard (17 or 18-inch available at cost), and a 'half and half' interior, this is the first non-quatro TT ever in the UK.
Meanwhile, Audi are still taunting us with news of the new 3.2 DSG model. The TTC will be available first, with the TTR a couple of months later. As well as the DSG, it will also come with a dual-piston brake system (with floating calipers) adapted from the RS4, and ventilated discs front (334mm) and rear (265mm).
The front and rear spoilers and rear valance will also be new.
In December, Audi announce that a manual 3.2 will be available soon.
Unfortunately, DSG owners are sitting with thumbs twiddling as Audi discover a last minute problem with the new boxes....
Just to round the year off, the GALA system on BOSE setups is replaced with an internal microphone which automatically increases the volume as the background noise level increases.
2004
With the 3.2 DSG TTs now starting to reach customers, Audi is still promising a manual version.
In Feburary, it arrives.
Also making an appearance for the first time on these shores, the TTC (only) Front Wheel Drive version appears. Available with the TipTronic gearbox, this model has been previously on sale in Europe.
Which brings us pretty much up to date.
From it's humble(?) start of just 2 basic quattro models, each with 2 levels of power, and just a handful of colours, you can now have:
TTR
1.8T FWD (Manual) 150
1.8T quattro (Manual) 180
1.8T quattro (Manual) 225
3.2 quattro (Manual or DSG) 250
TTC
1.8T FWD (Manual or TipTronic) 180
1.8T quattro (Manual) 180
1.8T quattro (Manual) 225
3.2 quattro (Manual or DSG) 250
With prices from £21K to £32K, there's a TT for every pocket!
In December, the TTR was voted as the car to replace Santa's sleigh!
2005
And what will 2005 bring?
Well, hot off the press (Feburary) is that Audi are launching a new model!
The new TT Coupé quattro Sport model is the lightest, quickest and most driver-focused TT quattro to date.
Priced between a 225 and a 3.2, it will be available from March this year.
Based upon the existing 225, it will however, produce 240PS (and 40Nm extra torque), and take some of the styling cues (spoiler and front valance) from the 3.2
It doesn't stop there though!
Gone are the rear seats, air con and spare wheel, and in come colour coded Recaros and interior - reducing the overall weight by 49Kg.
It also gets a revised sports suspension package and a rear stabilty bar (where the rear seats are normally).
To distinguish it further from previous models, the roof and mirrors will be pearlesant black.
Only 1000 RHD models will be made - at a price of £29,355 OTR.
So get your order in quickly!
2005
With plans obviously well underway for the TT's replacement, it seems unlikely that Audi will be doing anything drastic.
No one knows (or at least they are not saying) exactly what the replacement will be, although the 'guesses' are starting to get more coherent.
Watch this space!
Breaking news (June 15th)! Ordering for TTC 1.8T quattro 225 will close at end of business June 30th. This engine is EU3 compliant and is not able to meet EU4 emission standards. All vehicles with this engine must be registered by December 31st 2005. (21/06/05)
More news (July 21st) 150 and 180 models get a power hike to 163 and 190bhp. |
