Audi TT: Your Tourist Trophy
The Second Generation Audi TT
Audi broke the mold when its concept TT car was presented at auto shows around the globe during the mid1990s. Named for the prestigious annual “Tourist Trophy” race held on the Isle of Man, the TT is based on the same platform which powers the Volkswagen Golf and the Skoda Octavia. Making use of anodized aluminum and a “bumper free” exterior, the TT coupe was unlike any car of its time when the first production model was released in 1998. Today, the TT continues to garner awards and win praises from Audi aficionados. If you like the current model, just wait one year and you will witness the release of a TT that goes well beyond the pale.
A Coupe, A Roadster
When talking about the TT, there are actually two models involved: one being a coupe, the other a roadster. Shortly after the coupe’s introduction in 1998, the roadster version was released the following summer. Both models were originally powered by a 20 valve inline 1.8L four cylinder engine, however in subsequent years each model received a more powerful version of that engine while a 3.2L V6 was introduced as an option during 2003. The TT is powered by its front wheels, but Quattro all wheel drive is available as well.
The All New TT
Audi’s success with the TT has helped it to cautiously develop its second generation model. Nearly a full decade after the original model made its debut the follow up TT is being readied and will go into production in 2007. The new TT will feature the following attributes:
Longer and Wider: Slight changes in its width and length will be incorporated into the new model. Expect more cabin room for added interior comfort.
Aluminum and Steel: The new TT will be made up of aluminum in the front and steel in the rear to encourage a better weight balance.
More Power: The 1.8L I4 engine will be replaced with a 2.0L I4 engine. The 3.2L V6 will still be offered, producing 250 horsepower. A six speed manual transmission will be standard equipment.
More Models: The coupe and roadster will be introduced back to back with a third model, possibly a wagon version, also being considered for production.
Principal competitors for the Audi TT have been the BMW Z4 and the Mercedes SLK. The TT’s styling inspiration has found its way onto several other models including the Saturn Sky, Mazda Miata, Nissan 350Z, and the Pontiac Solstice. In all, the Audi TT has reinvigorated the roadster market and it appears that the upcoming TT will expand on that theme even further. This is great news for enthusiasts who want a unique and well engineered 2+2 car as part of their driving stable.
Copyright 2006-2008 – Matt Keegan is The Auto Writer covering European, Asian, and American automobiles, parts, and accessories. Your Audi TT is a premium car deserving only the best parts and accessories. Whether you have an Audi TT Roadster or an Audi TT Coupe, all of the best buys on quality parts can be found right online.
Skoda Tops 500,000 Model Mark
Virtually an unknown automaker to people living in North America, Skoda has been increasing its presence on the world auto scene by upping its annual production capacity.
In 2006, Skoda has reached the 500,000 model mark, thanks to production at five factories in the Czech Republic, Bosnia, India, Kazakhstan and the Ukraine. Although the company has been in existence for more than a century, this is the first time that Skoda has hit this sales milestone.
Skoda is now part of the Volkswagen Group and is expected to begin building models in Russia and China next year. Currently, Skoda primarily serves the European market, with 21 countries now part of its ever increasing sales network.
Although the company has considered shipping cars to the U.S. and Canada, that decision hinges on the future production and marketing plans of Volkswagen.
Fresh New Categories Added
Over on the right side of this blog, in the sidebar, you will notice many different categories of vehicles. Lately, I have been giving some thought to updating this list and have just done so.
Now, Citreon, Opel, Skoda, and Proton are part of this ever-growing list. None of these four brands are traditional North American makes, but I want to give them “their due” as I cover more international brands this point forward.
Citreon is, however, getting ready to re-enter the North American market by selling cars in Canada, while Opel and Saturn recently decided to collude on models. Skoda is owned by Volkswagen and is certain to influence that brand while Proton is a Malaysian brand partly owned by VW.
I’ll be adding some Chinese brands once their influence raises and I am sure that Australia’s Holden brand will also surface here soon.
Technorati Tags: Skoda, VW, Volkswagen, Opel,
GM, Saturn, Citroen, Proton, Holden
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