Split personality cult

Coupe and Roadster TT and later with a folding soft-top models have become iconic in many ways because of the "prototype" appearance. As, however, and Volkswagen New Beetle - another imperishable creation of Thomas. However, as they say, is no more certain, and those far away. Freeman Thomas now oversees U.S. brands Ford, Mercury and Lincoln as director of design concepts and Audi paint a completely different people. The second generation TT, which premiered in New York, will go on sale this summer. And it is no longer an upstart, even if successful, but quite recognizable member of the lineup Audi - rival BMW Z4 Coupe. The new TT, like its predecessor, has a landing formula 2 +2 and, ideally, three-door hatchback to be named, but not a classic coupe: rear door opens upwards along the glass. "Second» TT is built on a shortened 110 mm platform Golf V. He's 137 mm longer than the current version (the length increased to 4178 mm), and 78 mm wider (1842 mm). In addition to front-wheel drive version will be available with all-wheel drive transmission, quattro. A little later, and will be the second generation roadster TT. The basis of the body - a proprietary power structure ASF (Audi Space Frame). To increase the torsional rigidity and improved weight distribution along the axes 69% of the body elements are made of aluminum (the rest of the steel). The fact that the "iron" was more serious, can be understood by looking at the massive (unlike its predecessor) porogi.Predstaviteli Audi say about the continuity of generations - in the design of the new TT kept the theme of "circles and domes." However, the visible and the new corporate style Audi: the huge V-shaped grille, narrow, slanted headlights, strongly sloping rear pillar. However, the creators are more willing to talk about the driving performance of the second generation, rather than about its design. According to project leader Ulrich Hakenburga, to replace the avant-garde "serial concept," came the car that seriously intends to change the view that the best sports coupe makes a BMW. For the sake of stability of center of gravity is lower than the previous model. In addition, the rear door has a spoiler a la Porsche 911 come to life after 120 km / h (according to some reports, the modifications intended for foreign markets, will be activated spoiler after the 80 km / h). Note that in the very first TT was not a spoiler, and at high speed, they often tried to "take off". The new TT while there are only two petrol engines. The first - a 2-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged direct-injection FSI (200 PS). With him compartment can be accelerated to "hundreds" in 6.4 seconds and a top speed of 240 km / h. A more powerful 3.2-liter V6 (250 hp) is able to disperse the TT to "hundreds" in just 5.7 seconds, "max speed", limited by electronics, - 250 km / h. In a couple to any of these motors can be ordered plain 6-speed manual transmission or a robot with dual-clutch S-Tronic, formerly known as DSG. The new TT with a 2-liter engine will be available only in front-wheel drive versions, and quattro all-wheel drive transmission designed for modification of the probability of an V6.O range diesel engines, which have major competitors in the European market, the creators say evasively. "If we win Le Mans with our diesel fireballs, then diesel is really suitable for a sports car" - said Ulrich Hakenburg. According to the German automotive journalists in Ingolstadt, confident of victory with the R10 turbo, and the appearance of TT with diesel engine is quite real. As an option, the fall would be to order a new active suspension Audi Magnetic Ride, first shown at the TT Shooting Brake concept in Tokyo. It changes the characteristics of the shock absorbers according to road conditions and pokrytiya.Kak in the first-generation TT, the rear can comfortably accommodate children or perhaps that very tiny lady. However, the amount of luggage up to 20 liters and is now 290 hp. If the rear seat backs folded down, it will have 700 l.Razumeetsya the most interesting thing in the cabin - the driver, resembling a cockpit pilot. Landing is traditionally very low. The central panel with three round vents slightly tilted towards the driver. Immediately striking new sports leather steering wheel with 'bitten off' the lower sector (this would facilitate entering and exiting the car). Edging deflectors, steering wheel spokes and pedals are made of polished metal. Control Center - interface MMI, the driver in contact with him through six sensory klavish.Priznatsya, the new TT mixed feelings. On the one hand, the car has become more technically sophisticated and may well compete with eminent classmates. On the other - the birth of the second generation in any case, deprives the model a certain proportion of exclusivity, which is an important part of the cult image of the Audi TT.