’06 TT skips some states

Audi has decided against trying to meet emissions regulations in California, New York, Massachusetts, Maine and Vermont with the 2006 TT coupe and roadster. Neither of the car’s engines, the outgoing 1.8-liter turbo, nor the 3.2-liter V6, were able to meet the more stringent standards in those states for 2006, so Audi decided to forego those sales until the second-generation TT arrives as a 2007 model, powered by Audi’s 2.0-liter FSI.

All TT customers can now benefit from the particularly attractive “Advance plus” equipment package – not only in terms of visual effect, but also with respect to the price. The extras in this package are two-thirds cheaper than when ordered individually.

The Advance plus package combines popular options in the areas of styling, sporty comfort and sound. The fascinating forms of the TT are underscored by the exclusive special colour Sprint Blue, pearl effect or – if requested and at no extra charge – other metallic and pearl effect paint finishes as well. The xenon headlights, as well as providing the TT with added safety, lend it an even more striking look.

In the interior the customer has the choice of sports seats in Alcantara/Leather or Fine Nappa leather. The concert radio, in combination with the much-praised BOSE sound system, provides an impressive acoustic backdrop. The electrically retractable glass wind deflector ensures a comfortable drive in the TT Roadster with the top down, too.

18-inch cast aluminium wheels of 5 twin-spoke design provide visual and dynamic highlights on both the Audi TT Coupé and Roadster.

The new equipment package is available not only for the four-cylinder 1.8T with 120 kW or 140 kW (163 / 190 bhp), but also for the 184 kW (250 bhp) six-cylinder Audi TT 3.2 quattro. Pure driving fun in an Audi TT Coupé with the Advance plus package starts at 29,900 euros

These shots give the best view yet of both, the coupe and roadster version of the next-generation Audi TT, showing how the company has grown and adapted its design to stay at the top of the style charts. The models revealed here will be joined by a three-door hatch variant, but it's the classic two-door body style that will make up most of the sales. Although the hatchback Shooting Brake concept - unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show back in October - was first to showcase the TT's new look, these pictures uncover the production version for the first time. It has been caught testing by our spies and, as you can see, the current model's instantly recognisable lines have been moulded into something much more modern.


Ready to go on sale late this year, the TT will have a new rival in the shape of BMW's Z4 coupe, but the next Audi will boast a more spacious cabin. While the outgoing model's back seats are uncomfortable for adults, rear passengers in the newcomer will benefit from extra space, and there will be more luggage room in the boot.

The extra millimetres have given the company's designers greater flexibility to pen a more attractive hood for the Roadster, which will join the line-up in 2007. What's still uncertain is where the three-door Shooting Brake version will fit into Audi's range. If it's priced as an entry-level variant, it will be too close to flagship A3 V6 models; but if it's placed at the top of the range, it could steal sales from the rumoured forthcoming executive A5 coupe.

Benefiting from Audi's latest engine technology, the new TT will be offered with the 2.0-litre powerplant from parent company Volkswagen's Golf in both naturally aspirated and turbocharged forms. A 250bhp 3.2-litre six-cylinder unit will head up the range at launch, and all motors will benefit from VW's latest Fuel Stratified Injection (FSI) technology to boost efficiency.

The firm's latest turbocharged and supercharged engine will be available too, while plans to develop a diesel TT are thought to be underway. All but the entry-level variants will come with quattro all-wheel drive, but buyers can expect a more involving driving experience across the range.

Enthusiasts also have the prospect of a genuine supercar-baiting TT flagship to look forward to. Likely to be badged the RS, this range-topper will be powered by a 2.0-litre bi-turbo unit, and will take on BMW's hot Z4 M. Expect to see the new coupe in the metal for the first time at the Paris Motor Show in September this year, with the first lucky buyers taking delivery before the end of 2006.