The extreme Audi TT Ultra Quattro concept sheds 660 pounds over the regular TT S coupe making it one of the most extreme TTs ever created.
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The next-generation Audi TT is scheduled to launch next year as a 2015 model and the German automaker is planning to return the car to its roots.
According to Audi chief designer Wolfgang Egger, the next-generation TT will be a sharper, more angular vehicle than past models.
10. Volvo C30 - 2,827 Units Sold
After checking out the top 10 best selling vehicles of last year, it’s now time to take a look at the worst performers on dealerships lots.
It isn’t a huge surprise to see the Volvo C30 on the list at 10th place, considering the Swedish automaker decided to give the vehicle the axe at the end of 2012. The Volvo C30 was on the market for six years in North America and sold only 26,000 units.
Audi’s tiny TT sport coupe might be getting a serious performance boost soon, but not in horsepower.
Audi is currently working on its third-generation TT model which set to make its debut in 2014.
Top 10 Track Specials Under $60,000
Driving is a mundane task for some people, but for others it’s a sport, and there’s no better proving ground than a track.
Automakers see that opportunity as well, and love to offer up cars that are designed specifically with track use in mind. Take a look at the latest offering from Subaru and Scion, the BRZ/FR-S twins. Both cars were designed with a priority on light-weight, and achieves an impressive weight balance. In true sporting fashion, it’s rear-wheel drive and can be had with a slick-shifting six-speed manual, or quick automatic with race-inspired paddle-shifters.
The FR-S isn’t the only car out there with racing in its veins. Here’s a list of factory-customized machines designed for time at the track.
Automakers often say they go racing in order to improve their production models, and when you have decades of success on the track, chances are your vehicle lineup is all the better for it.
Audi is giving its customers a reason to be happy by announcing its TT Coupe S line competition special edition, which combines two previously separate packages, cutting approximately 50 percent of the total cost out.
10. 2012 BMW 528i xDrive 22/32/26
Fuel efficiency is quickly becoming one of the most sought after elements in a new car. However finding a car with good fuel efficiency usually means you have to make a few compromises.
More details on the 2014 Audi TT coupe and roadster, which Audi is unobtrusively preparing to launch, emerged today.
The German marque’s little sports car is taking drastic steps away from its cutesy origin to become a more muscular sports car. As we previously reported, the new TT will take advantage of the brand’s MQB platform to be more cost and space efficient by sharing a platform with both the A3 and Volkswagen Golf, which we also expect will shave a little more than 132 lbs off the car’s weight.
The TT-S and TT-RS have both already been confirmed for 2014, where we can expect to see a more powerful set of engines. The information, uncovered by CAR, shows a list of engine options for the European market that runs from a 180-hp 1.8-liter TFSI four cylinder that we don’t expect in the U.S., all the way to a 2.5-liter, 380-hp TFSI that we would expect to see in the TT-RS, which would mean a 20-hp boost over the current TT-RS.
Updated styling information is also available, including a setback main air intake and more complex LED lighting. The car also gets fake lower black vents to improve the newly muscular look. Expect the tail lights to receive similar treatment with more LEDs than previous models.
[Source: CAR]
The Audi TT RS plus made its public debut today at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, giving us our first look at the 360-hp sport coupe.
Offered with a 6-speed manual mated to a 2.5-liter TFSI inline four that also makes 343 lb-ft of torque, the TT RS plus takes Audi’s small sports car to the next level. Customers may also choose to power the wheels via a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic.
Paired with the automatic, the car runs from 0-100 kmh (62 mph) in 4.1 seconds as a coupe or 4.2 and a convertible, though stick-shift enthusiasts will lose 0.2 seconds in that race.
Drivers choosing to continue accelerating will find a top speed of 174 mph.
Even with Quattro all-wheel drive, the car weighs in at an impressively light 3,196 lbs with the manual transmission as a coupe. The convertible packs on a few more pounds to tip the scales at just under 3,334 lbs.
Finally, drivers can look forward to black and red 19-inch wheels and a large rear spoiler to complete the extra-sporty look.
It’s not clear if the especially-spicy little Audi will make it across the ocean to U.S. buyers, but even if it does it won’t be soon.
GALLERY: 2013 Audi TT RS Plus
GALLERY: 2013 Audi TT RS Plus
Take a close look at this Audi TT. It has a slightly longer wheelbase, and wider wheel arches indicating that this could be Audi’s mule for it’s next gen TT.
This vehicle was spotted going through some cold weather testing in Sweden recently, and our photographers snapped some spy photos.
We don’t see much hinting at a new design here, but observers said that it sounded much more “mature” than the latest model. We’re careful to say that means anything at all, since this vehicle could have an unfinished exhaust system.
Lastly the interior of this car was completely covered, meaning Audi has some serious changes in mind for the interior design.
You can see the whole gallery below.
GALLERY: 2013 Audi TT Mule Spy Photos
Audi has just released information regarding the TT RS Plus, a more powerful, faster and more dynamic TT RS. The TT RS plus will be available in both Coupe and Roadster versions featuring a 2.5L TFSI engine with 360-hp and 343 lb-ft of torque.
The German automaker didn’t specify when the vehicle will be released other than “early 2012″, but we reckon that customers can place their orders now if they really want one. The TT RS Plus is available with either a manual six-speed transmission or a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic. The Coupe version of the TT RS plus hits 62-mph in just 4.1 seconds while the Roadster does it in 4.2 seconds – both with an automatic transmission. Manual drivers will experience the acceleration to 62-mph 0.2 seconds slower.
Top speed is set at 174-mph and Audi is reporting around 27-mpg for the TT RS Plus. What is probably most impressive about the TT RS Plus is its 3,196-lb weight in a model with a manual transmission with quattro all-wheel drive. It achieves an impressive 1-hp to 8.82-lbs power-to-weight ratio thanks to its lightweight Audi Space Frame (ASF) chassis. The Roadster has a 1-hp to 9.26-lb power-to-weight ratio.
The TT RS Plus will come stock with 19-inch wheels and a large, fixed rear wing to increase downforce on the back of the car.
The TT RS Plus Coupé with manual transmission costs €60,650 (roughly converted to $80,600) in Germany or €62,800 ($83,450) with the seven-speed S tronic. The TT RS Plus Roadster has a list price of €63,500 ($84,385) or €65,650 ($87,240) respectively.
Announced for Europe Audi has not said if the TT RS Plus will be available in North America.
GALLERY: Audi TT RS Plus
Audi is quietly planning the launch of the third generation TT sports car, which will continue down a path away from anything resembling the cutesy original. It’s certain to retain the unique profile, but Audi is planning a large grill up front (duh!) and larger lower air intakes. Out back, there will be an active spoiler, as well as a small integrated roof spoiler.
Based on the brand’s new MQB platform that will also underpin cars like the next-gen Audi A3 and MKVII VW Golf, power will continue to come primarily from turbocharged 4-cylinder engines, with 180 hp in base trim (unlikely for the U.S.), and a 220 hp version. Audi global R&D chief Michael Dick has confirmed the TT-S and TT-RS will return as well. Look for slight power increases in each model.
Inside, the TT could see a single unit LCD screen instrument panel that’s also designated for the next-gen R8.
[Source: CAR]
Audi has a legion of dedicated fans. In fact, a recent Visibli study found that the auto brand has more engaged social media followers than even Lady Gaga and Justin Bieber. That must mean these fans have quite a few stories to share about how the German luxury automaker gained their loyalty.
Audi wants to share these stories with the rest of the world and to do so the company launched the “Remarkable Audi Film” series. Each installment in the series focuses on real people who discuss what Audi means to them. There are no rehearsed scripts – Audi just turns on the camera and lets the story unfold.
In the first installment in the series, Audi talks with award-winning and Grammy-nominated recording artist Ryan Farish, who uses Audi to perfect his music. After burning his tracks on a CD, he listens to how they sound in his Audi TT. In the video below, you can see what happens when he takes the new Audi A8, outfitted with a 19-speaker, 1,400-watt Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System, out for a test drive. You can watch the video after the jump.
If you’ve got a story to tell, send it to remarkable@audi.com. You may be featured in the next installment of the Remarkable Audi Film series.
Audi is exploring the possibility of bringing more RS models to the American market, after years of on-and-off importation of select vehicles like the RS4 and RS6.
Both the TT-RS and RS5 are slated to be introduced for the 2012 model year, and the vehicles will be priced well above even the most expensive TT and A5 models. Like BMW’s M cars, the the RS models are sold in low volumes but are relatively high margin vehicles for Audi. The average transaction price for Audi vehicles has risen steadily since January of 2010, while rivals Mercedes-Benz and BMW have seen theirs fall (though their transaction prices are still higher overall)
Peter Scwarzenbauer, Audi’s U.S. sales head, suggested that future RS products could make their way to America, but declined to specify what was in the pipeline.
[Source: Left Lane News]
The official launch of the eagerly anticipated Audi TT RS took place with the first vehicle was delivered to veteran race car driver Don Istook.
Last year, Istook was one of more than 11,500 fans that signed a Facebook petition to introduce the TT RS to the U.S. Istook was also one of the first drivers to race an Audi Quattro in the U.S in 1985, as well as driving the S4 in the Motorola Cup race series of yesteryear.
“Having raced at almost every major track in the U.S. and Canada, I’ve pushed the limits in many cars in my 34 years as a race car driver,” Istook said. “I like my street car to give me some of that thrill. With my new Audi TT RS, I not only get that thrill, but I also get that ‘race car’ sound.”
The 2012 TT RS represents the pinnacle of TT performance. The RS is powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder TFSI engine that cranks out 360-hp and 343 lb-ft of torque. The TT RS has been priced at $56,850.
Tintek, a tuning company from the Czech Republic, specializes in wrapping sports cars with unique finishes. And while matte finishes are all the rage right now, there’s no denying that certain enthusiasts prefer something more flashy…like chrome.
In order to showcase their newest product that features some proprietary technology, Tintek has released a video showing off a chrome-wrapped Chevy Camaro and Audi TT.
While we don’t really expect chrome and gold chrome wraps to take off here in America, it’s interesting to see the trends overseas for those looking for something on the opposite end of subtle. We have to admit, both the TT and Camaro look pretty nice decked out in full chrome; and if your goal is to be seen, this is probably a very good option for you.
[Source: GT Spirit]
Somebody in Audi management is busting out the champagne and Hoyo Monterrey Excaliburs. This past March gave them a series of sales records, including the best March US sales and the best overall first quarter of all time.
This was the third month in a row where Audi sales have set records, and in the U.S. March sales were the third-best monthly sales overall.
You want numbers? We got numbers, bucko. 25,383 vehicles were sold this first quarter, a 19.1% increase over the previous year’s. The record-setting March 2011 saw 9,818 vehicles moved out of Audi showrooms, an increase of over 1,000 vehicles from March 2010—or 14.3%. From February, sales increased a not-insubstantial 25%. Five Audi models saw sales increases of 20%: the Q7, Q5, TT, R8, and the 2011 Audi A8, which was the biggest winner—compared to sales from 2010, the flagship sedan increased its sales by an overwhelming 788.9%. From just 68 models in March 2010 to 1,371 this past month, the uber-sedan owes its success to its redesign this year.
Hear that sound? It’s somebody at Audi probably getting a promotion. Or another cigar.
As if news of the impending launch of the Audi TT-RS wasn’t enough, North American consumers will be treated to an extra 20 horsepower, according to Car and Driver magazine.
C/D spoke to Audi representatives at the Chicago Auto Show, where they were informed that Audi is pushing for a total output of 360 horsepower in North America, rather than Europe’s 340 horsepower. We won’t get the awesome Recaro sport seats available in Europe, and the only transmission choice is a 6-speed manual. But we’re hardly complaining.
A sports exhaust and a rear-wing delete option will also be available, and Audi claims that the car will start in the low $60,000 range.
[Source: Car and Driver]
Audi has been busy courting Canadian media outlets with some of their hottest product. Sympatico Autos, a popular portal in the Great White North, was given exclusive drives of the A1 Quattro, RS3 and (earlier in the year) TT-RS.
Given the penchant for smaller (and premium) cars north of the 49th parallel, we understand the movie, and Audi seems to be putting its money where its mouth is by unveiling the 340 horsepower TT-RS at the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto. The CIAS usually falls on the same dates as the Chicago show, and we know that there will be simultaneous unveiling of the 2012 Acura TL at both shows. On the other hand, we have no word on when the TT-RS will make its official debut in the United States, so this could potentially be an interesting story. Audi Canada would only confirm that this was the Canadian unveiling of the car, but we’re pretty sure that an American launch is imminent.
AutoGuide will have live photos of the Audi TT-RS launch in Toronto on February 17th, so stay tuned for the first images of Audi’s newest sports car.
Is the Audi TT-RS’s 360-hp and 174 mph top speed not enough for you? German powerhouse tuner MTM decided it clearly wasn’t enough for them and their customers. The result is a 472-hp turbocharged 5-cylinder bullet that’s already hit 194 mph out at Italy’s Nardo test track.
And just to show their tuning prowess and the potency of any turbo setup, MTM has fine-tuned the inline-five turbocharged power plant with an ECU retune, MTM’s turbocharger and a new exhaust system to hit the 472-hp number. The engine mods chime in at close to $20,200. If you want to back up the go with some show, MTM also offers new brakes, suspension, wheels and tires for around $13,900.
The wheels are a bimoto 20-inch setup wrapped with Dunlop Sport Maxx tires (at least it is on their demo car that hit 194 mph), while the brakes are a massive 15-inch setup with 8-piston calipers in the front.
GALLERY: MTM Audi TT RS
Check out the official press release after the break.
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UPDATE: Audi’s official statement below
Jalopnik is reporting that an Audi commercial shoot at Pikes Peak took a tragic turn after a helicopter crashed during filming. Reports say that the pilot is in critical condition with the other three passengers injured as well.
The commercial apparently involved the autonomous TTS, with the helicopter filming the driverless car as it made its way up Pikes Peak. We’ll have more on the story as information becomes available. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families.
[Source: Jalopnik]