I spy with my little eye…
Quad exhausts? That’s the standout feature on the back of this TT, and that means you’re looking at the S version of Audi’s little coupe. And it’s definitely official too. As well as the taped-over Audi badge and Ingolstadt number plates, this car has new integrated LED daytime running lights. When asked about the car an Audi spokesman said that the company was currently not acknowledging any further development of the TT. So that’s a yes then.
What does that badge say?
I’m afraid we can’t fully make it out, but it’s definitely an Audi S or RS badge. Look closely and you can see ‘TT’ overlapping between the silver and red. Why is it an S and not an RS? Firstly quattro GmbH, the company that builds RS models, does not have enough space to build another new model. The RS4 saloon is already a special order model to make way for the RS6 Avant. And secondly a higher volume, though slightly cheaper S model makes more economic sense than a hardcore, low-volume RS.
So if this is a hot TT, what’s under the bonnet.
Either the Audi S3’s engine with 261bhp, or a newer 2.0-litre turbocharged engine that is rated by Audi up to 295bhp. Quattro four-wheel drive will of course be standard. And before you complain about this car being a four-pot remember that our current pick of the TT range is the 2.0-litre turbocharged car. The best previous generation TT was also the quattro Sport version with a 1.8-litre turbocharged engine.
What other changes are there?
These shots show a wider and deeper rear bumper to accommodate those quad exhausts. Those exhausts also point towards this not being an RS model: RS models have so far always come with twin oval tailpipes. And S models have always appeared before RS models as well. Expect to see the hot TT at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2008.
Anything else?
As mentioned, this car has new LED daytime running lights, which differentiated the S6 from the rest of the A6 range when it was launched. There is also a new front bumper reminiscent of the TT Clubsport Quattro . But up next from Audi should be the A1 concept car, which is expected to be shown at Tokyo next week. And we’ve already seen leaked sketches and scooped the car on the road. Audi is also working on an A7, R8 Spider, and a V10-engined R8. There’s also a Q5, and a monster V12 TDI Q7 on the way. Oh, and the new A4 is here too.