Everyone expected the all-new Audi TT to arrive in its usual coupe and roadster body styles for 2016. Some even entertain the idea of Audi building a shooting brake version of the car -- something like the Audi Allroad concept pointed to. But no one seemed to anticipate Audi’s next potential direction for the TT -- a four-door coupe-like family sedan.

According to Audi->ke14 Technical Chief Ulrich Hackenberg, the automaker is “looking to see if there is more we can do ,” he says. “ is working on future derivatives of the TT. Could the TT be extended as a family car?” If you have a look above at our rendering, it is really not too bad looking.

It’s well known that Audi is planning a massive expansion of its product lineup, increasing from the current 49 models to 60 in the not-so-distant future. Creating a TT derivative makes sense from a planning perspective, at least. While the new TT will likely be a hit, the TT’s sales haven’t exactly been stellar in recent history, selling only 18,353 units in 2013.

What is selling, however, are premium compact cars->ke140 like the Mercedes-Benz->ke187 CLA, rising 24 percent in Europe last year according to JATO Dynamics. Stretching and adding two extra doors to the TT would instantly create a CLA-fighter and help offset development costs for the TT coupe and roadster. Both cars would target the same ‘affluent under-40s’ crowd.

Perhaps the biggest question Audi will have to answer is how a four-door TT affects sales of the newly refreshed A3 sedan -- a car that essentially already fills the compact luxury family sedan niche. Like the CLA in relation to the C-Class, Audi could produce similar products with unique personalities designed for sales in highly specific market categories.

Click past the jump to read more about the Audi TT.

2017 Audi TT Sedan

Specifications
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  • Model: 2017 Audi TT Sedan
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Audi TT

The all-new 2016 Audi TT is one good-looking car. Its new exterior with its angular lines and aggressive stance help reset the car’s demeanor for what will hopefully be a renewed interest in the coupe and roadster. Its cockpit is revamped and highly polished with Audi’s current level of interior and ergonomic excellence.

Power comes from two different powertrains with three separate power outputs. The base 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4 makes 230 horsepower and 272 pound-feet of torque while a more powerful version of that same TFSI engine produces 310 horses and 280 pound-feet. For European customers, the optional TDI diesel produces 184 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque while getting a projected 56 mpg highway.

Pricing hasn’t been released yet, but we don’t expect it to jump far from the current TT’s $39,900 starting price.