Audi’s->ke14 latest remake of the TT->ke1081 Coupe and Roadster could potentially pave the way for an entire family of TT-based cars, including the Offroad concept seen at the Beijing Motor Show.->ke2062

In an interview with Autocar, Audi boss man Rupert Stadler mentioned some fairly revealing information regarding the idea. “The TT can be a family,” Stadler said. “This concept->ke169 shows that we can do it as long as the genetic code is kept.” This sort of ‘genetic code’ of sorts is what makes the TT unique, including the wheels arches, unique side windows, the exterior lighting, and the interior themes.

What this means for Audi, and more specifically for the TT, is a series of cars all based on the same platform, but with different seating configurations, number of doors, and possibly several powertrain options. It seems the sky is the limit for the TT except for the one design direction that Stadler specifically shot down: a bigger sedan. “The TT should be an icon and that icon has to be respected and that means a compact car that sporty to drive.

Still, that leaves options like a three-door hatch, a two-door shooting brake, the Offroad concept (pictured above), or a smaller four-door compact sedan like the one Audi Technical Chief Ulrich Hackenberg hinted at last month. This sort of sedan would compete nicely with the hot-selling Mercedes CLA and BMW M235i. However, it does seem this sort of compact sedan might cannibalize Audi sales elsewhere in its lineup, namely the A3. Perhaps Audi will include enough differentiation to separate the cars in terms of performance, intended function, and targeted audience to make production of both make sense.

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

Why It Matters

The addition of more models under the TT name helps Audi reach its goal of expanding its lineup from 49 to 60 total models inside the U.S. Besides that, the addition of various sporty products helps promote its premium performance theme while the TT’s smaller size will likely keep prices below the $45,000 mark and therefore more accessible to a younger, yet still affluent crowd.

Besides the logical answer, it also gives Audi more chances to shine. More performance-oriented products caring less expensive price tags are always is good thing.

Audi TT Offroad concept

The 2014 Audi TT Offroad Concept is a unique design that starts with a two-door coupe and adds three extra doors, a lifted suspension, and large wheels and tires. At the Beijing Auto Show, the Offroad Concept looked more like Audi’s Allroad station wagon.

Power delivery is unique as well, using a standard 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder making 292 horsepower mated to two electric motors that kick out another 114 horsepower. All told, the combination makes 408 horses and 479 pound-feet of torque while getting 123.8 MPGe. Zero to 60 mph happens in just 5.2 seconds on its way to a 155-mph top speed. Yes, it’s quite impressive. Add to that an AWD system that allows for moderate off-road traveling, and the TT Offroad Concept is quite the standout.