The Audi TT->ke1081 entered its “third generation” for the 2016 model year. Despite it being considering a new-gen model, it continues on it typical Audi->ke14 fashion looking much like the model it succeeds. On the outside, it got a redesigned grille, new headlight and taillight lens layouts, slightly restyled side profile and slightly different fascias. On the inside, the cabin looks like it got more of a makeover than a redesign. The HVAC vents now sit higher; the infotainment display isn’t integrated into the center stack, and the car now comes standard with Audi’s virtual cockpit. Outside of this, there were minor nips and tucks here and there, but nothing extreme. Under the hood, European customers can find a 2.0-liter diesel or a 2.0-liter gasoline-powered engine. European-spec models range between 184 and 310 horsepower. U.S.-Spec customers only get the 2.0-liter gasoline unit that delivers either 220 horsepower in the standard TT or 292 horsepower in the TT-S.

All told, the interior is cleaner and more simplified than before, and the engines are new for this generation. Audi still has a bad habit of making new cars look a lot like old cars, but somehow it continues to work for the company, so to each their own, I guess. Its competition is very strong too, as its primary competitors are models like the rear-wheel-drive BMW 2 Series->ke2065 or the Nissan 370Z->ke3043, both of which offer better power output in the right trim.

So, does the new Audi TT have what it takes to best brands like BMW->ke178 and Nissan->ke62? Check out our full and detailed review below to decide for yourself.

Updated 05/16/2016: Audi announced prices for the 2017 TT, in both standard and S version, and announced a series of small updates for the compact->ke140 sports->ke506 coupe->ke141. Continue reading to learn more about what 2017 brings new to the lineup and how much the changes will cost you.

Continue reading to learn more about the third generation Audi TT.

2016 - 2018 Audi TT

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2016 - 2018 Audi TT
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 230
  • Torque: 272 @ 1600
  • Transmission: six-speed manual
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

The exterior design of the new TT is similar to its predecessor but is a little sleeker and a bit sharper. A lot of the design is focused on symmetry and providing a horizontal feel to make the car look lower and wider. The large grille is more upright and flatter than the old car, and the sharp creases in the hood follow the lateral edges of the grille to make a visually constant line. The effect stretches the look of the car forward and draws your eye across the shape.

Around nearly every feature of the front end, the headlamps, grille and side intakes there are accentuating horizontal lines. The headlamps are an interesting new design that is much more aggressive and modern looking than that standard LED equipped units on the other Audis.

The new TTS model further increases the aggression with larger intakes and chrome details.

Rendering Vs Reality

From our rendering to the actual car very few items changed. Our render has a very similar shape, but we felt that Audi would stick to some of the more curved edges found on cars like the new A6 and A3 rather than the flatter edges found on the production car. We also had thicker led accents to our headlamps than Audi used. The grille on the production car also features a more slender accent bar than our render. All-in-all though, we feel very happy with how accurate our render proved to be.

New for 2017

On the outside, the TT and TTS are now offered with a “Black Optic” package. On the TT, this includes a Singleframe grille surround along with black mirror housings and 19-inch double, five-spoke titanium finished wheels. On the TTS, the package comes with the Singleframe grille and black exterior mirror housings, but it gets a couple of other goodies too. Instead of 19-inch wheels, the TTS will get 20-inch V-spoke titanium finish wheels and a black rear diffuser – effectively giving the TTS a sportier appearance.

2016 Audi TT - Exterior Dimensions

Length 4,180 MM (13.71 ft)
Wheelbase 2,505 MM (8.22 ft)
Width 1,832 MM (6.01 ft)
Height 1,353 MM (4.44 ft)

Interior

While the exterior of the car is focused on creating that sharp horizontal presence, the cabin makes use of many more curving and organic forms. Horizontal lines still dominate much of the space, but the circular gauges, steering wheel center and air vents break the monotony. The door panels are covered in gracefully arching shapes and gentle curves.

The two-tone color option seen here in our photos dramatically opens the feel of the cabin and provides a very luxurious feel. The downward sloping front dash and minimalist touches make the cabin feel very open and airy; a nice change from the traditionally dark caves that dominate German cars.

One of the ways Audi was able to create such a slender looking cabin was by combining the instrument panel and main screen for the MMI infotainment system into one. This not only saves space, weight and money, but by centering the infotainment screen in front of the driver, they can more adequately focus on the act of driving while operating certain functions.

Drivetrain Specifications - European market

For 2017, Audi isn’t offering a whole lot for the TT or TTS inside, but both will now come standard with a rearview camera and auto-dimming, power-folding side mirrors.

Prices

In Europe, the drivetrain options are very similar to anyone who has paid attention to the new Mk VII Golf. The TDI engine is a 2.0-liter unit with 184 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque that has been pulled straight from the Golf GTD. It is enough grunt to get the TT to 60 from a standstill in just over seven seconds. Top speed is 146 mph, but the big news is the estimated fuel economy of 56 mpg on the EU highway scale. If the TDI engine hits the States (not likely) expect that number to sit closer to 45 mpg.

The lower-level gasoline engine is a 2.0-liter turbo with 230 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of twist. Again, this is a direct pull from the Mk VII Golf GTI. By going for the gasoline-powered Golf engine, acceleration to 60 falls to six seconds with a three-pedal setup. For even quicker thrust, the optional S Tronic auto drops the sprint to a scant 5.3 seconds. Top speed is limited to a very German 155 mph.

The most powerful engine -- for now -- is fitted to the TTS and it is a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that runs on gasoline, but power has been boosted to a monsterous 310 horsepower. This is the one engine that is not a direct VW lift. We expect that this mill is an uprated version of the 2.0 found in the S3. This big daddy TT will hit the 60 mph mark in 4.7 seconds. For reference, that is only about a half second behind the C6 Corvette.

We are still awaiting one more version of the TT, given this generation will mock previous generations. This model in waiting is the TT RS, which will surely have over 350 horsepower.

In the U.S., the standard TT is available with just one engine, the 2.0 TFSI. Although identical to the one offered in Europe, the U.S.-spec version is slightly less powerful at 220 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. In this model, the sprint from 0 to 60 mph takes 5.3 seconds, while top speed is rated at 130 mph.

Those in need of more power will have to go with the TTS model, which features the same 2.0-liter four-pot, but uprated to deliver 292 horses and 280 pound-feet (also less powerful than its European sibling). The extra oomph enables the TTS to hit 60 mph from a standing start in 4.6 seconds. Top speed increases to 155 mph with the "S" badge."

Both powerplants mate to a six-speed S tronic transmission and Audi's trademark Quattro all-wheel drive system.

2018 Audi TT prices

Model Pricing
Version 184 HP 230 HP 310 HP
Power 280 LBS-FT 272.90 LBS-FT @ 1,600 - 4,300 rpm 280 LBS-FT @ 1,800 - 5,700 rpm
Transmissions 7.2 seconds 6.0 seconds with manual transmission;
5.3 seconds with six-speed S tronic
4.7 seconds
CO2 g/km 146 mph 155 mph 155 mph
ROTR 56 mpg 34 mpg TBA

BMW 2 Series Coupe

Read our full review on the BMW 2 Series Coupe here.
Read our full review on the Nissan 370Z here. Four-cylinder Four-cylinder
October 22, 2013 - Audi TT Laps Nurburgring Front Mounted - Transverse Front Mounted - Transverse
October 21, 2013 - First Audi TT caught testing 3.25 x 3.65 3.25 x 3.65
Updated 05/06/2015: 1,984 1,984 cc
Updated 08/08/2014: 220 HP @ 4,500 - 6,200 RPM 292 @ 5,400 - 6,200 RPM
Updated 03/24/2014: 258 LB-FT @ 1,600 - 4,400 RPM 280 @ 1,900 - 5,300 RPM
Updated 01/07/2014: 5.3 seconds 4.6 seconds
Update 2/17/2014: 130 MPH 155 MPH

after the jump.0

For the 2017 model year, pricing for the TT Coupe starts from $43,500, while the TTS version retails from $52,500. Depending on the model of choice, options include a Technology package ($3,250), Audi Design Selection ($1,650), sport seat package ($1,000), a Bang & Olufsen sound system ($950), and a fine Nappa leather interior with S embossing ($500). An optional exterior color will set you back $575.

2018 Audi TT prices

Audi TT Coupe 2.0T quattro S tronic $43,950
Audi TTS Coupe 2.0T quattro S tronic $52,950

2017 Audi TT - Prices

Audi TT Coupe 2.0T S tronic q $43,500
TTS Coupe 2.0T S tronic q $52,500

2016 Audi TT - Prices

Model Pricing
TT Coupe 2.0 TFSI $42,900
TTS Coupe 2.0 TFSI $51,900

UK prices

Version Power Transmissions CO2 g/km ROTR
2.0 TFSI Sport 230PS 6-speed manual 137 £29,860.00
2.0 TFSI quattro Sport 230PS 6-speed S tronic 149 £32,785.00
2.0 TDI ultra Sport 184PS 6-speed manual 110 £29,770.00
2.0 TFSI S line 230PS 6-speed manual 137 £32,410.00
2.0 TFSI quattro S line 230PS 6-speed S tronic 149 £35,335.00
2.0 TDI ultra S line 184PS 6-speed manual 110 £32,320.00

Competitors

[BMW 2 Series Coupe->ar123212]

The newest Coupe from the Bavarian rival is the 2 Series. The 2 Series may not be as pretty as the Audi, but it does have RWD making it a better enthusiast vehicle when compared to the FWD offering of the TT.

Read our full review on the BMW 2 Series Coupe here.

Nissan 370Z

A lot of people don’t think about the Nissan when they thing German sports cars, but the 370 has a similar shape to the Audi, but offers better power output and handling at a comparable price. If you don’t need the badge cache, the 370Z is a hard to beat competitor in this group.

Read our full review on the Nissan 370Z here.

Conclusion

In true Audi fashion, the newest TT and TTS are a betterment of the breed. They build on the strengths of the previous cars while enhancing previous trouble points. There is nothing dramatic or interesting, but there is nothing to call bad. It may not be exciting, but it sure as hell will be good.

Spy shots

October 22, 2013 - Audi TT Laps Nurburgring

October 21, 2013 - First Audi TT caught testing

Update history

Updated 05/06/2015: Audi announced U.S. prices for the new generation TT which will be put on sale later this summer. The model will be priced from $42,900 for the standard version and $51,900 for the S version. Audi will also offer a TTS Launch Edition which will be limited to 75 units.

Updated 08/08/2014: Audi announced UK prices for the new-generation TT, with deliveries set to begin in December 2014. On the British market prices will start from £29,860 - or about $50,200 as of 8/8/2014. Details after the jump.

Updated 03/24/2014: It looks like Audi decided that the new generation TT will have to wait for another year before arriving to the North American market. So customers interested will have to wait for the 2016 model year to get it.

UPDATE 11/19/11: The next-generation Audi TT may be unveiled in concept form sooner than we thought. According to Audiblog.nl, the Audi TT Concept could very well make its debut at the Tokyo Motor Show, following in Audi's tradition of holding that specific show to introduce their popular TT line. It also appears that we may have the first look at the next-generation TT in the form of a sketch drawing of the car's rear end. Judging by the look of the concept, it appears that Audi may have done a good job in drawing inspiration from some of its existing models, including the R8->ke1440 and the E-Tron Concept.

UPDATE 02/09/2012: British magazine AutoCar is offering new details on the next generation TT sports car. The new TT will be built on Volkswagen's new MQB transverse architecture that will be used in the new generation A3. With the new generation, Audi will be focusing on making the car lighter and more driver orientated. The list of exterior changes will include the latest six-corner single-frame grille, slimmer and more angular headlamps, prominent wheel arch flares, a more defined shoulder line, and a rounded rear end. The engine line-up will include a new 1.8-liter engine and two different 2.0-liter four-cylinder engines. The coupe version will arrive in 2014 and the roadster will arrive in 2015.

UPDATE 02/28/2012: A mule of the next generation Audi TT has been caught testing for the first time.

Updated 01/07/2014: Today at the 2014 Consumer Electronics Show->ke3008, Audi unveiled details on the next generation TT's interior (image above). According to these first details, it looks like the next TT will be offered with a driver-centric, virtual cockpit and new MMI focused on intuitive use. Other updates include an instrument panel inspired by an airplane wing, a new multifunction steering wheel with a flat-bottomed rim and S sport seats with significantly curved side bolsters, integrated headrests and low seating position.

Update 2/17/2014: We have created a rendering of the 2016 Audi TT ahead of its Geneva debut. Have a detailed look at it after the jump.

Update 2/20/2014: Audi released the first sketches of the new generation TT before the car's official debut in Geneva.

Update 2/27/2014: Audi just released a fairly revealing teaser video of the next-gen TT. You can see the video above.

Update 2/28/2014: The new generation Audi TT will be officially unveiled next week at the Geneva Motor Show, but, as no surprise, an image (above) of the sports car has already made its way onto the Interwebz. (Autofans)

Audi Teaser Sketches

TopSpeed Rendering

With the expected launch of the next-gen Audi TT in almost a month at Geneva->ke228, we have prepared a couple of renderings showing what we think the upcoming Audi TT will look like. Based on the design cues from the Audi Allroad Shooting Brake Concept, the new TT is expected to have a much sharper, more aggressive look than the outgoing model.

The front of our rendering utilizes the wide horizontal sharp edged grill seen in modern Audi concepts along with slimmer headlamps from the Allroad concept. Now, the new rendering may look a bit too sharp to be a TT, but taking a good look at the spy pics, this is a sure bet.

The new car is expected to have a wider body and around back will be a little spoiler poking up. Other than that, there is a less curvy shape with a flatter rear glass area and a more swept-back glasshouse.