Things are looking pretty serious for Audi’s->ke14 future TT lineup. We’ve reported before about the possible expansion of the TT, making it into various vehicle configurations, but now word from Ulrich Hackenberg, Audi’s development chief, says a new TT->ke1081 body style is currently in development, though he stayed quiet regarding details. The news comes from the TT coupe’s recent launch in Marbella, Spain.

Audi has already released a concept of a TT iteration, the TT Offroad Concept. Back in April 2014 when the concept debuted, Hackenberg said it “provides an insight into how we might envisage a new model in the future TT family.”

This concept comes as Audi recognizes the growing market demand for higher-riding SUVs->ke145 and crossover. In an interview with Automotive News market analyst Mark Fulthorpe of HIS Automotive said, “Many image- or fashion-conscious buyers are moving to the rapidly growing crossover ->ke288sector as a means of expressing their taste.” This movement translates into Audi having to expand the TT lineup to include such vehicles in order to keep the TT Coupe and Roadster alive.

Perhaps the best example of this type of model expansion would be Mini Cooper->ke629. Its models all share the same basic structure as the conventional three-door hatchback. Mini now builds a five-door, wagon, coupe->ke141, convertible->ke144, roadster, and SUV->ke145 versions of its original car.

Segmenting the market in this manner allows automakers to reach potential niche buyers while offsetting development and production costs. Audi would be smart to adopt the practice, at least for the upcoming 2015 TT and its potential family.

Note: Audi TT offroad concept pictured here.

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

Why it matters

Offering more than one vehicle built off the same platform offers automakers a huge reduction of development and production costs. Then with the added number vehicles, automakers can hit very targeted audiences with a hyper-appealing vehicle. In the case of the TT, slow underperforming sales for the coupe and roadster versions would be offset by the likely larger sales of a crossover version.

Audi TT offroad concept

The TT Offroad Concept is a unique design that includes similar looks as the TT Coupe, but includes three extra doors, a suspension lift, and large wheels and tires. The concept debuted at the Beijing Auto Show back in April 2014.

Powering the TT Offroad Concept is a hybrid system that utilized a 292-horsepower, 2.0-liter, four-cylinder, gasoline engine and two electric motors making a total of 114 horsepower. The engine and motors combine to make 408 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. That’s enough to push the TT Offroad Concept to 60 mph in just 5.2 seconds. It has a very German-like top speed of 155 mph.