Engine Power Upgrade

A significant point of this revision is the increase in engine displacement for the front-wheel-drive entry model, the "TT Coupé 40 TFSI." It has been changed from a 1.8-liter to a turbocharged 2.0-liter direct-injection gasoline engine (2.0 TFSI), similar to other models. This results in 197 ps and 320 Nm, an increase of 17 ps and 70 Nm compared to the previous model.

The exterior of the standard model incorporates the S line design, with changes to the bumper, side skirts, and rear diffuser. The Singleframe grille now features a three-dimensional, matte black painted honeycomb mesh grille, taking cues from Audi's flagship sports model, theR8"R8," giving it a sportier appearance.

Additionally, the "TTS Coupé" and models equipped with the optional S line package feature a redesigned bumper, side skirts, and rear diffuser. A design element mimicking an air outlet has been added below the taillights. The Singleframe grille on models with the S line package is now a gloss black painted three-dimensional honeycomb mesh grille, while the TTS Coupé features a matte black painted version with exclusive aluminum look inserts.

Inside, the extended aluminum look interior (window switches/pedals), previously only available on models with the S line package, is now a new option for the Style package offered with the 40 TFSI, and for the Comfort package on the 45 TFSI quattro.

Furthermore, the Leather package for the 45 TFSI quattro/TTS Coupé now includes a new color-extended leather option, where the door armrests and center console match the seat color.

Models equipped with the S line package feature S sport seats. The upholstery combines Alcantara and leather with diamond stitching, enhancing both sportiness and a premium feel.

In terms of body colors, Turbo Blue has been added as a dedicated color for the S line package and TTS Coupé. Pulse Orange and Cosmo Blue Metallic are also available as new color options.

The next addition to the Audi TT lineup, the TTRS, is scheduled for introduction in the fourth quarter of 2019.

Limited to 999 Worldwide, 20 Units for Japan

The 20th-anniversary model, "TT 20 years," based on this latest TT, is a limited production run of 999 units worldwide, with 20 units allocated for the Japanese market.

The details of the anniversary model are said to be inspired by elements featured in the roadster version, the "TTS concept car," which was first unveiled at the 1995 Tokyo Motor Show.

Based on the TT Coupé 45 TFSI quattro, this model comes standard with the Comfort package, B&O sound system, matrix LED headlights, and magnetic ride. The interior features Moccasin Brown fine nappa leather with exclusive yellow contrast stitching on the S sport seats, steering wheel, shift knob and boot, door armrests, and center console, echoing the image of the first-generation TT.

Additionally, the steering wheel and shift knob are adorned with "TT 20 years" emblems, and a badge engraved with the serial number is placed next to the engine start button.

The exterior is equipped with matrix LED rear lights and exclusive 19-inch wheels with a gunmetal effect paint. The body sides feature matte-finished Four Rings logos, and the body color is the exclusive Arrow Gray pearl effect.

The TT's Story Began 80 Years Ago

Audi Japan President and CEO Philipp Noack stated that the "TT" in Audi TT's name has a story that began 80 years ago. In 1938, Ewald Kluge won the Isle of Man TT race driving the DKW "ULD250," one of Audi's predecessors.

"Inspired by this victory, we began using the initials TT for sporty models. Therefore, the Isle of Man holds a special significance for the Audi TT," he said.

In honor of Ewald Kluge's racing achievement, the name TT was given to a sports version of the NSU "Quickly" motorcycle in 1959. Since then, the two letters TT have been applied to sporty models. For four-wheeled vehicles, the name TT was first given to a sporty version of the NSU "Prinz." This model, known as the NSU "1000TTS," was very popular in Europe, especially in Germany.

Based on this history, Noack commented, "The Audi TT perfectly embodies this character and is a model worthy of bearing the sporty name TT."

The TT and Bauhaus

The current Audi TT's lineage began with the unveiling of the first "TT Coupé study" at the 1995 Frankfurt Motor Show. Several months later, the roadster version, the TTS study, was presented at the Tokyo Motor Show. "This demonstrates how closely the TT is connected to the Japanese market," Noack noted.

The first-generation Audi TT was born in 1998. "Faithfully reproducing these concept cars, its simple yet advanced styling, combining circles with straight lines, delivered a significant shock to automotive design at the time and is still spoken of today as evoking the design philosophy of the world-renowned German school of art and design, Bauhaus," Noack explained. "Since then, across three generations, it has sold over 650,000 units worldwide."

Sponsoring the Bauhaus 100th Anniversary Event

2019 marks not only the 20th anniversary of the Audi TT but also the 100th anniversary of Bauhaus's founding. In conjunction with this, Audi Japan announced its sponsorship of the Bauhaus 100 JAPAN project.

Bauhaus was founded in 1919 in the ancient German city of Weimar by architect Walter Gropius. While artists such as Wassily Kandinsky and Paul Klee taught at the school, "the ultimate goal, as the first director Walter Gropius was an architect, was to make it a school of architecture," explained Hiroshi Kashiwagi, a member of the Bauhaus 100th Anniversary Committee and a design critic and professor emeritus at Musashino Art University.

Hannes Meyer and later the master architect Mies van der Rohe served as directors. Although its operational period spanned only a little over a decade, from 1919 to 1932, "it laid the foundation for everything related to design over the subsequent 100 years. It can be said that it established the fundamental principles of design thinking," Kashiwagi stated.

However, despite its profound influence and the widespread recognition of the name Bauhaus, "its true nature is not well understood. Therefore, I urge everyone to pay attention to this 100th-anniversary traveling exhibition," he commented.

The traveling exhibition aims to allow visitors to experience the teaching methods of various Bauhaus instructors by focusing on the foundational education that served as the basis for the creation of numerous designs. It showcases the rich results and breadth of Bauhaus education that unfolded in its various workshops.

Furthermore, themes such as "The Phase of Integration" and "Japanese Students at Bauhaus" shed light on Bauhaus's activities. This exhibition marks the first time the activities of all four Japanese students will be introduced.

A Dream Car Still in Production

Finally, Noack shared his personal connection to the car: "The TT was one of the cars I dreamed of when I was young, and I actually owned one. Also, since Audi Japan was established in 1997, it's fair to say that our journey began with the TT."

He continued, "We wanted to pass on this historic model to future generations, so we purchased a TT from the market and restored it. The fact that 74 percent of spare parts were delivered within 24 hours of ordering demonstrates how actively this model is still being driven. Moreover, 93 percent of spare parts are still available even after 20 years. This shows our commitment to providing the necessary spare parts to meet demand."