Welcome to a new series which will be following your favorite cars that made it from concept to reality. Strap in, it's about to get fun-u-cational. As always, any recommendations, suggestions, thoughts and ideas are much welcome.
Audi's TT: The little squashed Beetle that could (and did). This is the car that brought Audi some serious attention in the mid- to late-90's while also influencing design for the brand that always wanted to play in the BMW/Benz league. Mission accomplished.
Debut (Concept): 1995 Frankfurt International Auto Show (TT Coupe) ; 1995 Tokyo Motor Show (TTS Roadster)
Debut (Production): 1998 Paris Motor Show (1999 Model Year Audi TT Coupe) ; 1999 Geneva Motor Show (2000 MY Audi TT Roadster)
Lost in translation: Other than the Coupe's more cleanly styled rooftop design that did not include rear-quarter windows and the TTS's funky front fender vents, not a whole lot.
But we got to keep: Just about everything else including the baseball stitching on the roadster's seats. Sweet.
Fun fact: The TT name has a bit of a bickering going on behind it. While those clinging to the past stand by the fact that it hearkens back to the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy (TT) motorcycle race and NSU's Prinz-based 1000TT, 1200TT, and TTS of the 1960's, others claim Audi originally meant for it to stand for Technology & Tradition.
Did you Know? Due to some highly publicized high speeds crashes, Audi was forced to revise the TT's suspension and ESP settings, and to add a rear spoiler to force the car to stick to the road.
Where is it now? Enjoying a second generation with a more mature design that incorporates a retractable rear spoiler, and more trim levels that you can throw a shoe at, including a 5-cylinder, turbocharged 340-horse RS bomb-on-wheels.
By Phil Alex
Phil Alex was born in Rhode Island in 1985. He graduated with degrees in Finance and German from Wofford College in 2007 and has had an obsession with cars and travel. Currently he resides near Japan's international airport in Narita. He makes no apologies for his articles and welcomes all feedback, as long as it is adamantly worded. If for any reason you are inclined to vent some more, check out more of his posts on the Examiner here.
AUDI TT COUPE CONCEPT
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AUDI TTS ROADSTER CONCEPT
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1998-2006 AUDI TT COUPE & ROADSTER PRODUCTION MODELS
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17 Comments:
great article Phil:)
Wow, I'm stunned from the gallery, awesome work guys!
Good going Phil, interesting article. I'm looking forwards for more like this.
this was once my dream car. always wanted the convertible, of course!
classic, timesless design... and awd/4wd!
I was always fond of an interior leather the colour of a baseball mit. The stitching was first rate, as I recall.
The car has a love it or hate it look that led to its popularity.
Good article, would love to see a bit more info and pics on the design process though, sketches etc.
cool new feature - hope it does become a regular post. would be interesting to see the photos in a slideshow format -- perhaps comparing front three-quarter angle of concept vs front 3/4 view of production, etc. regardless, a wonderful collection of images and analysis.
I agree - this article is awesome. This will make a great recurring feature piece...
i drove the first tt
and yet, 3 years already, the second one. !
awesome cars !!!
i have collected a lot of first concept pictures and sketches, because, as a designer myself,
i'm still impressed by this car.
jos baijens
netherlands
good job - would be great to see the concept and production version pics beside each other where your talking about it in the story, that way we can clearly compare the points you mention... otherwise great idea....
The only information missing is the name of the designer.
My favorite car of all time.
First generation is still the best, the new gen went too mainstream.
GREAT post. This is an awesome idea. Way to start with one of my favorites as well! Keep it up.
Nice job and great idea for the new series. I thint that a series about cars that end up only as a concept cars would be great too. Many rides to write about:)
The Audi is NOT pretty whatsoever, but i like the d*mn thing!
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