Audi TT (2006): first official pictures

By Phil McNamara

First Official Pictures

13 July 2006 03:14

In a nutshell

Here are the first pictures of the all-new TT coupe - and the fashionista's favourite has become a serious sports car, claims Audi. The design update is edgier and more muscular, and there's a similar overhaul going on beneath the skin. The front end is now made of lightweight aluminium, to sharpen the handling. And there are other benefits: the new TT is lighter, faster yet more frugal than the original.

The TT coupe instantly became a design icon, and - wisely - the MkII is faithful to the original, with trademark cues like the push me-pull you silhouette and pronounced cutline atop bulging front wheelarches. But Audi says the design has grown up, a very apt description. It's instantly recognisable as a TT, although the nose is longer and rump flatter, to tone down the MkI's symmetrical-looking profile. At the front, squinting headlamps give it a menacing look, and Audi's big mouth grille shouts for your attention. The aluminium body panels have far more sculpture, and the back end looks lower, squatter and more muscular. This time, the rear spoiler isn't fixed, instead rising at motorway speeds to boost stability.

By Phil McNamara