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12/08/2005: "Next TT's cover blown"

Pull back the covers - it's the most important sports car of 2006! This week we can exclusively reveal Audi's next-generation TT, caught on test wearing only a light disguise ahead of its official launch in the spring.

While much of the new machine is shrouded in secrecy, the mag's pictures give us the best view yet of Audi's redesign for its most famous model. We can also reveal how both the Roadster and Coupé will look free of any disguise.

And it seems that the company has turned to German rival BMW for some inspiration. Styling chief Chris Bangle's infamous flame-sided designs have drawn plenty of criticism, but that has not stopped Audi from taking a similar approach with the sharply sculpted flanks of the new TT.

Underneath the thin sheet, it's also possible to see the outline of the feline headlamps and protruding trapezoidal chrome grille, which has become a familiar feature across the Audi range. A small hole in the disguise at the rear lets us see the tail-lights, too, while the exposed alloys are identical to those that will eventually make the showroom.

What is obvious is the growth in the dimensions. Longer and wider than the current model, the all-new TT will have more space inside. The roomy interior will continue the sharp design theme of the exterior, with many cues from the existing model likely to be incorporated in the fresh layout.

Both the Roadster and the Coupé are expected to debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March next year. Sales of right-hand-drive examples will begin before the end of 2006, with a wider choice of engines than ever before.

The powerplant which has formed the core of the original TT since its 1999 launch - the 1.8-litre turbocharged unit - will be dropped. Instead, most next-generation models get the VW Golf GTI's 2.0-litre turbo. This will be offered alongside the existing 3.2-litre V6, which is to be mated with the two-pedal DSG transmission in flagship machines. A modified version of Audi's quattro 4WD will also feature on all but the most basic front-wheel-drive variants.

An advanced testing and development programme is underway to ensure the TT is better to drive than at present. Bosses are keen to avoid a repeat of the stability worries which led to a recall of all early examples of the original. Prices and specifications are still under wraps, but expect a small increase.While much of the new machine is shrouded in secrecy, these pictures give us the best view yet of Audi's redesign for its most famous model. We can also reveal how both the Roadster and Coupé will look free of any disguise.

Meanwhile, the existing TT is getting a power boost. Most cars have around 10bhp extra, but prices are unchanged.

(this article was taken from autoexpress.co.uk)