What came first, the metrosexual or the Audi TT? While it was close, the descriptor-turned-epithet preceded the 1995 concept car by one year. However, they were both notable cultural evolutions and they happened to work together perfectly. Hugh Grant, playing the cad Will Freeman in the 2002 film About a Boy, could not have chosen a better example of character than his silver TT.

A decade later, the original TT was still important enough that when rumors of the third-generation coupe began to surface in late 2012, the most exciting fantasy was that the 2014 coupe might “recapture some of the distinctiveness and impact” of a 16-year-old car (the TT came to market in 1998). Even speculation by dedicated Audi observers thought the brand would do something novel, even if not mimicry. The obvious takeaway: no one was going to be lighting any candles for the departed second generation. All of that is why when the first leaked image slipped onto the Internet, people began to get suspicious. When the third generation took the stage at the Geneva Motor Show, we could almost hear the digital deflation over the Ethernet, our poll results notwithstanding.

Yet it’s still the TT, and in spite of having seen its interior and virtual cockpit and clocked its specs, we couldn’t judge it before heading to Marbella, Spain to drive it. What we found out was while it’s better than the second generation, it’s still very much a TT.

Continue reading 2016 Audi TT [w/video]

2016 Audi TT/TTS lineup makes U.S. debut – KelleyBlueBook

The all-new 2016 Audi TT/TTS Coupe and TT Roadster, previously launched in Europe, are making their debut in U.S. trim at Los Angeles. As documented in our earlier coverage, the all-new Gen III TT set remains aluminum intensive but now is based on the Volkswagen Group’s latest MQB modular platform that trims about 100 pounds from the base car’s curb weight. The 2016 iteration is wrapped in bolder bodywork set off with standard LED lamps that give it a new look.  A fully revised suspension – including the Magnetic Ride dampers that are standard on the hotter TTS Coupe – endow all versions with better dynamics.

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Sans top and two seats, Audi TT roadster equals coupe handling – CNET

by Wayne Cunningham
Audi launches the TT roadster and coupe simultaneously, the former offering open air driving and excellent handling, but less passenger and cargo room.

Compared to its coupe sibling, the 2016 Audi TT roadster loses two seats and reduces luggage room, but in this case, less feels like more as the roadster complements similarly excellent handling with the glory of an open sky overhead.

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