Preview: 2015 Audi TT

Set to debut in the 2014 calendar year, the new Audi TT is setting its sights squarely on the Porsche 911 this time around. Riding on an all-new and lighter platform to go along with its roster of engines due for a freshening, including the especially-potent 380 horsepower unit used in the TT RS, aspirations of going toe to toe with Porsche’s nearly untouchable sports car might not be pipe dreams anymore.

 

 

According to CAR, the new TT will ride on VW’s new MQB platform, which already has already found acclaim in the new Audi A3 and VW Golf, among others. Continuing Audi’s habit of reducing weight in the TT by swapping steel structures with aluminum, the newest TT diet will see the coupe drop another 130 pounds or so, bringing its weight down to about 2650 pounds. As is typically the case, not only will the weight reduction provide improved handling, acceleration and braking, we expect the TT will also find a bump in fuel economy as well just by virtue of having less girth to lug around. Fuel economy will also see additional improvements by way of a more efficient Quattro system and revamped aerodynamics.

 

The new TT will also offer a wide range of engines. While specifics about what revisions these motors might get is still a mystery, here’s what Audi has on offer at the moment: a 1.8-liter TFSI I-4 with 178 hp, a 2.0-liter TDI four-cylinder good for 180 hp, a 2.0-liter TFSI I-4 with 222 hp and 296 hp in S model trim, and a 380-hp turbo 2.5-liter I-5 for the TT RS. Expect the 2.5-liter to propel the new TT to a 0-60 time of around 4 seconds flat. 

 

 

The TT’s interior also sees extensive revision. With a race-inspired design that’s vaguely reminiscent of the latest Lamborghini interiors like the new Huracan, the TT will feature a tech-heavy focus that includes a fully digital instrument cluster with a 12.3in TFT screen.

 

The new TT is expected to hit showrooms in the summer of 2014, with a convertible version not far behind.