September 25, 2006. Copyright 2006, Graphic News. All rights reserved

Audi TT Coupe -- high technology suspension, body engineering improves handling and comfort
By Neil Winton

LONDON, September 25, Graphic News:  Audi has restyled and re-engineered its little TT coupe, and it will make its first public appearance at the Paris car show to display its advanced new technology including ÒMagnetic RideÓ suspension.

The first Audi TT, launched in 1999, was highly successful, but didnÕt please the purists, who said it was too small, too precious in its design, and wasnÕt really a driverÕs car because it had too much in common with the VW Golf, the family car built by AudiÕs parent company.

The new car is longer, wider and higher than the old one, and offers a truly sporting package. Performance from the 3.2 litre 250 bhp V6 engine is electrifying, with 0-62mph (100km/h) coming up in 5.9 seconds. Four-wheel drive is standard with this engine. There is also a 4-cylinder 2.0 litre direct injection turbo charged petrol 200 bhp powered front-wheel drive version which dashes to 62mph (100km/h) in 6.6 seconds. When the car reaches 74mph (119km/h), an aerodynamic rear spoiler flips up to improve the air flow over the car, and also tipping off any lurking law enforcement that speed limit breaching is imminent. You can recognise the V6 from the rear because it has two exhaust pipes on either side; the 2.0 litre has twin pipes grouped together on the left.

The TT has two rear seats, but there is so little space Audi would be better off removing them and offering improved space for luggage.

AudiÕs ÒMagnetic RideÓ uses oil in the damping system filled with magnetic particles to stiffen the suspension. By shooting an electric charge through the particles, the suspension adapts much faster than conventional systems. When the front wheels hit a bump in the road electronic sensors pick up the need to stiffen the system -- in milliseconds says Audi -- and protect the occupants from severe bumps or potholes. The driver can also select a stiff suspension setting to make the drive more sporty.

The TT can be ordered with the ÒS tronicÓ automatic gearbox, formerly known as the DSG gearbox and developed by VW, which uses two clutches and prodigious computer power to produce lightning quick changes. Audi says that this automatic gearbox actually returns substantially better fuel economy than the manual. Safety equipment includes an enhanced Electronic Stability Programme, wet weather disc-brake drying, and headlights which swivel in corners to broaden illumination.

The body is built with a so-called ÒhybridÓ blend of 69 percent aluminium and 31 percent steel, cutting the weight by 48 percent, and improving body stiffness. This uses technology inherited from the Audi A8, the top-of-the-line limousine, which pioneered the use of stronger and lighter aluminium in place of steel.

Audi has transformed the TT Coupe into a magnificent driving machine. It is now on sale across Europe. A roadster will be ready in 2007. Prices start at £24,625/Û36,200 for the 2.0 litre model, and £29,285-Û43,508 for the V6.

The Paris Car Show opens to the public on September 30 and runs through October 15.
/ENDS