Audi TT set to be Replaced with Mid-Engined R3?

Rendering adds to the excitement
by Clinton Deacon
September 1, 2008 6:00 PM
Filed Under: Artist Renderings, Audi, German, Rumours

Ever since the Audi R8 was unveiled, the automotive world has speculated on what models were to follow, we already know we are going to see open top and V10 versions of the sportscar, but what about lower down the scale. The Audi TT, TTS and the as yet unreleased TT RS are more than catering to this market, but according to a report posted by Car Magazine, the lifespan of this legendary model could come to an end.

Audi are currently in the early stages of development of the Audi R3 which has been expertly rendered for Worldcarfans by the resident Larson and it is set to hit the dealerships in around 5 years time. It is yet to be decided whether the TT will continue into a third generation and run alongside the R3, but our analyses that Audi have no space in their line-up for both an R3 and TT in their line-up leads us to the conclusion the TT will cease production.

The model is being developed in conjunction with Volkswagen who will initially present of concept version of the sportscar at the LA Auto Show this November. Porsche's influence on the VW Group is clearly evident in this model with sources confirming the engine range will exclusively offer just four cylinder units to keep the model from competing with the Boxster and Cayman. This is also explains why the original plans to launch an R4 never got off the ground.

Engines likely to get the green light for the model include the 180bhp 1.8-liter TFSI, a 220bhp 2.0-liter TFSI and we should also see an S-line version hitting close to 280bhp. Diesels are also likely to find its way to the engine bay, probable candidates are the 1.6-liter and 2.0-liter TDI engines that are good for 125bhp and 204 bhp respectively.

Source: via Car Magazine
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Comments

simply sexy...:)

by Coolpowers | September 1, 2008 6:38 PM
i don't like the way it looks (it reminds me smart roadster, don't know why) but what's under the bonnet sounds pretty cool.

by paula1105 | September 1, 2008 6:53 PM
Think roadsters have to look "macho" to attract the boys... that's why it looks like Predator (the movie)

Personally, I would prefer more of an R8 front end. In fact, imo, it would be quite nice if the TT looked like a mini R8 (for those who DON'T have 80,000 GBP to spend on a car!)

by car_nut | September 1, 2008 6:58 PM
Well, some time ago Audi and Porsche announced they will share the next generation Porsche Boxster platform. I guess this is it!

by ShinyG | September 1, 2008 7:09 PM
Looks MUCH like a R8. Just with half of the '8' chopped off.

by Tuner_mad | September 1, 2008 7:19 PM
I actually like it, its less overly round and it has muscular fenders and lines at the 4 corners. The front end is aggressive but still sticks with the Audi influence. Plus the addition of Mid-Engine, its going to be a pretty sweet ride.

by Xanavi23 | September 1, 2008 8:53 PM
very nice artists rendering, but I doubt audi would make a car with a grill that different looking then there other models. Mind you, this is a future car, and if the rest of the brand more or less gets this kind of front end this could be a very possible car. I expect the R3 to look more like the TTRS only with a shorter/stubbier nose and exaggerated back end.

by joe_limon | September 1, 2008 9:48 PM
@Xanavi let's hope it will have RWD too

by mc959 | September 1, 2008 9:49 PM
Kinda looks like the Opel GT, huh? http://autonovita.blogosfere.it/images/opel-gt-gross-2.jpg

by Kepe | September 1, 2008 10:07 PM
Yes sir it sure dose.... That's just what I thought at first glance.

by tootall | September 2, 2008 6:39 AM
precisly what i thought

by fatt1 | September 2, 2008 3:20 PM
Car magazine have zero credibility with me. They just make up stories and pictures!

by roger | September 1, 2008 10:29 PM
They did turn out to be right about the R8 Spyder though. And their rendered images of the M3 were nearly 100% identical.

by saint_dracula | September 2, 2008 3:30 PM
The R8 spyder isn't out so how do you know?!

by roger | September 2, 2008 11:19 PM
This is a good opportunity to push BMW off their performance and sporty claims. With cars like these, it will be the luxury brand of the future. Already in Germany, people want to work for Audi more than BMW. Posters of these Audi's will be on the walls of the coming generations. Not the M3. I am a BMW fan and I am highly disspointed with BMW's strategy: if they wanted to compete in the old man's category, they will never beat Merc. Safe cost, fire workers, limit supply of cars and increase selling price, while filling almost most segments of the premium market is the road to hell.

by GPKH | September 1, 2008 11:25 PM
i dont like it it looks yuk

by BabyMilo | September 2, 2008 12:18 AM
WCF, that's blatant plagiarism! this picture was in Road & Track magazine YEARS ago where it was then used as what a prospective project between Audi and KTM would look like.

by sub39h | September 2, 2008 12:56 AM
oh wait, you seem to have credited them! i apologise and retract my statement!!

by sub39h | September 2, 2008 12:57 AM
I think removing the TT and introducing a 'baby' supercar is a great Idea but to pull it off they will have to make it look a million times better then whatever that is in the picture

by Kieranieo | September 2, 2008 1:40 AM
hmm... it looks interesting (not sure about the front..but hell, 5 yrs from now im sure this will vchange). bbbbuuuuutttttt....how much will this cost? i mean replacing the TT with a mini r8, may be a great..bold idea, but if this will cost as much as a....house. than f.ck it. i like the car, and i like the idea, but im afraid of the price. ill wait and see..

by norther | September 2, 2008 2:30 AM
TT is such an iconic car, its what started it all....im not a fan of them ceasing production, hope they wont.

by kevoluetion | September 2, 2008 6:45 AM
So dose this means that VW may be prompted to reconsider it's choice to have the "concept R" to remain just that.... A concept?

by tootall | September 2, 2008 6:45 AM
The Audi brand will replacing the TT with the R4. That will be drastic improvement on a very good car especially with the addition of the TTS and the TT RS. The R4 will be brilliant.

by Sloane21 | September 2, 2008 8:15 AM
but this car friend have nice face

by hilalth | September 2, 2008 9:35 AM
Grasshopper face, let's face it - this car looks like an angry insect. This car looks like it just jumped out of a Japanese comic book.

by Wisp | September 2, 2008 10:03 AM
They all made up... i've seen this picture about a year ago

by AmoKK | September 2, 2008 11:46 AM
please dont replace TT. It is an icon. It is what made Audi great! This car is good too! But this is all rendering! Wait till this is news-worthy.

by The_woo_factor | September 2, 2008 12:09 PM
Only honestly smart move from Audi since "Quattro". Finally, congrats! MB and others will follow or rather already doing same with their new A an B classes or Renault Alpine e.g.. My favorite class is about(re)born.

by alessandro | September 2, 2008 6:41 PM
Very very nice! Even if it's just conceptual. It good to see that there breaking out of there uninspiring and over-rated soap bar/bath tub molds.

by RobERob | September 2, 2008 8:41 PM
higly doubtful it would look anything like that, doesnt seem to follow audi design at all.

as far as the engine goes, unless they plan on a significant weight reductions, theres no way that they would have that car so underpowerd. even the first and second gen TT's have more power than those choices. especially if its to be sold in about 5 years time, the competition would simply overtake buyers.

by madmatter | September 2, 2008 9:31 PM
it looks rubbish

by notay | September 2, 2008 11:04 PM
Looks like it got its wisdom teeth out recently. It does not make sense to replace the TT with the R3 because their respective markets do not overlap. Well, that is my opinion, anyways, and it is likely they know something I don't.

by Bremen_Koenigsegg | September 2, 2008 11:36 PM
NOT something I would buy. Reminds me of an squirrel with a full mouth.

by DonnyBravo | September 3, 2008 1:17 PM
The front looks quite goode. Much better might be the sideview. It reminds alot to old autounion racecars

by xlumino | September 3, 2008 8:02 PM
Never liked the TT much. Let's hope that this one will be a FR.

by AE86 | September 6, 2008 10:26 PM
These sharp curves dont fit on this baby. I prefer soft, pure TT lines. That concept looks odd, not sophisticated as R8 also.

by mechamynd | September 7, 2008 9:18 PM
some people can't render. they just think up some designs and make people believe that's the real deal. meanwhile they don't even work for that company.

by pscs | November 13, 2008 9:42 PM

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