Audi Cross Coupe Quattro Concept

The silhouette is typical Audi; the design of the study, painted in Liquid Silver, is highly reminiscent of the sporty models produced by the Ingolstadt brand. The proportions and the large 20" wheels point clearly towards the offroad potential of the Cross Coupé quattro. A new element is the fabric folding roof, which, when it is open, gives optimum levels of headroom and fresh air. The hood is opened and closed electrically.

The transversely installed four-cylinder inline TDI engine with common-rail fuel injection and piezo injectors is a completely new development. With power output of 204 bhp and 400 Nm of torque, it gives the vehicle a sporty performance and a surprising degree of efficiency. On average the ultra-modern 2.0 TDI needs just 5.9 litres of diesel per 100 km. The diesel particulate filter and Bluetec system reduce soot and nitric oxide emissions effectively. Even today, the Audi Cross Coupé quattro satisfies the emissions standards of the future.

The quattro permanent four-wheel drive system is a matter of course on an Audi with offroad potential. A Haldex clutch ensures that traction is precisely distributed according to the situation. The sporty Audi S tronic dual-clutch gearbox executes gearshifts in a matter of milliseconds.

The running gear, featuring a McPherson-strut front axle and a four-link rear axle is perfect for sporty and agile handling that retains a high degree of stability and makes cornering distinctly fun. As an additional quality, the driving comfort of the running gear impresses on all types of road and in rough terrain, meeting even the standards expected of a vehicle in a higher class. Ceramic brake discs promise excellent, non-fading deceleration. 20" wheels give the Cross Coupé quattro the ground clearance required.

Numerous electronic systems support the driver. The Audi drive select system makes it possible to preselect three highly individual configurations for the engine, gearbox, steering and adaptive shock absorbers. The result: a car that can be enjoyed in three completely different ways.

Besides the standard "dynamic" drive select mode and the "sport" setting, the Audi Cross Coupé also has the "efficiency" driving program. Here, the engine map and the shift points are modified to support a particularly economical driving style. In addition, the system deactivates components that are particularly energy-hungry, for example the air-conditioning compressor.

Another innovation is the MMI control panel, which is operated by a touch pad. The monitor of the system employs, for the first time, dual-view technology. The system can produce different images for the driver and front-seat passenger. These images are only visible when viewed from a specific angle. This allows the driver to read data from the on-board computer while the front passenger watches a TV programme, listening to the sound through headphones.

The sound system with the prominent extending tweeters sets a new infotainment standard in the class. The ambient lighting with numerous light sources gives the interior a stylish ambience, even at night.

2008 Audi TT Exterior/Interior Restyling

Exterior Styling

Although the Audi TT's dimensions have been increased slightly to improve packaging-it's 5.4 inches longer, 3.0 inches wider, and a quarter-inch taller-it's still a compact shape with a short rear overhang and carefully beveled front end that helps diminish the impression of front overhang. The new Audi TT single-frame radiator outline probably suits this model best of all, and it's integrated into the new car's face by feline headlight shapes and deep front air intakes. New regulations for pedestrian protection have been incorporated.


The roofline has been moved farther rearward than in the first Audi TT, and the proportions look better balanced. Although the original shape has been recaptured faithfully, it has been proportioned and finessed with interesting surface details. The contours in the rear bumper and tail section lend greater maturity and sophistication to the car, and the flared wheel housings, prominent exhaust outlets, and contrasting diffuser color are expressed in high-performance design language. The taillights use free-form reflector technology to achieve a three-dimensional effect.

A new rear spoiler is neatly integrated, emerging from its hiding place only at speeds above 75 mph (on an articulated linkage that projects it up and out) to prevent repeats of the first Audi TT's alleged rear-end lift at high speed. Larger side mirrors-complying with the latest rearview regulations-improve visibility without looking incongruous with the svelte shape.

The Audi TT now slices through the air with a drag coefficient of just 0.30, much better than the 0.34 of its predecessor. Furthermore, various wind-tunnel tweaks (such as an almost completely flat underbody) have improved the car's aerodynamic performance, despite its increased frontal area.

Interior

Although the overall interior effect isn't as dramatic a statement as that of the original Audi TT, it has been updated and simplified. The separate center-tunnel bars that used to contact tall drivers' right knees are gone, replaced by a conventional center console. Three circular air outlets replace the previous two-vent dash signature, and larger, clearer instrumentation is fitted. The center dash console, containing the navigation/info screen when so specified, is angled slightly toward the driver.

A leather wrapped flat-bottomed steering wheel with a circular center boss embellished with the four-ring Audi symbol continues the high-performance design motif. Cast of lightweight magnesium, the steering wheel (plus airbag) weighs just 6.2 pounds.

There's a lot of metal look and actual metal trim inside the car, including the air outlet rings, the pedal pads and footrest, the inlays on the center console and glove box, and sill trims in the door apertures. Real pile carpeting is used, and optional leather trim is available on the Audi TT 3.2 Quattro model on the handbrake, door pulls and center tunnel armrests.

In Europe, the 2.0T Audi TT has cloth upholstery, while the Audi TT 3.2 Quattro boasts a leather/Alcantara combination as standard issue. Various leather combinations will be offered as options, along with an extended aluminum trim package.

Interior space was improved as a result of the overall increase in dimensions, with over an inch more shoulder room