Audi has revealed updated versions of its range-topping small coupé and cabriolet, the 2019 TT RS and TT RS Roadster.
The revised model, which brings the BMW M2 rival in line with the rest of the range, comes as doubts surface about the future of the two-door. Rumours are circulating that the German car maker is considering axing the entire line-up as we know it, due to rapidly declining sales in key global markets.
Audi will bring facelifted versions of its standard TT and TT Roadster into UK showrooms in April, while the TT RS and TT RS Roadster receive a series of small updates conceived to tide them over until a model change originally planned to take place in 2022.
However, recent word from insiders at Audi’s Ingolstadt-based headquarters in Germany suggests new chairman Bram Schot has already devised a plan to replace the TT with a new liftback model. It is expected to form part of the fourth-generation A3 line-up as a rival to the likes of the Mercedes-Benz CLA and upcoming BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé.
If true, the move would mirror that of Mercedes-Benz, which has decided not to replace the SLC once the current model goes out of production.
Introduced in 1998, the TT has been a mainstay of the Audi line-up for more than 20 years. But with buyer preferences having swung firmly in the direction of its SUV models and Audi directing €14 billion (£12.3 billion) into electric car development over the next five years, serious doubts hang over its future. An earlier plan to turn the TT into a sub-brand supporting up to four models, including a sedan and SUV, was ultimately quashed by Audi board members.
Changes to the facelifted TT RS and TT RS Roadster are subtle. They include a lightly reworked front bumper and a modified wing element at the rear. Inside, there are new colour accents and an upgraded communication system.
Join the debate
Peter Cavellini
Tip speed thing..
kind of not what it’s about?, more like how quick it is?, how it steers....
Peter Cavellini
Tip top....
Top speed, need to check before .....Coffee please!
flukey
I own a TT
There's no way in hell I'll be purchasing the 'lift back' model. I wanted a sporty little car not another SUV. Not every person in every demographic wants a jacked up POS boat.
When I trade in this car I can say for sure - I won't be buying an audi
Overdrive
flukey wrote:
Amen!
This SUV craze is getting out of hand.
simonali
flukey wrote:
But it won't be an SUV. I reckon it'll be like a smaller version of the A5 Sportback...
scotty5
Reality check
Keep reading similar thoughts over and over again. And whilst I agree with you, the truth is it's uneconomical for a large manufacturer to build a vehicle for a niche market. The fact is more and more people are buying SUVs.
The manufacturer is telling you sales for the TT are declining, so you either have to accept paying a huge increase in price or as you say, you're next car won't be an Audi.
So what will you buy instead? And please remember that if Audi and Merc are pulling out of the market, competition decreases therefore the price of rivals increase. It's simply market forces at work.
flukey
Good point
Except I did! I bought a brand new TT, a 2 door coupe, not a 4 door SUV. A manual, not an automatic. I think if anyone gets to moan I probably do haha!
I'm looking into f types or perhaps a lotus and a second casual car. I really want something around £60k, no turbos or 4 cylinders, manual gearbox. There was a time when this wasn't asking much!
JacobE
flukey wrote:
Put on your big boy pants and buy a used 911. Offset higher running costs (if any depending on model) against depreciation. Higher smiles per mile and you’ll look less of a wally.
flukey
Porsche
I'll be replacing the TT in 3 months for something about £60k, manual and no turbos (superchargers are OK). Shortlist is f type, Lotus, used R8. Its hard to find anything else in that category!
xxxx
Shame
Great car with alot of history in a short time so to speak. Also, has a bit of cult following.
Sold 17,000 in the Europe in 2017 which was more than 5 times the Cayman so I'm not sure why they can't make a business case for it especially as the platform and engine is based on other VAG massed produced models.
For around £30k you get a classic that's fast, realible, practical and will hold it's value
Pages
Add your comment