Model News – Pulpaddict

The Audi TT Was Almost a Porsche, According to the Car’s Designer

An internal battle between brands ultimately resulted in the Audi TT winning out, but it nearly didn’t.

The Audi TT is set to sail into the sunset after many successful years on the market as a futuristically-styled, satisfying luxury sports coupe. The first-gen model is also arguably one of the most iconic designs in automotive history, a car that looked like a concept for the street, which is something we rarely see happen. However, it seems as if the Audi TT very nearly became a Porsche model during the initial development phase, as its original designer – Freeman Thomas, explained to CarBuzz at the TT’s recent going away party.

“I was asked to do a Porsche version and an Audi version, and [the Porsche designers] in Weissach were also asked to do a Porsche version and an Audi version,” Thomas said. “And because I came from Porsche, I knew their design language and said to J Mays (who was Audi’s design director at the time), ‘this is what they are going to do, and this is what we are going to do.’ We kept to this Bauhaus absolute design and theirs was very styled.”

The team later had a somewhat secretive meeting to go over these designs and lull over the two different scale models they had created and determine the future of each. Porsche designers reportedly weren’t thrilled at the concept of Audi having a more powerful, all-wheel-drive model, which obviously didn’t settle too well with the Audi team. “We told them everything was off, but we are going to [the Frankfurt Auto Show] and beginning the full-size [model],” Thomas said. “Porsche had no idea we were doing this. We developed the coupe first. That was at Frankfurt 1995; it surprised everybody.”

The rest, as they say, is history – Thomas and his team created the Audi TTS Concept alongside the production version, took it to the 1995 Frankfurt Auto Show without Porsche’s knowledge, and it became an instant hit. Consumers loved the fact that the production Audi TT looked just like the concept, which has been heralded as one of the most beautiful automotive designs in history – even by the loftiest of standards.

“We went to Italdesign and I got to know Giugiaro [one of the legendary automotive designers of all time] very well,” Thomas said. “I remember presenting the [TT] to him and asking him ‘What do you think?’ He said ‘I wouldn’t change a line.’”

Photos: Audi

Click HERE to join the AudiWorld forums!

When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.

Audi TT Gets Special Sendoff at Cars and Coffee Event at Company’s U.S. HQ

As it nears the end of the line, the Audi TT will get a proper goodbye from its maker, and everyone is invited to attend.

As most are well aware by now, Audi in the midst of transitioning its entire passenger vehicle lineup to EVs, a decision that has some unfortunate side effects aside from the fact that we’ll soon no longer be able to purchase vehicles from that brand with glorious-sounding ICE powerplants. It also means that some beloved models – like the Audi TT – are going away, in this case, following the conclusion of the 2023 model year. However, the Audi TT is getting a proper send-off at least, in the form of a cars and coffee event at the company’s U.S. headquarters.

Audi has announced that it will be hosting this special gathering at its headquarters in Herndon, Virginia, this coming Saturday, April 29 from 9am to 12pm. However, this isn’t just some private corporate event – in fact, everyone is invited to attend and pay homage to the TT, and bring their own Audi, if they own one. The idea here is simple – to celebrate the TT’s quarter-century of existence in the most enthusiast-friendly way possible, and what better way to to that than with an early morning parking lot gathering over some java?

Of course, it won’t just be fan-owned rides on display this weekend, as Audi is also promising to pull out some seriously cool machinery of its own for attendees to scope out as well. That lineup includes all three generations of the TT, along with a peek at the future in the form of the entire e-tron lineup – a little bit of past and present, if you will. Those in attendance will also be treated to coffee and refreshments, courtesy of the brand itself.

If nothing else, the Audi TT had an impressive run for a two-door sports car following its debut at the 1995 Frankfurt Motor Show and subsequent launch in 1998. Many other sport coupes have come and gone in the years since then, but the TT endured, giving us a stylish, solid-performing option with concept car looks, a handful of special edition variants, and of course, the high-performance TT RS. We’re obviously sad to see it go, but also pleased that Audi is taking the time to pay tribute to the beloved TT, which certainly deserves such treatment.

Photos: Audi

Click HERE to join the AudiWorld forums!

All-Electric Audi A8 Replacement Coming in 2024 Will Be the Most Powerful Audi Ever

recent report by Autocar is accurate the Audi A8 replacement is going to be a radical departure from the car on sale today. It will be based on the Grandsphere concept car that debuted in 2021. So, it will certainly look futuristic if it is anything like the concept. But the next generation A8 goes far beyond advanced styling. It promises to be the most powerful Audi ever made. Not just the most powerful A8. The most powerful Audi full stop. More powerful than the RS e-tron GT. More powerful than the RS 6 Avant. But even more impressive is that it is expected to be one of the longest range EVs on the market. And when you do need to charge it up, it won’t take very long as it is equipped with 800V charging functionality.

While we are on the topic of not waiting very long, we should mention that the next generation Audi A8 is expected to go on sale in 2024. The future is almost here. The future seems bright and fast. The new A8 will be packing a 120kWh lithium-ion battery. It is expected to produce a whopping 711 horsepower and 708 pound-feet of torque. The current Audi S8 makes 563 horsepower from a twin-turbo V8. It hits 60 mph in a little over 3 seconds. The next generation EV A8 will likely be heavier than the S8. But with 25 percent more power, it is hard to image that it also won’t be significantly quicker. What else should we expect?

Platform

Grandsphere concept Click HERE to join the AudiWorld forums!

2023 Audi RS e-tron GT project_513/2 Debuts as Ultra-Limited Camo-Wrapped Variant

The 2023 Audi RS e-tron GT project_513/2 is a factory-built ‘prototype’ that’s limited to just 75 total units.

The 2023 Audi RS e-tron GT is already a pretty impressive entry into the performance-focused, luxury EV sedan space and a fine alternative to its Porsche Taycan brethren. With 637 horsepower on tap (using its boost feature for launches), the RS e-tron GT rockets to 60 mph in a mere 2.9 seconds and boasts its fair share of next-level tech to boot, making it the perfect vessel for someone who appreciates performance and luxury but doesn’t want to give up anything in terms of style, either. However, for those that crave a bit more of that – plus some added exclusivity – the brand new 2023 Audi RS e-tron GT project_513/2 is here to fulfill all of those needs.

The most obvious update that makes this oddly-named Audi unique is its exterior treatment, of course, as it’s the very first vehicle of any kind from the German brand to emerge from the factory wearing a camouflage graphics-skinned and wrapped exterior. This isn’t just some out-of-the-blue creation, however, as Audi is known for using camo wraps to conceal the designs of its prototypes when they’re out testing, which makes this a pretty cool idea.

In this case, that camo is comprised of the same red and black color combo used on original prototype test mules, but it also features red Audi rings at both ends for the very first time. The look is further enhanced by a set of 21-inch black aero wheels that cover ceramic brakes with red calipers, while “project_513/2” is etched in the rear quarter glass to boot.

Moving inside the cabin, the 2023 Audi RS e-tron project_513/2 continues that red and black theme with red air vents and detailing on the steering wheel, floor mats, and nappa leather honeycomb stitched seats, while the dash features carbon fiber inlays with camo graphics. The special edition name adorns the center armrest and the infotainment screen as well, just to remind occupants that they aren’t sitting in any old, regular Audi. One thing that hasn’t been upgraded is performance, but then again, the RS e-tron GT already has plenty of that on tap.

As for that odd moniker, project_513/2 is also an homage to the development process, as it’s precisely what Audi uses to name its developmental vehicles in terms of segment, generation, and body style, though that info is typically only utilized internally – another cool nod to this ages-old process.

Audi plans to build just 75 examples of this special “prototype” production model starting this spring – all for the U.S. – with a price tag of $179,900. But for anyone that’s ever dreamed of owning their own Audi test mule – or a prototype of any sort from any manufacturer – this is likely about as close as one can get, save for scouring auction sites looking for one that escaped an automaker’s crusher.

Photos: Audi

Click HERE to join the AudiWorld forums!

Audi Design Boss: Future Vehicles Will be ‘Less Aggressive’

Audi activesphere concept in Arctic Teal

Don’t worry, as the design chief’s take on Audi’s activesphere concept indicates “aggressive” is open to interpretation.

Two weeks ago, Head of Audi Design Marc Lichte hinted Ingolstadt is considering building an electric off-roader meant to compete with high-end offerings like the Land Rover Defender and the Mercedes-Benz G-Class. Now, Lichte has revealed more about what’s in store for the Future of the Four Rings — and it’s sure to spark discussion among enthusiasts. Because in a conversation with our friends across the pond at Top Gear, he said the company’s new designs will be “softer, more friendly” and “less aggressive.”

Before we all pull out the pitchforks, however, let’s take a look at how he views Audi’s new activesphere concept:

I think this car I would say is not aggressive, it’s the opposite. It’s very soft, very friendly, very… there’s no edge on the exterior design.

Okay, there’s a lower layer which is really rugged, but we want to visualize this, no? I see, in general, car design will become more friendly. At Audi definitely. But I see this as a trend in general. Softer, more friendly, less aggressive.

OK, so I don’t know about you? But while the roofline might be smooth, overall, I think the activesphere concept looks pretty aggressive. So I don’t think we’re in any danger of Audi making all of its forthcoming products look like jelly beans. If you want a vehicle with truly “friendly” sheet metal, you’re probably still better off going with a third-gen Miata or a Dodge Neon. It’s pretty tough to top those two rides when it comes to warm-and-fuzzy vibes.

As the interview progresses, Lichte explains Audi’s pivot toward an all-electric lineup will allow it far more freedom when it comes to its designs, which makes a lot of sense. Because internal combustion engines, aside from making — sometimes deliberately fearsome — noises, also need large grilles and vent systems to keep them cool. And in recent years, those elements have been exaggerated to give vehicles an aggressive presence.

Sometimes, automakers even go as far as to add fake vents, and the less said about that, the better. So it’s easy to see why design folks would be thrilled at the opportunity to ditch them, and as a result, make kinder, gentler, looking cars.

The most curious section of the interview might be where Lichte cites the war in Ukraine as a reason that aggressive designs will fall out of favor. And while that might be true in the European market, if I had some advice to give him? I’d caution against thinking a current war, even one as well-covered as the one in Ukraine, will do anything to sate the desire of Americans for aggressive vehicles. After all, the United States has been at war for the vast majority of its existence, so it’s a little short-sighted to think this conflict will have any measurable impact on the population’s taste.

Image Source: Audi

Click HERE to join the AudiWorld forums!