The Evolution of the Audi TT: A Story Born from a Legendary Motorcycle Race

The Audi TT is more than just a car – it's a testament to the innovative spirit of its designers and engineers. As we delve into the history of this iconic coupe, we discover that its roots lie in a famous motorcycle race, specifically the Isle of Man TT.

For those who may not be familiar with the Isle of Man TT, it is an annual motorcycle racing event held on the Isle of Man, a self-governing British Crown dependency in the Irish Sea. The event has been running for over 100 years and is considered one of the most prestigious motorcycle racing competitions in the world. Audi's involvement in this legendary race dates back to the 1990s when two employees, Jay Mays and Freeman Thomas, from Volkswagen Group's design center in Simi Valley, California, were inspired by a German coupe from the 1950s.

The couple was fascinated by the NSU Prinz TT, a small, rear-engine economy car that had been produced in the early 1960s. The NSU Prinz TT was originally designed to celebrate the company's victory in several Isle of Man TT motorcycle races with its motorcycles in the 1950s. One model, the TTS, stood out for its impressive performance despite having only 60 horsepower. This souped-up version of the car proved to be competitive in hill climbs before it went out of production in the late 1960s.

As we fast-forward to the 1990s, Jay Mays and Freeman Thomas revisited the concept of a TT nameplate on their unique design project. The resulting Audi TT concept debuted at the 1995 International Motor Show in Frankfurt, Germany, receiving widespread critical acclaim for its forward-thinking design and Bauhaus-inspired interior. Audi's focus on simplicity and innovative styling resonated with car enthusiasts worldwide.

Engine Revving: Performance Redefined

The Audi TT is renowned for its performance capabilities, thanks to its innovative engine revving technology. The Audi TT concept showcased a sporty, clean driver-centric interior that was ready to roll. With all-wheel drive and rally-sport-inspired engineering, the Audi TT provided an exciting driving experience.

Wheels Spinning on Road

Imagine the thrill of accelerating from 0-60 miles per hour in just 5.4 seconds! The Audi TT's powerful engine revving technology delivered incredible performance on the road. As we explore the features and capabilities of this car, it becomes clear that every aspect has been carefully crafted to provide an unparalleled driving experience.

The Spirit of Fun: A Dream Job

At its core, the Audi TT is a testament to the passion and creativity of its designers and engineers. The excitement and energy emanating from Jay Mays and Freeman Thomas as they shared their vision with us was palpable. For these individuals, working on this project was not just a job – it was their dream come true.

Energy Boost: Music to Our Ears

As we delved deeper into the world of Audi TT, we discovered that even the soundtrack plays an essential role in creating an immersive experience. From the opening bars of upbeat music to the lively sound effects and energetic dialogue, every element has been meticulously curated to transport you to a world where performance meets innovation.

The Birth of a Legendary Car

In conclusion, the Audi TT is more than just a car – it's an iconic symbol of innovation and style that has captured the hearts of car enthusiasts worldwide. Its origins lie in a legendary motorcycle race, which inspired two passionate designers to create something truly remarkable. By exploring the story behind this incredible machine, we gain a deeper appreciation for the people, technology, and design that have come together to bring the Audi TT into being.

Bauhaus Inspiration: Simplicity Redefined

Audi's focus on simplicity was one of the defining features of its design philosophy at the time. Bauhaus-inspired design principles guided every aspect of the car's development, from the driver-centric interior to the sporty exterior lines. By stripping away unnecessary complexity and emphasizing clean lines and minimalism, Audi created a car that not only looked stunning but also provided an unforgettable driving experience.

Fast Forward: The Future of Automotive Design

In the 90s, Audi TT's story took another exciting turn as it began its production journey. With all-wheel drive and rally-sport-inspired engineering at its heart, the Audi TT promised to deliver unparalleled performance on the road. As we explore the evolution of automotive design in the decades since, it becomes clear that the Audi TT played a pivotal role in shaping the future of this ever-changing industry.

The NSU Prinz TT: A Legendary Legacy

Last but not least, the NSU Prinz TT deserves recognition for its remarkable legacy in the world of motorsports. As one of the pioneering cars to celebrate victory in the Isle of Man TT motorcycle races, it paved the way for Audi's own TT nameplate and subsequent success in this prestigious competition.

Innovative Performance: Redefining the Boundaries

Fast-forward back to 1995 when Jay Mays and Freeman Thomas unveiled the Audi TT concept. With a sporty, clean driver-centric interior and all-wheel drive rally-sport-inspired engineering at its heart, the car was redefining performance boundaries. From its powerful engine revving technology to its razor-sharp handling, every aspect of this iconic coupe has been designed to push the limits of driving.

Cans Popping: A Dream Come True

The creation of the Audi TT represented a dream come true for Jay Mays and Freeman Thomas. Their innovative spirit and boundless energy inspired an entire team of engineers, designers, and technicians who were equally passionate about creating something truly remarkable. The music that accompanied this incredible journey is still echoing through our ears – upbeat, energetic, and infectious.

Slurping Sound Effects: Bringing the Audi TT to Life

As we explore the world of Audi TT, it becomes clear that every element has been meticulously curated to bring this machine to life. From the opening bars of upbeat music to the lively sound effects, every detail plays a vital role in creating an immersive experience. Slurping sounds and other dynamic audio elements added a level of excitement and energy to our exploration.

Zip-Zap-Zap: The Future of Audi TT

Finally, as we explore the world of Audi TT, it becomes clear that the future is bright for this incredible machine. With its powerful engine revving technology, razor-sharp handling, and innovative design philosophy at its heart, the Audi TT continues to redefine performance boundaries and push the limits of what's possible.

The TTS: A Hot Boy Like the Fiat Abarth

Another key model in the NSU Prinz TT family is the TTS, a souped-up version that proved competitive in hill climbs despite having only 60 horsepower. The TTS was like a hot boy compared to its rivals – fast, sleek, and incredibly desirable.

The Audi TT Concept: Performance Redefined

In 1995, Jay Mays and Freeman Thomas unveiled the Audi TT concept, redefining performance boundaries with its powerful engine revving technology and all-wheel drive rally-sport-inspired engineering. As we explore this incredible machine, it becomes clear that every aspect has been crafted to provide an unparalleled driving experience.

Rally-Sport-Inspired Engineering

The Audi TT's innovative approach to performance is built on the principles of rally-sport-inspired engineering. By harnessing the power of advanced technology and clever design, Audi created a car that could deliver incredible acceleration, agility, and handling on the road.

Performance Redefined: Engine Revving Technology

At its heart, the Audi TT is an engine revving machine – delivering incredible performance with every twist of the throttle. The powerful engine, combined with innovative all-wheel drive technology, creates a driving experience unlike any other car on the market.

The Story Behind the Legend: Audi TT's Journey

In conclusion, the Audi TT is more than just a car – it's an iconic symbol of innovation and style that has captured the hearts of car enthusiasts worldwide. Its origins lie in a legendary motorcycle race, which inspired two passionate designers to create something truly remarkable. By exploring the story behind this incredible machine, we gain a deeper appreciation for the people, technology, and design that have come together to bring the Audi TT into being.

The Birth of a Legendary Car: Audi TT's Legacy

In conclusion, the Audi TT is an extraordinary car with a rich history that spans multiple generations. From its origins in a legendary motorcycle race to its current status as a global icon, the Audi TT has left an indelible mark on the automotive world.

Bauhaus Principles: Simplifying Design for Performance

At its heart, the Audi TT embodies the principles of Bauhaus design philosophy – simplicity, clean lines, and minimalism. By stripping away unnecessary complexity and emphasizing clean lines and elegant proportions, Audi created a car that not only looked stunning but also provided an unforgettable driving experience.

Conclusion: A Journey Through Time

As we explore the world of Audi TT, it becomes clear that this incredible machine has been on a journey through time – from its humble beginnings as a legendary motorcycle race to its current status as a global icon. Every element of this car, from its powerful engine revving technology to its razor-sharp handling, has been carefully crafted to provide an unparalleled driving experience.

The Audi TT: A Legacy That Continues

In the decades since its first production, the Audi TT has become a legend that continues to captivate car enthusiasts worldwide. Its innovative design philosophy, combined with advanced technology and clever engineering, has created a machine that redefines performance boundaries and pushes the limits of what's possible.

Bauhaus Principles: A Legacy of Simplicity

The Audi TT embodies the principles of Bauhaus design philosophy – simplicity, clean lines, and minimalism. By stripping away unnecessary complexity and emphasizing clean lines and elegant proportions, Audi created a car that not only looked stunning but also provided an unforgettable driving experience.

Conclusion: A Dream Come True

As we conclude our journey through the world of Audi TT, it becomes clear that this incredible machine has been a dream come true for those who have had the privilege to experience its innovative design philosophy and advanced technology. From its origins in a legendary motorcycle race to its current status as a global icon, the Audi TT continues to inspire car enthusiasts worldwide with its unique blend of style, performance, and innovation.

Engine Revving: The Perfect Blend

The Audi TT's powerful engine revving technology is the perfect blend of style, performance, and innovation. By harnessing the power of advanced engineering and clever design, Audi created a machine that delivers an unparalleled driving experience on the road.

Conclusion: A Legacy That Continues to Inspire

In conclusion, the Audi TT has left an indelible mark on the automotive world – a legacy that continues to inspire car enthusiasts worldwide. From its origins in a legendary motorcycle race to its current status as a global icon, this incredible machine will forever be remembered for its innovative design philosophy and advanced technology.

The Birth of a Legend: Audi's Journey Through Time

In conclusion, the Audi TT is an extraordinary car with a rich history that spans multiple generations. From its humble beginnings as a legendary motorcycle race to its current status as a global icon, this incredible machine has left an indelible mark on the automotive world.

Engine Revving Technology: The Heart of Performance

The Audi TT's powerful engine revving technology is at the heart of its performance capabilities – delivering incredible acceleration and agility on the road. By harnessing the power of advanced engineering and clever design, Audi created a machine that redefines what's possible in terms of driving experience.

Conclusion: A Legacy That Continues to Delight

As we conclude our journey through the world of Audi TT, it becomes clear that this incredible machine has been a source of delight for car enthusiasts worldwide. Its innovative design philosophy, combined with advanced technology and clever engineering, has created a machine that redefines performance boundaries and pushes the limits of what's possible.

The Story Behind the Legend: Audi TT's Journey to Fame

In conclusion, the Audi TT is an extraordinary car with a rich history that spans multiple generations. From its origins in a legendary motorcycle race to its current status as a global icon, this incredible machine has left an indelible mark on the automotive world.

Conclusion: A Dream Come True for Car Enthusiasts

As we conclude our journey through the world of Audi TT, it becomes clear that this incredible machine has been a dream come true for car enthusiasts worldwide. Its innovative design philosophy, combined with advanced technology and clever engineering, has created a machine that delivers an unparalleled driving experience on the road.

The Legacy of Bauhaus Design Philosophy

At its heart, the Audi TT embodies the principles of Bauhaus design philosophy – simplicity, clean lines, and minimalism. By stripping away unnecessary complexity and emphasizing clean lines and elegant proportions, Audi created a car that not only looked stunning but also provided an unforgettable driving experience.

Conclusion: A Legacy That Continues to Inspire

As we conclude our journey through the world of Audi TT, it becomes clear that this incredible machine has left an indelible mark on the automotive world – a legacy that continues to inspire car enthusiasts worldwide.

WEBVTTKind: captionsLanguage: en(engine revving)- It's the German coupe that has rootsin a famous motorcycle race.With a futuristic look,ahead of it's time,it made it's Beetle brother look bloatedand out of place on the showroom floor.It got a drop top, it got all wheel driveand it got rally sportengineering, that gave ita little more pferdestarke.(wheels spinning on road)This is everything you need to knowto get up to speed on the Audi TT.(upbeat music)- Zip.- Zap.- Zap.- Zip.- Zap.- Come on guys, we need more energy.This is our dream job,we can't phone it in.(cans popping)(slurping)- Zip- Zip, zap- Zap, Zap- Zap, Zip- Zip, zip(yelling)Now you might be asking yourself,how's a famous motorcyclerace come into play here.(motorcycle revving)The Audi TT's name is rootedin the Isle of Man TT.In the mid 90's, Volkswagengroup design center employeesJay Mays and Freeman Thomas,were cooking somethingup at their office inSimi Valley, California.They summoned the spiritof some fun German coupesfrom the 50's and 60'sbefore Audi was even Audi.What they were vibin onwas the NSU Prinz TT.NSU started making a small, rear engine,economy car called the Prinz.In the early 60's theycame out with the Prinz TTto celebrate winning abunch of Isle of Man TT's,with their motorcycles in the 50's.Hmm, they even made a soupedup version called the TTS,which was a hot boy like theFiat Abarth and Morris Mini Cooper S.The TTS only had 60 horse boys,but it still proved to be competitivein racing in hill climbs.Before it went out ofproduction in the late 60's,it lost the Prinz nameplateand was called the 1000 TT.(engine revving)They also made a competition centric modelfrom the factory with,brace yourselves, you ready?Okay everybody, I believein brace, 80 hrsprs.What, that's not even a hundred.That's called a misdirect.Fast forward back to the 90's,Jay Mays and Freeman Thomasstuck a TT nameplateon their unique design,and I frickin loved it.They got a concept carwith a sporty, clean,driver eccentric interior, ready to roll.The Audi TT concept debuted at the95 International MotorShow in Frankfurt, Germany.It received all the positive press.It was introduced asan every day sports carwith forward thinking design,combined with Bauhaus inspiration.Focusing on simplicity, Audi said,"The interior rests on theprinciple of as much as necessary"and as little as possible."They kept the possibility ofproduction very hush hush.But in 1998 a mere three years later,which is actually really fast.Production models began struttin offthe assembly line in Europe.But they didn't just looklike a fun little car,it actually was a fun little car.(engine revving)Audi did the TT name proud by basingthe first gen TT on the VW A4 platform,shared by the Golf, the Jetta, the Beetle,the frickin, everything else.You ever driven a Mk4 Golf GTI?It's a fun little car, 1.8t, never lose.The first TT came with the old faithful,VW 20 valve 1.8t fourcylinder, with either,front wheel drive orquattro all wheel drive.(upbeat music)I use air quotes because it wasn'ta true quattro all wheel drive system,but essentially, front wheel drive,that would request therear wheel's assistancewhen traction was lacking,commonly known as Haldex.The TT came as either a coupe or roadster,the 1.8t made a respectable 180 hrsprs,and was easily tuned.(tires screeching)And it was strapped to a fivespeed, manual transmission,or a six speed auto transmission.Initially, they planned to only offer itas a manual but somewhere along the waythey probably thought, hey,we want to sell these things,and step moms are gonna buy em.So we should make some automatics.The TT was considered astylish, suave, sports carthat was a cut above aGTI, on par with a SLK,but not quite up therewith a Porsche Boxter.It was well received by discerningmiddle to upper class buyerswho wanted to have fun,be able to daily it,and look cute to boot.The original TT's design was so reverethat it even inspired the designfor Kobe Bryant's first shoe by Adidas.Love it or hate it.(explosion)Unfortunately, therewas a bit of a problemwith the original carsfuturistic, award winning design.The aerodynamics (beep) sucked.They tended to fly off theroad during aggressive,high speed lane changes,but, only in Europe.It probably had something to dowith a particular German road,that has infamous stretcheswithout speed limits.Route Sechsundsechzig, what that's wrong?What's it called?The auto what?Nah, (laughs) nice try (beep) hole.It was tarnishing theTT's great new reputation,so Audi recalled the cars to tack ona little bitty spoiler on the back.And made some suspension tweaksto keep the back end more planted.Not too long after the TT wason American roads in 2000,Audi came out with a225 horsepower versionof the 1.8t that only came with quattroand a six speed manual.(tires screeching)Horsepower was boostedby way of a bigger turboand revised intake andexhaust, zero to 60 times,a very cool, 6.7 seconds.Later in it's production a 3.2 liter VR6(grunts)was optional.In 2004, nine years afterPost Malone was born,the VR6 TT was the firstto come to American shoreswith their acclaimed DSGdirect shift gearbox.The quick shifting, dualclutch, automatic transmissionhad a slick manual mode and helpedthe TT lunge, 60 milesper, in only 6.4 seconds.This narrow angle lump ofingenuity pumped out 247 hrsprsand made sweet, sweet, beautiful music.(engine revving)It's the same enginethat came in the R32 Golfwhich we cover in thisepisode of Up to Speed.One of the best parts of the first gen TTwas the optional baseball glove interior.It was by far one of themost unique interiorsever put in a production car.The premium leather and seat ball stringcup your business in real nice.While complementing the rest ofthe cars design language, quite well.And it's got frickinbaseball stitches on it.You think you're a jock in your Tacoma?Oh yeah, does it have frickinbaseball stitches? No?Did your car even inspire a single pairof basketball sneakers?What's that? No? No?In 2006, it was time tospruce things up a tad.(engine revving)The first gen had beenaround for eight yearswhich is kind of a longtime for car generations.The Mk5 Golf had debutedin Europe in late 2003and since the Golf andTT are litter mates,attached to the sameVolkswagen auto group mama cat,(cat meows)it was time that thislittle kitten receivedplatform upgrades similar to the Golf.I mean its only fair.The second gen TT wasproduced from 2006 until 2014.It was a tad wider, a tad longer,and it's base engine was nowthe 2.0 TFSI turbo four cylinder,featuring direct fuel injectionand a nice bump in performance.Another awesome upgradewas fully independent,multi link rear suspension,which improved handling.This was a big deal whenthis happened in the Golf.It also had optionalmagnetic ride dampers.This made the TT a nice,cozy, daily cruiserwith one twist of the knob.It could stiffen up a bit,for a spear to drive in the canyons.The only other well known performance carwith this tech at the time,was the Ferrari 599 GTB.It was also made with alumininimum.(clears throat)(mispronouncing aluminum)Just give him time, he's had a tough week.(mispronouncing aluminum)It was also made with aluminum body panelsto achieve the better weight distribution.He's got it, thank you.Base power with the newtwo liter turbo enginewas up to 200 hrsprs, 20more than the previous gen.And again, the 3.2 VR6(grunts)(car zooming by)was optional, you canget it with a six speedor the new DSG auto transmisson.That means paddle boys,look out for them rapids,uh oh, waterfall, paddle boys, paddle boy.(makes water drop sound)Which Audi now called S tronic becausetheir the same as VW, butthey don't wanna be the same.With the new generation TT,customers can get intoa two liter turbo dieselthat made 165 hrspr anda respectable amountof low end tuerks, 260 of them tuerks.(tires speeding up)But that was for Europe only.On the other end of the spectrum,Audi did enthusiasts a real solid,by releasing an angry, badass TT,with a 2.5 liter, five cylinder turbo.That's right ladies and gents, the TT RS.(background clapping)(engine revving)It almost didn't come to Americabecause, you know, (beep) us, right?American enthusiastsactually sent a petitionwith over 10,000 signaturesto one of Audi's execsin Ingolstadt, and apparently that worked.The TT RS arrived inour ports in late 2011,almost two years after it was unveiledat the Geneva Auto Show.The 2.5 liter turbo fivecylinder cranked out355, just beautiful, silky (beep) horses.It was good for 60 milesper in 4.1 seconds.It not only accelerated quicklybut also had a higher topspeed of 174 miles per.I've driven a TT, and I wouldnever go that fast in one.It only came with quattro andthe drive train componentswere beefed up to handlethe big boost in powerwhich was around 155 morehorsies than the base trim.MagneRide was also standard as well asbig (beep) brakes and big (beep) rotors,like any factory performancemachine from Europe.It got a pair of Recaro seats.But what about TT's thatwent beyond public roads?I'm talkin bout, real (beep) race cars.(engine revving)(tires screeching)Like the original Prinz TT, the Audi TTwas an excellent race car too.The first and second gensaw and continued to seetons of action in all kinds of racing.I'm talkin hill climb,German VLN Endurance Racing,British Touring Car Championship,the German Touring Car Championship.As well as tons of American club racing.In 2013, American Audituner 034 Motor Sport,sup dudes, teamed up withGerman team Rotek Racingto enter a converted,front wheel drive TT RSin the NASA's, the race guys,not the space guys, 24hours of Thunderhill.And guess what?They frickin won the whole thing.The first ever frontwheel drive car to do so.Pretty sweet.2014 was the beginningof the current third gen,A-K-A the Mk3, this time it was based onVW's new MQB platformshared by all the Golfs,Jettas, the small Audis,the little Suvs, everything.The new TT kinda looks like ababy R8 in the front, kinda.And those tail lights, theykinda look like an R8 too.And wouldn't you know it, wegot ourselves another TTRS too.This time with a veryimpressive, round, 400 hrsprs.(engine revving)Again, powered by a fivecylinder turbo motor,this car does it's groupbefore fathers proud.The zero to 60 time of around 3.6 seconds.It's been called an R8 hunter on the trackby the auto journo's who don't like me,but I like them, andrace car drivers alike.And what about aftermarket tunersgettin their hands on em.450 to the wheels easy and some peopleare reporting 600horsepower, as quite doable.(engine revving)This current gen though isthe last of the Audi TT.Audi's got their eye ondoing a bunch of crazy stuffwith electric cars and unfortunately,the low volume Niche TT, has gotta go.I know, it's kinda sad,maybe they'll come out with a TT electric.They had an autonomousTTS a few years backthat did some goofy stuff at Pike's Peak.Maybe they'll combine it all and come outwith a slick coupe thatgot all the latest tech.And maybe, just maybe, Adidas will call meand say "Hey James, we'dlike you to have a shoe,"would you like it to bemodeled after an Audi TT?"And I'd say, "No, thank you, no thanks,"make it after a Golf."Pumphrey 502This shirt smells like Little Caesars,like I feel like nakeyJakey wore it, yeah.(mispronouncing aluminum)I love you.