Brief History of The Audi TT
The Audi TT goes a long way back. Rooted in the early millennia, Audi released its first mk1 Audi TT platform in 2000 with a very unique and stylish exterior, complemented by a very original and sporty interior design, making you question whether it’s a luxury car, a sport car or a perfect balance of both. Audi has never before released such an audacious model which, if you are a Volkswagen connoisseur, would automatically identify its deep roots.
Have you ever seen an early model Audi TT before?
I remember when I was back in University; Audi had just released the 2001 TT Convertible Roadster Quattro in a beautiful grey color, which was called the Nimbus grey. This stunning vehicle was complemented by an orange leather interior with thick baseball gloves stitching. Audi called it, the baseball interior.
That vehicle became very quickly my dream car and like most car guys do, I put that very specific model onto my computer’s wallpaper. A few years later in 2009, I found my dream car for sale in Texas directly from a car dealer. For an 8 years old vehicle, I must say the car was in very good shape. I had it shipped across the country. I was determined to have this car, no matter what! Finally, after a few years of being patient my dream came true.
Audi TT in my driveway exactly like in my computer’s wallpaper back at University. For those looking for one, there is many audit tt for sale out there. The challenge is to find a clean one with a good owner who took care of it.
Have you ever tried an Audi Quattro TT before?
There are no words to describe the amazing drivability of this vehicle. It is just unbelievable how well this car hugs the road. It is definitely a beautiful piece of engineering. In 2001 Audi had two options for the convertible TT. You could either get the cheaper front wheel drive version with a 180 horsepower 1.8T engine, or you could get the true roadster version.
For real connoisseurs, the roadster is definitely the one to have. Equipped with the original Quattro drivetrain, this 1.8T is pushing a stunning 225 Horsepower to the crank. Considering the drivetrain power lost to the four wheels, you end up with more or less 200 horsepower to shred some asphalt. Pretty impressive for such a little car, wouldn’t you say?
Personally, after driving some pretty fast cars in my life, I find that the car lacks a little punch! It’s hard to explain, but it’s missing that drive experience, that special feeling you get when you are pushed into your driver’s seat FIRMLY and continuously. After the initial power spike the car really lacks on the fun experience of acceleration. It becomes a little dull.
Ok let’s make this public, I have to admit, I am a G-Force Junky. I love when a car can impresses me with a nice acceleration. I am really looking for a continuously climbing power band with no dead spots. After driving a Volkswagen R32 Turbo with 530 horsepower and 500 pound of torque on daily basis, you start to be more attentive the power band of each car you drive.
For me it’s truly about the driving experience, no matter how much power the car has. You can drive a 700 horsepower car and feel the G-force and all, but if it’s not consistent, it will not be a good grocery getter. Ok back on subject.
So what is the solution to solve this dullness?
The easiest, fastest, cheapest and most effective way to wake this car up is to install a quality performance software. For those of you that are not familiar with the subject, I’ll briefly explain. Most vehicles have a central computer that manages the engine. This computer is called the ECU. This unit communicates with sensors properly positioned in and around the engine to ensure proper engine operation, optimal fuel efficiency and maximum power output.
All these functions are executed in real time by a software that is located inside the ECU. This embedded software has safety limiters which protects the engine incase of any failure or misuse. This is only a quick rundown, because its functions are much more expensive but I will not go into the details to remain on subject.
Make sure you don’t run out and get any software out there. You really want to get a product that has withstood the test of time. You also want to make sure the company is solid and does proper research and development into their products. Remember, Mickey Mouse tuning your car by a friend of a friend may be catastrophic for your engine.
Don’t run out and get the cheapest one out there either. EBay is not a good option. Any half decent tuning company will not sell their quality software on eBay. They just don’t need to. You may want to consider checking in with us shortly because we will be reviewing some of the products.
Many will ask: What can I expect in term of power gains?
So my Audi TT ended up with 275 horsepower after the software installation. The car completely changed attitudes; it became the aggressive sleeper I was looking for. At 50 hp gains it definitely makes a big difference in the drivability. Now the car pulls all the way to the red line with a consistent and pleasurable feeling. Man did I have fun with this car; it’s definitely worth the investment. Sometimes I wonder why isn’t this option available from factory. Seriously, it should be!
The Mk2 Audi TT Platform
It’s in 2006 that Audi released its new TT models. A facelift from the previous, making it a little more square-ish and in closer resemblance to the full Audi line-up. Nothing unique compared to the Mk1 platform release, but still remaining a very nice looking vehicle and much more aggressive looking than the previous. Both (FWD) front wheel drive and Quattro option where available until 2008 where Audi discontinued the FWD. Good move! An Audi TT should only be Quattro and nothing else.
In 2008, the 2.0TFSI engine being the main powerplant on these models, got upgrade from 200hp to 211hp. Not a big improvement you say but it was due to them switching over from timing belt to chain driven. Also in 2008, the Audi TTs was released pushing 272hp to the crank. Same engine just a larger turbocharger with the OEM ECU software adapted to this upgrade. Very pleasant to drive even from factory but still missing that driving experience, that I talk about earlier.
It’s only in 2009 that Audi finally released its TT RS version to then improve its already fantastic performance in 2012. The Audi TT RS 2009 is equipped with a 5 Cylinder 2.5L Turbocharged engine developing 340hp and 332 ft/lbs and wait; the 2012 is a beast pushing 360hp and 342ft/lbs. This is stock; now imagine if you install a performance software in any of these cars? We are talking about a 50 to 65hp gains in any of these engines.
The driving experience goes up a few notches. For the V6 lovers, Audi did also make available the 3.2L naturally aspired engine between 2006 and 2010. Fun to drive but hard on gas and if you want to install performance software to upgrade its power, think again, it is only going to give you a few ponies because it’s not a turbocharged engine.
Have you seen the Latest Audi TT 2015?
In 2014 Audi TT takes in another facelift, the mk3 Audi TT platform is born with a very aggressive front en design. The 2015 Audi TT remains the same as the 2014 version with very similar features. Audi decides to change the engine line up and offer the following options: The 2.0TFSI base version comes with 230hp and the TTS come with 310hp. That’s a lot of power for a small 2.0L engine. Unfortunately the Audi TT RS was only available in 2009 and then in 2012 making it a limited edition.
So if you are looking for the TT RS you will have to locate a used one for sale. Good luck finding one, they are scares and if you do find and Audi TT for sale, jump on it, just makes sure it’s an RS model if you can afford it. And if it’s not enough for you, consider installing performance software if you are looking for that hummm, OMG experience every time you press on the gaz.