2018 Audi TT debuts with updated styling, features

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Audi TT, and to mark the occasion, the Ingolstadt-based automaker has provided the third-generation model a facelift. That’s not all, as a special edition ‘Audi TT 20 years’ model is also being introduced – limited to just 999 cars.

The base TT gets two engine choices, both 2.0 litre turbocharged four-cylinder units with different outputs. The first, marked as the 40 TFSI, makes 197 hp and 320 Nm of torque, while the 45 TFSI serves up 245 hp and 370 Nm – the latter can be had with the brand’s quattro all-wheel drive system.

Higher up, there’s the TTS with 306 hp and 400 Nm, which also gets AWD as standard. Transmission options include a six-speed manual or seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic (replaces the six-speed unit), both available for 40 TFSI and 45 TFSI models. The 45 TFSI quattro as well as the TTS can only be had with the S tronic.

Design changes are rather mild to say the least, with tweaks to the three-dimensional Singleframe grille as well as larger corner inlets on the front bumper. There’s also three new paint finishes this time, including cosmos blue, pulse orange and turbo blue.

That last one is available only with the S line exterior package and TTS, which now appears to be resemble what you’ll see on RS versions of the TT. Opt for the package and a full-length splitter, vertical air inlets and a grille finished in titanium black will be added to the car’s front fascia.

Also included are specific side sills with inserts between the wheels, while the rear end is made to look sportier with a wide diffuser and vertical air vents just below the taillights with dynamic turn signals. The TTS gets specific badging, aluminium silver accents in the grille and an extra pair of exhaust pipes.

The interior remains largely unchanged from before, but there’s more standard equipment this time around. The base model now comes with the Audi virtual cockpit, Audi drive select dynamic handling, heated mirrors, rain and light sensors, illuminated USB ports, Bluetooth and a multifunction steering wheel.

As mentioned at the start, a special edition model will be offered as well, which is available in coupe and roadster guises. The ‘Audi TT 20 years’ model pays homage to the TTS Concept from 1995, with a cabin trimmed in brown leather with contrast stitching. The exterior meanwhile, features Matrix OLED taillights, and the car is finished in either Arrow Gray or Nano Gray, with special badging and matte-finished Audi rings above the side sills.

GALLERY: 2018 Audi TT Coupe

GALLERY: 2018 Audi TT Roadster

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