By: IOL Motoring Staff
Paris Motor Show - We thought Audi was going a little too far off course with the previous two TT concept cars, the Allroad and Offroad, yet the latest one seems to make some sense.
The new Audi TT Sportback Concept, revealed in Paris on Wednesday night, still hugs the tarmac like a TT should - except this one's been stretched to offer enough realistic space for three passengers to come along for the ride and it's grown two extra doors for easy access.
There seems to be a rather good chance of this practical TT entering production at some stage in the future as Audi board member Prof. Dr. Ulrich Hackenber described the concept as "a new member of a potential TT family."
Measuring 4.47 metres in length and 1.89m in width, the Sportback is 29cm longer and 6cm wider than the regular three-door TT and it's also 3cm lower to the ground. Its lightweight composite body is the latest evolution of Audi's ASF space frame construction method.
With its athletically domed surfaces, the concept is a proud member of the TT family, but it's far more than just a five-door clone as many unique design traits set it apart, such as a flatter and wider single-frame grille and completely distinct headlights and taillights.
POTENT 2-LITRE
Beneath the bonnet you'll find a more potent version of VW/Audi's EA 888 2-litre TFSI turbopetrol engine, "profoundly modified" to deliver 294kW and 450Nm and linked to a seven-speed dual-clutch S tronic gearbox.
Against the clock, the TT Sportback should sprint from 0-100km/h in 3.9 seconds, according to Audi, and as you'd expect, corner hugging is ensured by quattro all-wheel drive.
But is there a big enough point to this five-door TT or would you rather just take the regular coupé and leave the friend/family behind?