Based on the VW Golf MkIV platform, the TT is Audi's contender in the ultra competitive sports coupe market. It is aimed squarely at the likes of the Mercedes CLK and the BMW 3-series Coupe, and in Roadster form, the SLK and the Porsche Boxster. In the UK and Ireland, the TT is offered with full time 4 wheel drive and a choice of two engines, both 1.8 litre turbocharged fours, one with 180 bhp and the other with 225 bhp. The only difference visually between the two versions is the single exhaust pipe on the lower powered model, as compared with the twin exhausts on the higher powered model. A 150bhp front wheel drive only version is also sold. More recently, a 3.2 litre V6 range topping model has also been introduced.
Personally I think the TT looks fantastic, a view shared by a good friend of mine who is on his second 225 bhp TT Coupe. Having been lucky enough to have driven it for a short distance, I can say it is a blast to drive! The TT came in for some bad press as a result of some fatal high speed accidents in Germany. The car's stability at high speed was called into question as a result, and to avoid further bad press, Audi decided to modify the car by adding an ugly rear spoiler and an electronic stability control system, just as Mercedes had to do with the A-Class. Some have felt that the car was fine in it's original form, and that the accidents occurred due to the extreme conditions under which the car was being driven at the time. Either way, the "safety" measures now fitted to the car do not appear to have diluted it's appeal, and it continues to sell strongly.
Revell make this model of the 180 bhp TT Coupe, and it is quite a nice model. They also make a Roadster TT in 1:18th, which to date (2006) I haven't bought as the colours it is available in do not appeal to me. The engine bay and interior (with all the metal embellishments of the real thing represented) are quite good, and the fit and finish is not bad. Disappointments include the poor brake detail and the poorly detailed rear lights. Overall, an ok model. Maisto also make a version of the TT in Roadster form, which is similar in quality to the Revell model, but adds detailed brakes and calipers. The interior of the Maisto version does not appear to be as nice as the Revell TT however.
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