TT COUPE, RIGHTLY CONSIDERED BY PEARL IN A RANGE OF COMPACT MODELS FROM AUDI, HAS BECOME BECOME A SYNONYM OF STYLE. Grace that is not a goal in itself, simplicity that does not become commonplace, aggression that does not go beyond the boundaries of success is the key to success TT COUPE, whose design was not altogether dormant. HOWEVER, even in well production car always find THAT IMPROVE - DECISION ENGINEERS OF ABT - a leading tuning companies in the world, based in Germany (C THIS YEAR open an official representation ABT in Dubai, SM "RUSSIAN EMIRATES" № 20.). THE CONSTANT AUTHOR OF OUR CAR RUBRIC KONSTANTIN MARKELOV DOES NOT REMAIN TO USE THE OPPORTUNITY TO RIDE ON A “PROJECTED” AUDI AND SHARE OUR IMPRESSIONS WITH READERS
APPEARANCE
In fashion magazines, it is advised not to mix red and black in clothes. Perhaps this is true for humans, but not for cars. Apparently, this was the opinion of Abt designers, having painted the body of the Audi tt coupe in rouge Lucifer (translated from French as “devilish red”), leaving the top black. Therefore, the first impression of the car in motion - it was as if shrouded in a black cloak with a red lining - an image that awakened the inhabitants of medieval Transylvania first, and then the rest of the world. It was hardly possible to come up with a more interesting color scheme for a car in a metropolis that never sleeps. Black tinted headlights, like sunglasses from a well-known brand, give the car a modern and stylish look. It is no coincidence that the tt coupe is positioned as a car for the "golden youth", in whose heart the pulse of the night city beats, and in black glasses, like in a mirror, the neon signs of boutiques, bars and night clubs are reflected. Usually we pull the door towards ourselves to get into the car, it swings open, and suddenly ... it rises smoothly. Bravo, before this trick was seen mainly in supercars such as Ferrari and Lamborghini.
The interior repeats the gamut of external colors: close-fitting with good skin in black and red colors from Abt harmonize with high-quality "native" plastic dashboard. Round polished metal plates - a tribute to Audi branded rings - on everything where you can attach them: to instrument dials, ventilation deflectors, door handles and the base of the automatic transmission lever. The interior is designed in the style of minimalism - nothing more: a graceful sports steering wheel, small adjustment levers for side mirrors, a neat rear view mirror. Even the hands of the speedometer and tachometer are short and thick, and together with the large numbers of the scales they resemble the chronometers used by judges in sports. However, it is worth turning the ignition key - the antique dials come to life with digital displays with the readings of the on-board computer. Here you have a rarity.
The seats in the tt coupe, once highly rated by car experts, are really comfortable. They seem to clasp seated from the sides, give support to the lower back. They are ideal for a sporty fit, but require some getting used to if you have not driven such a car before. The dashboard goes far enough forward, creating a space between the driver and the windshield, which is why in the cabin of this relatively small car there is a feeling of spaciousness, "air". The front seats have a significant longitudinal stroke and even a person taller than average can adjust them as he likes. The back row, as befits a coupe body, is more likely for beauty. Enough space there, perhaps, only for a sports bag with a pair of tennis rackets. In general, the car inside, as well as outside, has a completely "lean", sporty look.
ON ROAD
Even a smooth press on the gas pedal gives a promising vibration under the hood and a rolling echo of the four tailpipes at the rear. The 1.8-liter engine, which passed the chiptuning from Abt, received a power of 220 liters. with. and accelerates the car to 100 km in 5 seconds. I would like to note good traction even at low speeds, which ensures comfortable driving in a slow city stream at rush hour. However, the car shows its true character in the open. A clear switch of the “machine”, as the embodiment of German precision, and confident engine thrust provoke to gain speed. Suddenly heavy steering wheel gives stability to the control and prevents it from accidentally "wagging", because at a speed of "under two hundred" it can be fraught. However, Audi engineers made sure that even at high speeds, driving was as safe as possible. This is facilitated by the electronic stabilization system (eSp), as well as elements of "passive safety" in the form of front and side airbags. Abt technologists have done their part by putting the car on wheels with 19 (!) Inch disks and modernizing the wing, providing even greater traction. Unfortunately, we did not have the opportunity to test the behavior of the car in the conditions of the winter track, but we note that the behavior on dry surfaces is impeccable.
However, when driving revealed some features, if not to say "cons". The most important of them is the lack of visibility. First of all, due to the low roof and small windows. Small mirrors, although they have an insert for controlling the "dead zone", could be a little larger (the same applies to mirrors in the cabin). Apparently, this is a tribute to the minimalist style, which was mentioned above.
CONCLUSIONS
Be that as it may, the Audi tt coupe, which has become even more dynamic thanks to the Abt, remains a stylish city car. This is not a sports equipment - it is rather an extra-expensive accessory that is designed to complement the image of its owner (or mistress). So what is the secret of a car whose design remains attractive for more than one year, subject to only a small external restyling? In everything - from a massive radiator grill and a teardrop-shaped roof to appliances that look like those that were installed on the first race cars with wheels on spokes and helicopters of the beginning of the century. Behind all this lies an interesting and deep idea - to convey the spirit of that innovation, which with the help of technology allowed a person to conquer space, the spirit of technological progress, the fruits of which once surprised and astonished, but are now taken for granted. It is known that at the heart of any big brand is a big idea. This seems to be the big idea of the Audi TT.
Thanks to Dubai Brand Manager ABT Sportline
Mr. Omjad Okashu for the car provided for a test drive
