2015 ABT Audi TT: A Redefinition of the Classic
The reimagined 2015 ABT Audi TT broke cover at the 2014 Essen Motor Show, flaunting an aggressive overhaul that redefines the TT's design ethos. Interpreted through the lens of ABT Sportsline, a globally renowned tuning house for Volkswagen and Audi Group vehicles, this racy coupe managed to carve a distinct path within the annals of the TT lineage. I find that ABT's take on the iconic shape of the Audi TT, famed for its curved roof, shows an astute understanding of preserving classic design while adapting it to fit the evolving tastes of modern drivers.
Body and Aesthetics
According to ABT's CEO, Hans-Jürgen Abt, the minimalist design of the TT allowed ample room for innovative differentiation. The resulting manifestation is a comprehensive body kit that borrows influence from a lineage of distinguished TT conversions by ABT, blending track prowess with road-going appeal. This approach is particularly apparent in the front skirt add-on, which presents a more assertive face to the Audi TT's already sharper third-generation design.
Furthering this aggressive theme, the TT sports custom mirror caps and eye-catching 20-inch black DR alloy wheels wrapped in performance-oriented Continental tires. As per the tuner's tradition, the variations of designs, finishes, and sizes are also made available to cater to diverse aesthetic preferences. However, it's at the rear where the ABT's creativity truly shines. Ditching the stock version's retractable spoiler for a fixed wing, the car exudes a race-ready aura while a striking quad-exhaust configuration underlines the widened, athletic stance of this sport coupe.
Power and Performance
ABT's revisions weren't limited to aesthetics alone. The car presented in Essen boasted a significant power uprating to the 2.0 TFSI engine. The tuner's prowess managed to boost the power from a stock 230 hp and 370 Newton meters of torque to a more spirited 310 hp and 440 Newton meters. When combined with the Audi TT's compact dimensions and reduced weight, these performance upgrades promise a driving experience that aligns with the car's aggressive styling. Although the car couldn't be test-driven at the Essen show, one could certainly speculate about its exhilarating potential on open roads.
Reimagining a Classic: Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the 2015 ABT Audi TT emerged as a bold interpretation of a time-honored design. ABT Sportsline successfully imbued the car with an alluring blend of track-inspired aggression and refined aesthetics while making significant strides in performance enhancements. The car encapsulates the essence of ABT's philosophy, as stated by Hans-Jürgen Abt, "Looks fast and is fast, too." As I see it, it's not just about living up to the legendary TT reputation but pushing it into a new era, which ABT Sportsline has accomplished with commendable finesse.
-Ed
2015 ABT Audi TT
