Audi has reportedly decided which TT concept car to bring to production and apparently the safest bet won.
According to a report from Automobile magazine, the TT Offroad study was chosen because the TT Allroad two-door was deemed too cramped to be practical and too close to the Audi TT Coupe, while the TT Sportback was judged as lacking seriously in the practical department. That’s because it offers very little rear headroom, is tough to climb in and out of, and has a very tall loading lip.
The Audi TT Offroad study (pictured) is the logical choice then, although many would say it will cannibalize Audi Q3 sales. That may happen to some extent, but Audi believes it can prevent that by differentiating it from the Q3 like BMW does with the X4 and X3.
The production Audi TT Offroad will have a lower roofline than the Q3 for a more dynamic appearance, but will still offer reasonable space for passengers and luggage. The car will also get a new interior, and may feature a hybrid powertrain.
Audi is reportedly thinking of a hybrid system with more than 450hp that would combine a 290hp 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with two electric motors – a 55hp unit integrated in the transmission and a 115hp motor driving the rear wheels.
Following the logic of Audi’s model nomenclature, this upcoming SUV should be named Q4. However, since Fiat Chrysler Automobiles holds the rights to use the name and isn’t willing to give it up, Audi will likely go with TTQ.
“We have no choice but to make a virtue out of necessity. By taking the TTQ route, we avoid the confrontation with Fiat, we don’t overcrowd the Q corral, and we add a fresh twist to the TT theme,” a senior Audi manager told Automobile Magazine.
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