How Audi’s Final Edition Roadster pays tribute to the original TT design icon
The Audi TT is one of the most iconic sports cars in the history of the automotive industry. Since its debut in 1999, the TT has been praised for its distinctive design, agile performance, and innovative technology. However, after three generations and over 20 years of production, the TT is saying goodbye with a unique edition model that celebrates its legacy as an original Audi design icon.
The 2023 Audi TT Roadster Final edition is a limited-run model with unique design elements, exclusive colors, and premium equipment. Only 50 units are available for the U.S. market, each priced at $68,895. The Final edition is the ultimate expression of the TT's design philosophy, which combines simplicity, elegance, and functionality.
The TT's design evolution
The TT's design story began in 1995 when Audi unveiled a concept car at the Frankfurt Motor Show that stunned the audience with its futuristic and minimalist appearance. The concept car was named after the Tourist Trophy, a famous motorcycle race on the Isle of Man, where Audi had a successful racing history.
The concept car was so well received that Audi decided to turn it into a production model launched in 1999. The first-generation TT was a two-door coupe with a 1.8-liter turbocharged engine that delivered 180 horsepower. The TT's design was inspired by Bauhaus, a German art movement emphasizing geometric shapes, clean lines, and functional aesthetics. The TT's rounded body, circular headlights, and prominent wheel arches gave it a distinctive and timeless look.
In 2000, Audi introduced the TT Roadster, a convertible version of the coupe that offered an open-air driving experience. The Roadster had a soft-top roof that could be opened and closed in 10 seconds. The Roadster also had a baseball-stitched leather interior, which became one of the TT's signature features.
The second-generation TT was launched in 2006 with a more refined and sporty design. The TT's body was made of aluminum and steel, which reduced its weight and improved its handling. The TT's engine was upgraded to a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with 200 horsepower. The TT also had a new feature called Audi magnetic ride, which adjusted the suspension according to the driving conditions.
The third-generation TT was introduced in 2014 with a more modern and sophisticated design. The TT's body was more angular and muscular, with sharper lines and edges. The TT's headlights and taillights were equipped with LED technology, which enhanced its visibility and style. The TT also had a new feature called the Audi virtual cockpit, which replaced the conventional instrument cluster with a 12.3-inch digital display that showed various information and functions.
The TT's design legacy
Various organizations and publications have recognized and awarded The TT's design. The TT has won several design awards, such as the Red Dot Design Award, the iF Design Award, and the Good Design Award. The TT has also been featured in several museums and exhibitions, such as the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Design Museum in London, and the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao.
The TT's design has also influenced and inspired other Audi models, such as the R8, the A5, and the Q8. The TT's design elements, such as the single-frame grille, the LED lights, and the virtual cockpit, have become part of Audi's design language and identity.
The TT's design has also set a benchmark and a standard for other sports cars. The TT's design has been praised for its balance of form and function, emotion and rationality, tradition and innovation. Customers, critics, and competitors have admired and respected the TT's design.
The TT's design tribute
The TT Roadster Final edition is a tribute to the TT's design heritage and legacy. The final edition is based on the third-generation TT Roadster but has some exclusive and distinctive features that make it stand out.
The Final edition is painted in Audi exclusive Goodwood Green pearl effect, a series production color for the first-generation TT Roadster. The green color is a nod to the TT's racing roots and connection to the Tourist Trophy. The Final edition also has a gray convertible top, contrasting with the green body and creating a classic and elegant look.
The Final edition also has unique exterior details, such as the 20-inch 10-Y-spoke design forged wheels, the carbon fiber inlays, and the S-line exterior package. The S line package adds some sporty accents to the front and rear bumpers and the side skirts, but without the S line badging, for a more exclusive and subtle appearance.
The Final edition's interior is finished in Palomino Brown leather, which recalls the first-generation TT's baseball-stitched leather seats. The brown leather is complemented by black leather on the steering wheel, the instrument cluster hood, and the airbag cap. The Final edition also has an extended leather package covering the door armrests and the center console in the same brown leather and stitching.
The Final edition includes some premium equipment, such as the Audi magnetic ride, the Audi virtual cockpit, the Bang & Olufsen sound system, and the Audi smartphone interface. The Final edition also has some special badges and logos, such as the TT logo on the steering wheel and the Final edition logo on the door sills.
The TT Roadster Final edition is a fitting farewell to the TT, a car that has been a design icon for Audi and the automotive industry. The Final edition celebrates the TT's design history, evolution, and legacy. The Final edition is a collector's item, a rare and exclusive model that will be cherished by its owners and admired by its fans. The Final edition is the ultimate TT, the final chapter of a remarkable design story.