Audi sees room for TT family, including possible crossover and superlight models

Wed, 12 Feb 2014

With the third-generation Audi TT slated for a debut at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show in just a few weeks time, we've received some interesting news out of the United Kingdom. Speaking to the crew at Top Gear, Chief Engineer Ulrich Hackenberg made some interesting statements about the next TT, noting that he likes the idea of a production Allroad Shooting Brake.

"I can imagine the TT has much more potential than we have used up to now. That's why we did this Allroad [Shooting Brake] Concept. The trend is to smaller crossovers. So for example you do a crossover TT. It would have a big group of fans," Hackenberg told TG.

That makes it almost sound like Audi is trying to expand one popular, fashion-forward model into a wildly different niche, like Mini did moving from Hardtop to Countryman (or perhaps more appropriately, the Paceman). We'll reserve judgement, if only because the Allroad Shooting Brake was one of the more popular concepts at the Detroit Auto Show, making our Editors' Choice list.

In more promising news for enthusiasts, Hackenberg spoke optimistically of a lightweight TT capable of tipping the scales at under 2200 pounds, an idea first mentioned by his predecessor, Wolfgang Duerheimer. "I could imagine a limited series. Our new MQB architecture allows lightweight parts such as a carbon-fiber roof," Hackenberg said. We'll admit, the idea of a lighter TT RS is really, really compelling, possibly as a competitor for the Porsche Cayman R or even a Jaguar F-Type R.

What are your thoughts on this? Would a production Allroad Shooting Brake wearing a TT badge make sense? Should Audi build an even more hardcore TT? Have your say in Comments.

By Brandon Turkus