I well the first media drive of the Audi TT roadster for its 2001 model-year launch. Based in Austin, Texas, the drive route traversed the smooth and winding back roads of the hill country. It was a hoot to knit shifts with the five-speed manual and feel the weight transitions of the steel-spring suspension.
Named for the British Isle of Man TT (Tourist Trophy) motorcycle race, the first production model (internal code Type 8N) was launched as a 2+2 coupe in 1999, followed by the roadster in 2000. Starting price for the coupe was $30,500 and $32,850 for the roadster.
The roadster’s rounded-off body was lean and smoothly touchable. With the top down, it reminded of a Bauhaus bathtub that could be traveling forward or backward. But the styling just looked fun — and it was.
The little two-seater weighed less than 3,000 pounds, which was about right for free-wheeling fun from its base 180-horsepower, 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. An engine option with a bigger turbo boosted power to 225-hp.
A dual-clutch automated manual six-speed transmission was added in 2003 with an optional 250-hp, 3.2-liter V-6 and Audi’s Quattro all-wheel drive.
It was somewhat unusual for a German sports car to have front-wheel drive. And that might have caused an unsettling front-end bobble at very high speeds that was not apparent when driving within the speed limit. Not long after, Audi strapped down the suspension to curb that tendency.
The first-generation ran through 2006, the Mark II from 2006-2014 and the Mark III from 2014 through this year, so far. There have been reports that Audi will do away with the TT or it will shift its focus to electrification. Audi will not confirm nor deny, but replied by email that “the TT is part of the DNA of Audi and is a unique success story — we will keep you updated on the next phase of this story.”
In tribute to that success and three generations of enthusiasts, Audi has put together a limited edition 20th anniversary model, roadster or hardtop. It recalls some of the coolness of the first gen, like the baseball stitch of the leather, and more of the refinement and technologies of later generations.
With 80 cars available to U.S. dealers, the 2019 Audi TT 20th Anniversary Edition is on sale now with an MSRP of $53,895 for the coupe and $57,795 for the roadster, which is about $4,495 more than a stock 2020 roadster. Pricing includes the $995 freight charge from Gyor, Hungary.
The Anniversary Edition has a 228-hp, turbocharged 2.0 liter four-cylinder with a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission. Audi says the coupe is capable of 0-60 mph acceleration in 5.2 seconds and the roadster in 5.5 seconds.
It is offered in two paint colors: Aviator Gray pearl or — exclusive to the U.S. — Nimbus Gray metallic. The exterior treatment includes gloss black trim elements, special 19-inch, 5-arm-design gunmetal wheels with summer performance tires and a trumpet-style stainless steel exhaust. The OLED taillights (organic light-emitting diode) are picked up from the high-performance TT RS.
A nod to the original TT, the interior features Moccasin Brown Fine Nappa leather with yellow contrast stitching. An interior plaque identifies the individual production number with a “TT 20 Years” icon. Outside, there are “20 Years of TT” badges on the front fenders and at the lower rear sills are matte finish Audi rings.
Other standard features include the Audi phone box with wireless charging and signal booster and Technology package of Audi virtual cockpit graphics, navigation, smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), side-assist warning and a Bang & Olufsen sound system.
