The Audi TT nameplate has been around for 25 years, but its time is fast coming to an end. Yes, the German company has confirmed production of this model is drawing to a close, while also revealing the TT Final Edition.
UPDATE: Audi South Africa has confirmed to Cars.co.za the Final Edition is specific to the United Kingdom, saying “in South Africa, we’ve chosen to keep the TT offering to the most exciting versions, the S and RS models. With the RS offering a very high level of specification, exceptional performance and excellent value, it’s understood why the RS model is the preferred model in the range. For this reason, there are no plans to introduce a run-out edition of the TT. The final year of sales for this model will be 2024, with the end of production being in October this year [2023]”.
The badge was introduced to the world at the 1995 Frankfurt Motor Show in the form of the Audi TT concept. Around 3 years later, the production version of the Mk1 model (codenamed Type 8N) was unveiled, marking the start of a run that would last a quarter of a century.
In 2006, the 2nd-generation model (Type 8J) hit the market, before the current Mk3 TT (Type FV/8S) made its debut in 2014. All 3 generations of the 2-door model – which is offered in coupé and roadster guises – were available in South Africa.
Final Edition models feature a black finish for items such as the badging and rear spoiler.
The current local range comprises a trio of derivatives (the TT S coupé, TT RS coupé and TT RS roadster), with prices running from R894100 to R1 267100. As a reminder, the TT S employs a turbocharged 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine sending 228 kW and 380 Nm to all 4 wheels through a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission. The RS, meanwhile, uses Audi’s turbocharged 2.5-litre, 5-cylinder petrol mill, which delivers 294 kW and 480 Nm to all 4 corners via a 7-speed dual-clutch cog-swapper.
In 2022, 106 units of the TT were registered in South Africa, with November proving the strongest month of the year (with 14 sales). January 2023 saw a further 11 units added to the TT’s local tally.
So, what makes a Final Edition? Well, available in Europe in TT and TT S form (in the coupé and roadster body styles), the special-edition is distinguished by what Audi describes as a high standard specification along with “exclusive design touches”.
As standard, the Final Edition features the Ingolstadt-based automaker’s black styling pack, comprising a dark finish for items such as the badges, side-mirror caps, tailpipes and fixed rear spoiler. Roadster derivatives furthermore benefit from rollover bars and a wind diffuser finished in black.
Note the Alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, complete with red stitching and a red 12 o’clock marker.
On TT versions, the red brake callipers are framed by 20-inch 5-spoke Y-style matt-grey diamond-cut alloy wheels, while TT S variants ride on Audi Sport 7-spoke rotor anthracite-black alloys with a gloss turned finish. Buyers in Europe have the choice of Tango Red, Glacier White and Chronos Grey metallic paint.
Inside the Euro-spec models, you’ll find a leather finish for the door armrests, pull handles and trim on the centre console, while the model-specific Alcantara-trimmed steering wheel comes with red stitching and a red 12 o’clock marker. The seats, too, have Alcantara elements and feature red stitching, echoed by the red piping adorning the floor mats. The coupé body style furthermore gains Tango Red inserts on the seats, air vents and centre console.
In addition, the Technology Pack comes standard on TT Final Edition models in Europe, adding MMI Navigation Plus with MMI Touch and Audi Connect Infotainment Services. TT S versions also score the Comfort & Sound Pack, bringing a Bang & Olufsen sound system, advanced key, reversing camera and a full suite of parking sensors.
We’ve asked Audi South Africa if there are plans to bring any TT Final Edition models to local shores and will update this story once we hear back.
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