GENEVA MOTOR SHOW: FIRST Look At The All-New Audi TT And TT S' INTERIOR

Oh-kay.

So, by now you've seen Audi's debut of the all-new TT and TT S. Clearly, it's an evolutionary change. But if you take a closer look at its interior debuting at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show (#SIAG), you'll notice that it's become a lot more Spartan in this generation's change.

Note the placement of the switches? See the heated seats and temperature controls embedded into the vents? Check out the new MMI controller with the touchpad embedded.

There's a bit to see, so start with the press release and scope out the TT and TT S' new interior below!

An excerpt from Audi's press release follows:

Interior

Clearly structured volumes with a taut surface and light, almost floating lines – the interior is the embodiment of the new Audi TT's pure sports car character. As with the exterior, horizontal lines and surfaces emphasize the width of the interior. The center tunnel console, which supports the calves when driving fast through bends, and the door panels have similar flowing shapes.

The rule was once again: "less is more." Clear, purist lines underscore both the lightness and the uncompromising sportiness of the Audi TT's interior. Two other ingenious design and technically innovative tricks enabled the designers to create an instrument panel that is impressively slender: The instrument cluster and the MMI screen have been combined to form a central, digital unit – the so-called Audi virtual cockpit. In addition, the controls for the air conditioning system are positioned directly in the air vents.

Seen from above, the instrument panel resembles the wing of an aircraft; the round air vents – a classic TT feature – are reminiscent of jet engines with their turbine-like design. The vents also contain all the controls for the standard air conditioning system and the optional automatic air conditioning system (standard in the TTS). The controls for seat heating, temperature, direction, air distribution and air flow strength are located at their center; the setting selected is shown on small displays in the automatic air conditioning system. The horizontal control panel is located under the central air vents. The 3D-designed toggle switches activate the hazard warning lights, Audi drive select and the assistance functions.

The standard sports seats in the new Audi TT have integrated head restraints and are positioned lower than in the predecessor model. Compared with the seats in the predecessor model, they are more than five kilograms (11.02 lb) lighter. As an option – and as standard in the TTS – there are newly developed S sport seats with highly contoured and pneumatically adjustable side sections that are exceptionally comfortable and provide excellent support.

The new multifunction steering wheel has a flattened rim, and aluminum-look clasps encompass the spokes. It also has a driver airbag that takes up 40 percent less space without compromising safety, and hence emphasizes the sense of visual lightness.

Countless details demonstrate the high standards which Audi places on interior design and craftsmanship. They include the newly designed, split gear lever, the very precisely engaging MMI rotary pushbutton and the finely finished loudspeaker covers with light guides in the optional Bang & Olufsen sound system.

As a 2+2 seater, the new Audi TT is a sports car that is highly suitable for everyday use. The trunk has a capacity of 305 liters (10.77 cubic ft), which is 13 liters (0.46 cubic ft) more than before, and can be extended by folding the rear seat backrests forward.

Geneva Motor Show #SIAG

cidflekken - 3/4/2014 3:51:50 AM

+1 Boost

I'm starting to like the interior, thought it looks a bit spartan. And not sure about the vent controls for the temp

youngandaspiring7 - 3/4/2014 8:09:13 AM

+1 Boost

I love it.. for the simple fact that its a depart from the interiors that you see lately.

carsnyc - 3/4/2014 11:38:08 AM

+1 Boost

Nice

GermanNut - 3/4/2014 1:39:13 PM

-2 Boost

This is an awesome, clean, minimalist and technology-focused interior. The single screen all-digital dash and the temperature and heated seat controls integrated into the vents are innovative.

If Audi takes a more revolutionary exterior approach as expected on the 2015 A4 and Q7 models (and eventually the rest of the lineup as well) and combines it with this high-tech and minimalist interior, I think the competition will be playing catch up real soon.

carsnyc - 3/4/2014 1:46:58 PM

+1 Boost

Hey, I agree with your first statement, but re the competition who are you referring to? And please don't say BMW cuz the case is exactly the other way around.

GermanNut - 3/4/2014 2:42:48 PM

-1 Boost

Mercedes-Benz and eventually BMW because this last model expansion push by Audi with its aggressive and differentiated exterior designs along with clean, modern and high-tech interiors combined with a sensible expansion of additional SUVs (Q1, Q6, Q8)and increasingly sporty driving dynamics will be the final ingredients it needs to overtake BMW.

There is absolutely no way I see BMW staying in the number one spot through 2020 given its increasingly overlapping product portfolio, higher production costs than Audi, questionable exterior designs and move away from sporty driving dynamics - once the hallmark of the Ultimate Driving Machine.

There are only so many mistakes a company can make before the market will force it to pay a price. BMW has crossed that line and its sales and profitability will suffer as a result in comparison to the competition.

MarathonBob - 3/4/2014 5:34:49 PM

+3 Boost

I love it and nearly all Audi designs. And if I could keep it for just the warranty period, I'd be happy. But having had an A6 for 2 years beyond the warranty period when pretty much anything electric broke on the car, then I'd be afraid of having this long term.