Audi has produced many iconic vehicles since its inception in 1909. Although it has changed hands a few times, Audi has retained much of its allure due to its storied history and proven capability to produce landmark cars both in terms of technology and aesthetics, like the Audi TT.
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In 1995, Audi revealed the first concept of the TT, which is now known to be an iconic sports car, at the Frankfurt International Motor Show. Three years later, it started appearing in dealerships, and Audi solidified its position as a design pioneer in several key ways. Helping to set a new standard with its minimalistic exteriors and interiors, the Audi TT also introduced a range of new groundbreaking features in the years that followed, like being the first car in the world to use OLED taillights and implementing electronically deployable rear spoilers.
Although the Audi TT didn’t land in the United States until 2000, it quickly became popular American sports car lovers as well. It even made a few memorable appearances in several 2000’s films, including the opening car chase of the action-packed “Mission: Impossible 2” (2000) and the second “Legally Blonde” movie, “Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde” (2003). According to Audi, TT actually stands for “Tourist Trophy”. But, what exactly does that actually mean?
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What does Tourist Trophy (TT) mean?
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To the average person, the term “TT” may not immediately ring a bell. But for fans of the mountainous Isle of Man motorcycle race, which is held annually on the island nestled between England and Ireland, it can evoke a lot of different things, like speed, natural beauty, and a little bit of danger.
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The Isle of Man Tourist Trophy (TT) race was originally designed for cars. However, in 1907, it introduced single-cylinder and twin-cylinder motorcycles into the mix. Four years later, the TT was moved to the Snaefell Mountain Course, which has since been the proving ground for daredevils for over a century.
These days, the 37.73-mile course continues to run through some pretty wild terrain and tons of close turns. As of this writing, Peter Hickman holds the fastest average speed record with a whopping 135.452 mph (or 217.989km/h). The Isle of Man TT is also known to be one of the most dangerous events in the world. According to BBC, the natural hazards and high speeds have led to over 200 fatalities in its storied history, leading to special rules like having to wear elastic armbands and sew identification so that riders can be identified.
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The future of the Audi TT
A quarter of a century after the car was first introduced, Audi launched the Audi TT Final Edition roadster in 2023. Hosting a range of special features, the final model had several unique design elements with its Palomino brown leather upholstery, carbon fiber inlays, S line exterior, and a beautiful, Goodwood Green pearl effect. For lovers of the 20th Anniversary edition of the Audi TT Roadster, the glorious gray convertible top also made a re-appearance.
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At the time, only 50 units were designated for the United States market, which made this final version a collector’s item in more ways than one. While the Audi TT has joined the list of beloved sports cars that are no longer in production, the writing was on the wall for a while. The car made our list of used Audi models to steer clear of due to its multiple recall problems, including ones that could impact control and cause fire. That said, fans of the iconic vehicle will be happy to know that it’s more of a “see you later” than a “goodbye.” The company has been working for the last few years on an electric replacement model to fill the TT’s spot in Audi’s lineup.
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