New Audi TT sketch may hint at Tokyo concept

A sketch (above) has appeared on Dutch website AudiBlog, blending design elements from the last year’s Audi quattro concept, Audi’s various e-tron electric concepts and the production Audi R8.

Audi Australia's Anna Burgdorf said the company had not released any official images of a TT concept and could not confirm if a vehicle similar to the one in the sketch above would be unveiled in Tokyo. It is unknown if the sketch has leaked from Audi or if it is simply the work of a skilled artist.

Although Tokyo sounds like an unusual place for the unveiling of a TT concept, history suggests there is certainly a precedent for the move. The 1995 Tokyo Motor Show hosted the world premiere of the Audi TTS Roadster concept, previewing the soft-top Audi TT in near-production form. At the 2005 Tokyo show, the Audi Shooting Brake concept was revealed, teasing the design of the second-generation coupe in an extended-hatch body.

Reports suggest the third-generation Audi TT could become more upmarket, adopt more powerful engines and a lighter steel/aluminium body and chassis to help it compete against the likes of the BMW Z4, Mercedes-Benz SLK and Porsche Boxster.

Production of the first-generation Audi TT began in October 1998. The second-generation TT replaced it in August 2006, making the current model more than five years old and within sight of a major overhaul.