The Audi TT made an indelible mark on automotive design when it was first revealed 25 years ago, forever changing the landscape of sports car aesthetics. To honor this milestone, Audi Tradition has curated a special exhibition titled “State of the ArTT” at the Audi museum mobile in Ingolstadt, running from July 24 to September 24. The showcase highlights the unique history and groundbreaking design of the TT, offering enthusiasts and visitors a deep dive into the evolution of one of Audi’s most iconic models.
The Birth of the TT: A Design Revolution
The Audi TT’s journey began with a concept car that made waves at the 1995 IAA in Frankfurt. Unveiled to the public, it was clear from the outset that this wasn’t just another car—this was a revolution in design. The response was overwhelming, with the public demanding the production of a car that stayed as true to the concept as possible. And Audi listened.
In late 1995, Audi decided to put the TT Coupé into production. By 1998, the car rolled off the assembly lines, keeping much of the original design’s essence intact, much to the delight of fans and critics alike. Torsten Wenzel, the exterior designer behind the TT, reflects on its lasting impact, noting that “the greatest praise was when the trade press noted appreciatively that little had changed from the study to the series model.” For Wenzel, the TT is “a drivable sculpture,” with its “finest surfaces and lines,” embodying the kind of beauty that stands the test of time.
A Name with History: The Legacy of TT
One of the boldest decisions Audi made with the TT was in its naming. The “TT” moniker pays homage to the legendary Tourist Trophy (TT) races on the Isle of Man—one of the oldest and most prestigious motorsport events in the world. But there’s more to the name than just motorsports recognition. Audi’s parent company NSU had a rich motorsport history on the island, with their NSU TT motorcycles achieving great success in the 1960s. This historical link, combined with Audi’s own engineering prowess, made the TT an apt name for a car that would revolutionize the sports car segment.
Curator Stefan Felber highlights this fascinating lineage, saying, "We are also showing some special models from this part of TT history in our summer exhibition," including the 1954 NSU Rennfox—a motorcycle that played a crucial role in the early development of the TT name. The Rennfox’s victory in the TT Ulster race set the stage for later NSU motorcycles like the Quickly TT and Prinz TT, all of which paved the way for Audi’s TT sports car. This connection deepens the cultural and motorsport significance of the TT, making it a true evolution of performance and design.
The “State of the ArTT” Exhibition: Celebrating 25 Years of Innovation
Audi’s State of the ArTT exhibition is a celebration of the Audi TT’s journey through three generations of design, engineering, and motorsport achievement. Highlights of the exhibition include:
-
The 1995 Show Car: The concept that started it all, giving visitors a chance to see the car that created the blueprint for the production TT.
-
The 2005 Audi TT quattro sport: A performance-focused variant that exemplified Audi’s commitment to dynamic driving performance.
-
The 2009 Audi TTS Pikes Peak "Shelly": A race-bred TT variant that represented Audi’s motorsport ambition and capability in the famous Pikes Peak International Hill Climb.
-
The 2013 Audi TT ultra quattro concept: A lightweight version of the TT, showing Audi’s vision of a more efficient and agile TT, with an emphasis on reduced weight and increased performance.
-
The 2017 Audi TT Cup winner: A track-focused TT that competed in the Audi Sport TT Cup, showcasing how the TT has evolved into a serious competitor on the racetrack.
Through these exhibits, Audi is able to trace the history of the TT, from its conceptual debut to its status as a sports car icon. The exhibition provides visitors with a rare opportunity to see the evolution of one of the most important models in Audi's history up close.
Conclusion: A Lasting Legacy
For Audi, the TT is much more than just a car. It is a timeless design statement, a piece of automotive art that perfectly balances form and function. From its dramatic concept debut in 1995 to its status as a beloved and influential sports car, the Audi TT has made a lasting impact on the automotive world.
The “State of the ArTT” exhibition is not just a celebration of the TT’s legacy, but a testament to Audi’s innovative spirit. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of the TT or just discovering its beauty and history, this exhibition offers a rare glimpse into a model that has defined a generation of automotive design.
If you find yourself in Ingolstadt between July 24 and September 24, don’t miss the chance to see the Audi TT's journey through time at the Audi museum mobile—it’s a ride through history you won’t soon forget.
