The “hot hatch” has always been about making compromise appealing for sports car enthusiasts–by combining a spacious trunk and four usable doors with exhilarating performance, “hot hatch” owners can have their cake and eat it, too. Such is the case with the Audi TT Sportback 5-door concept, announced at the 2014 Paris Motor Show. It is certainly no exception to this rule, with its seductive styling, massive performance, and practicality to boot.
The TT Sportback uses a greatly revised version of Audi’s ubiquitous 2.0-liter TFSI turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, producing a healthy 394 horsepower and 332 lb.-ft. of torque. Power is delivered to all four wheels through a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. Audi predicts that the TT Sportback will make the 0-60 mph sprint in 3.9 seconds, while getting up to 40 mpg highway.
The TT Sportback’s styling borrows from many other VW/Audi products–the taillights are very Audi A3-esque, while the front dimension is not unlike the Lamborghini Huracan’s. Audi claims that they drew inspiration for this concept from the current A5 and A7 Sportbacks. The concept wears massive 21-inch wheels that cover 18-inch brake discs, though Audi will probably use a smaller set of wheels if the car makes it to production. On the suspension front, the TT Sportback uses MacPherson struts in the front and a four-link unit in the rear, both developments which should help to disguise the five-door’s 11.4-inch length advantage, 2.3-inch width advantage, and 5-inch wheelbase advantage over the two-door TT.
On the interior, the TT Sportback gains two rather small rear seats along with a center console that extends to the rear. Alcantara and leather grace all interior surfaces, while handcrafted stitching and aluminum accents complete the premium feel. In addition, instead of a traditional instrument cluster, the TT Sportback receives a 12.3-inch TFT display with customizability, displaying critical vehicle and performance information.
It’s unclear whether Audi plans to add the TT Sportback to the TT family, but the company would certainly have buyers for this practical, fun sports car. Stay tuned on TFLcar.com for more developments about the TT Sportback.
Please enjoy this TFLcar.com first drive video review of the 2015 Audi S3.
Frank caught automotive fever early in life. Hailing from a long line of car fanatics, he was able to recite the year and model of every car that passed him by age five. His passion and love for the automobile have only grown since then. When not thinking about cars, he is reading, writing, learning, or dreaming about them. His area of expertise is in the realm of German and Italian cars, of which Porsche is a favorite. Frank currently resides in the heart of NASCAR country in Charlotte, North Carolina, with his family. He enjoys driving exotic cars in the beautiful Carolina weather.
