What's the news?
Audi has previewed the flashy new interior of the impending third generation TT in one of its current production models, but, interestingly, rather than doing so at a bona fide motor show, the Ingolstadt firm revealed its 'virtual cockpit' at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), currently running in Las Vegas.
Interior
Audi interiors have been at the top of the pile for some time now, although some recent reviews of the existing range's cabins have included murmurings of 'seen it all before'. Therefore, Audi is stepping it on again with this futuristic little number.
The main thrust of the design revolution is a fully digital instrument cluster in a huge 12.3-inch TFT display behind the new, multifunction steering wheel. This has allowed the Audi team to do away with the central Multi Media Interface (MMI) monitor, although the MMI control system - and its attendant rotary dial behind the gear lever - remains. However, even that has been 'exhaustively redeveloped'. Audi says scroll and zoom functions on lists and maps are handled by this secondary control unit, while accessing other options has been simplified. And the four-button surround set-up Audi MMI units currently have will be replaced by two buttons in the near future.
The rest of the dash is 'puristic, sporty and driver-focused', apparently. That TFT monitor has allowed the central architecture to be slimmed down, visually conveying Audi's lightweight construction ethos. You can switch between two display modes - 'classic' view shows a speedo and rev counter, but in 'infotainment' mode those dials go small to allow other screens to take centre stage, such as the navigation map. All of this is rendered in the latest 3D graphics, too.
Audi is keen to tell us that, from above, the instrument panel resembles an airplane wing, while the round air nozzles are 'reminiscent of jet engines'. All very noble, as is integrating controls of other systems into relevant locations to keep things button-free. For example, the central vents house the air-conditioning controls, such as airflow, direction and temperature, as well as the seat heating settings. Small digital displays indicate the chosen set-up, which is neat.
Anything else?
If you're thinking the TT has always been more of a fashion accessory than a driver's car, and that all this infotainment overload only reinforces your view, think again. Audi has focused the whole operating system around the driver to ensure the tech doesn't detract from the driving experience, while elsewhere there are things to make controlling the TT enjoyable. Like the S sport seats, with curved side bolsters, integrated headrests and the promise of a low, sports car seating position. The central console has been designed to support the driver's lower leg when driving fast through a bend, although 'mutually reinforcing contours' in the door panels sounds a bit more frivolous to us.
Apparently the all-new Audi TT will be revealed in full at some stage in 2014.