tft display audi tt brands

Ingolstadt/Las Vegas, January 7, 2014 – Puristc, sporty and fully focused on the driver – for the new TT, Audi is significantly advancing its interior design. At the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas held from January 6 through 10, 2014 the brand with the four rings will, for the first time, be presenting the compact sports car"s new interior, which will be launched on the market in the course of the year.

As Prof. Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, Member of the Board of Management of AUDI AG for Technical Development says, "The first Audi TT was the design icon per se, the second generation was even sportier, right through to the TT RS plus with its five-cylinder TFSI and 360 hp. And with the new Audi TT, the driver will be able to experience the technology to an even greater extent – just as would be expected from a genuine sports car. And it comes with a new generation of electronics and connectivity features."

For this reason, the Audi virtual cockpit is the focus of attention for the first time in one of the brand"s production models. The fully digital instrument cluster displays all the information directly in front of the driver, meaning that there is no need for a central MMI monitor. This solution gave the designers the freedom to slim down the instrument panel architecture such that it visually conveys the Audi lightweight construction principle.

With its clear lines and innovative operation, the interior of the next TT generation has been redesigned from the ground up. From above, the instrument panel resembles an airplane wing; set low and with a turbine look about them, the round air nozzles, a classic TT feature, are reminiscent of jet engines. The controls for the air conditioning are also housed in the vents – the adjustment functions for seat heating, and for the temperature, direction and strength of the flow of air are located in their axes, with small displays indicating the chosen setting. Located beneath the central air nozzles, the switches for the hazard warning light and the secondary functions are centrally positioned and easily accessible.

With its brilliant graphics with a 3D impression and highly-detailed effects, the Audi virtual cockpit with its 12.3-inch TFT monitor sets new standards. Drivers can switch between two display modes. In the classic view, the speedometer and rev counter are in the foreground, while in "infotainment" mode, the virtual instruments are smaller. The space that is then created offers ample display space for functions such as the navigation map.

All elements of the new Audi TT operating concept are focused on the driver. The compact sports car"s new multifunction steering wheel features a flat-bottomed rim, with aluminum-look clips framing its spokes. The buttons and controls on the spokes allow you to control almost all functions, including the ultra-modern infotainment system. The menu is structured to reflect that of a smartphone and includes a full-text search function (MMI search). All the main functions are just a few clicks away – the entire operation superbly conveys a new kind of "joy of use". The MMI terminal on the center tunnel console, the second control unit alongside the steering wheel, has also been exhaustively redeveloped. Thanks to the MMI touch, the driver can scroll and zoom in lists and on maps. And accessing other options has been simplified; in future this will be possible using just two rather than four buttons in the area surrounding the rotary pushbutton.

The innovations in the Audi TT interior include the S sport seats with their significantly curved side bolsters, the integrated headrests and the low seating position typical of a sports car. The slender character of the seats is emphasized by bezels on the flanks of the backrest and a cover on the back; the backrest is adjusted using a loop. The side bolsters of the S sport seats can be adjusted pneumatically.

With its clear, sharp lines, the interior as a whole perfectly expresses the new Audi TT"s sporty nature. The center tunnel console, that supports the lower leg when driving fast through a bend, and the door panels boast flowing mutually-reinforcing contours. All the details highlight Audi"s attention to quality – from the design of the gear knob and the precise functioning of the rotary pushbutton to the Audi virtual cockpit.

Audi’s new digital gauge cluster will be available in at least four models next year as the brand continues updating its feature-dense MMI infotainment system. The 12.3-inch TFT LCD replaces all physical gauges and deletes the pop-out LCD display on the center stack. The customizable screen will be standard on the 2016 TT and the next-gen R8, with a special performance display specifically for the R8. Audi also told us the next-gen A4 and Q7, which last month were delayed until next year, would offer the mega screen as an option. The refreshed-for-2015 A8 and soon-to-be-updated A6, for the time being, must settle with real needles and numbers.

While similar to reconfigurable clusters in the Cadillac CTS and Mercedes-Benz S-class, Audi’s is able to show full-screen 3D maps, at which time the tachometer and speedometer become very small circles tucked in the corners of the screen. The driver can also scroll through bigger song lists and browse phone contacts with enlarged photos.

Audi is still tweaking the software during the next few weeks before the new TT starts production and arrives at European dealers later this year. While the screen’s extra cost won’t matter to R8 customers, Audi is mulling whether to offer it as a standalone option or with a package for A4 and Q7 buyers. In those two models, Audi will retain the standard MMI screen in the center stack as opposed to the minimalist, driver-centric layout for its sports cars.

The new TT operating concept has been redeveloped from the bottom up – and in keeping with its thoroughbred sports car character, all elements are focused on the driver. The Coupé features two major brand innovations – the new MMI operating system and the Audi virtual cockpit – a digital instrument cluster.

Razor sharp, bright and high-contrast – the Audi virtual cockpit sets new standards for the automotive industry. Its 12.3-inch diagonal TFT display offers a high resolution of 1440 x 540 pixels. Working away in the background is a Tegra chip 30 from the Tegra 3-series provided by Audi"s partner NVIDIA. Audi is the first automotive manufacturer in the world to use the fast graphics processor. With a clock frequency of over 1 GHz, the quad-core chip, which works with a special 3D-graphics program, is capable of executing eight billion operations per second.

Lavish details complete the state-of-the-art look and set the displays in motion. The rev counter is calculated at around 60 frames per second, so that the virtual needle moves easily and with extreme precision – a new record for the car. The Fresnel effects – which are different display glass reflections depending on the viewing angle – are realistically recreated. Scrolling processes, such as lists, are based on a physical model that takes into account factors such as inertia, elasticity and damping.

The driver can switch between two user interfaces using the "View" button on the multifunction steering wheel. In Infotainment mode, the display is dominated by a central window and offers a large area for the navigation map or the telephone, radio and audio menus. The tachometer and speedometer, the latter including a digital display, are displayed on the left and right as small round instruments.

The classic view is when the central window is smaller and the instruments – with black scales, red pointers and white numbers – are around as big as today"s analog displays. The Audi TTS features a third, sporty mode in which the display is dominated by a central rev counter. The scales are displayed in Anthracite Gray and the numbers and needles are white – typical of the S design.

When displaying information, the Audi virtual cockpit is both flexible and versatile and displays navigation arrows, dynamic vehicle animations, images from the reversing camera or assistance systems graphics. The display changes color depending on the base menu being used: The media menu is usually orange and the phone menu is green. On its lower edge there are fixed displays showing ambient temperature, time and odometer readings, as well as warning and information symbols. LEDs provide information on the coolant temperature and fuel level.

As with all components featured in the new TT, it goes without saying that the Audi virtual cockpit sets the benchmark extremely high in terms of quality. The hardware components were scrutinized during all stages of development and production, while keeping pace with the software development, step by step.

The standards applied during the hardware development process were also as stringent. In the new TT, the Audi virtual cockpit components were put through their paces in quality testing and validation states to cope with stresses that consumer electronic appliances rarely come across – particularly extreme temperatures and high mechanical strains.

For instance, to test the shock resistance the fully installed instrument cluster is shaken and vibrated in three axes. This is where the high-strength and also lightweight, fiber-reinforced supporting structure really plays to its strengths – it provides the foundation for the high level of robustness and durability enjoyed by the Audi virtual cockpit.

Audi has also realized an intelligent management system to ensure that the large display and integrated graphics chip from NVIDIA have a long service life. Active air circulation supplies the display and relevant electronic components with cooling interior air as and when required – and virtually silently as well.

A few months before series production began, the new TT was tested under real customer conditions over thousands of kilometers in final quality tests. The increasing number of software functions and a fully functioning display in the new Audi virtual cockpit at all times and under all conditions are gaining in importance.

Every single display must pass an extensive testing process when it reaches the end of the production line. Part of this process includes testing the optical parameter by a high-resolution camera system, which checks the brightness, contrast and homogeneity and adjusts the colors. This tests also ensure that the display is screwed in flat – after all, even minor warping can compromise the picture quality. This is why an additional sensor continuously monitors the display"s functionality.

Every bit as groundbreaking as the Audi virtual cockpit is the MMI system – the terminal on the center tunnel console and its menu structure have been completely redesigned. The result is a flat hierarchy operation that optimally meets driver needs. The logic resembles that of smartphones and tablets and replaces the static, menu trees including lots of branches with intuitive, easy-to-use logic. One example is that frequently used functions can be accessed with just a few clicks.

The flip buttons for the main base menus – navigation/map, phone, radio and media – are located above the control knob. The general menu button and back button are centrally located under the touch wheel. In each case there is only one button on the left and right-hand sides.

The left-hand button opens the redesigned function menus, which are linked to of the base menus. For instance, the radio menu features band selection and the map menu provides traffic information. Like the right mouse button on a PC, the right-hand button opens context-related options and settings. The driver can use the navigation menu to be guided to a particular destination, to display parking in the vicinity of the destination or to save the destination in the Favorites list. The driver can also open function and context menus by using the rotary pushbutton like a joystick and pushing it to the left or right.

One special feature of the new system is the MMI search function, which is available for all base menus and allows free text input like a search engine. The function usually answers questions after a few letters have been entered and takes the location of the car into account. To search for a restaurant, the driver only needs to enter the name of the restaurant and the first letters of the city – the results will then appear in a list covering the whole of Europe and including addresses. Searching for songs, albums and radio stations follows a similar route.

The voice control system has been further developed and now recognizes many phrases from everyday speech. The concentrated computing power of the Audi modular Infotainment System forms the basis for the new MMI. Now in its second generation – it debuted in the new TT – it uses a super-fast Tegra 30 processor from Nvidia.

A multifunction steering wheel is available as an alternative control option to the MMI, and offers buttons and rollers that can perform a host of operating steps. Without having to look away from the road, the driver can use the steering wheel to perform the same operations as on the MMI terminal, except for the touch gestures.

The workmanshipNumerous interior details demonstrate the high standards set by Audi for the function and quality of all controls. The appeal of the Audi virtual cockpit and MMI terminal lies in their high-precision functions. The round air vents with narrow chrome rings, finely fluted rotating wheels and a new, perforated gear stick deserve special mention. In the Audi TTS, the surface of the instrument panel has a new grain – a strictly geometric pyramid pattern created with an innovative laser process.

Another highlight are the speaker covers in the optional Bang & Olufsen sound system, which have fine grooves instead of the usual holes. A strip of anodized aluminum bearing the logo of the Danish hi-fi specialists engraved in laser runs along the top of the bass speakers fitted in the doors. Between this and the speaker grille is a narrow light guide emitting white LED light. The optional LED interior lighting package accentuates specific highlights around the doors and center tunnel.

All variants of the new TT Coupé roll off the production line complete with a generous standard equipment package. But Audi also offers a range of special equipment in addition to standard features. These include the convenience key, the Start Assist system, the high-beam assistant (for the Xenon plus and LED headlights), the LED interior lighting package, front seat heating and also the storage and luggage compartment package.

The Audi connect system is the ideal complement to MMI navigation plus. It connects the new TT to the Internet using the fast LTE transmission standard.

The integrated Wi-Fi hotspot allows passengers to surf the Internet and email as they wish. The driver can use the Audi connect customized services, from navigation functions using Google Earth images to Google Street View for parking information. Attractive modules complete the range: The Audi phone box offers convenient docking for your cell phone, and the Bang & Olufsen sound system controls 12 speakers via a 14-channel amplifier.

Powerful assistance systems make driving the new TT even more enjoyable. Available options include: Audi side assist with rear radar measurement that makes changing lanes safer; camera-based traffic sign recognition; Audi active lane assist, which offers optional support for the driver with continuous steering correction or warns of unintentional lane changes and park assist with ambient display, which automatically steers the car into suitable spaces.

This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks. The action you just performed triggered the security solution. There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase, a SQL command or malformed data.

Audi has dropped photos of a cutaway of theupcoming third-generation TT’sinterior that will be on display at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas held from January 6 through 10, 2014.

No doubt, the first thing that captures your eyes on the new dashboard is the fully-digital instrument cluster sporting a huge 12.3-inch TFT screen that also replaces central MMI monitor.

According to the Germans, drivers can switch between two display modes, include a “classic” view in which the speedometer and rev counter are in the foreground, and an “infotainment” mode where the virtual instruments are smaller. Audi says that there’s ample display space in the screen for functions such as the 3D navigation map.

It remains to be seen whether drivers will appreciate and get accustomed to the digital layout without being distracted from such a radically different display housed right in front of their eyes.

The overall design and feel of the dashboard isn’t all-too different from the current TT, but it does look sleeker and sharper. The changes are mostly in the details as Audi focused on applying new generation of electronics and connectivity features, as well as minimizing clutter.

For example, the controls for the air conditioning are housed in the vents themselves, while the adjustment functions for seat heating, and for the temperature, direction and strength of the flow of air, are located in their axes, with small displays indicating the settings.

Audi says it has also made changes to the MMI control on the center console and the second control unit alongside the steering wheel to simplify the process of accessing options. The company added that in the near future, drivers will be able to use “just two rather than four buttons in the area surrounding the rotary pushbutton”.

We don’t get any photos of the exterior of the car, butrecent spy shotshave outlined the evolutionary changes to the body that sits atop VW’s new and lighter MQB modular platform shared with many other models, including the Golf and A3. Thenew TT will be introduced later in 2014.

SHOW FLOOR UPDATE: "Getting used to the revised two-button MMI system took no time at all. The digital display set behind the flat-bottom wheel is crystal clear and responsive, and its menus are intuitive and informative as well. The stylized air vents looks cool and the integrated climate controls seem very convenient. I can"t wait to play with all this tech when it finally gets released." -- Nate Martinez

With the next-generation Audi TT slated to arrive sometime this year, the automaker decided to show off the sports car"s new interior at the 2014 CES show in Las Vegas. The new TT may be small, but it will come packing an impressive amount of tech.

For starters, the instrument panel will be fully digitized with a 12.3-inch TFT monitor with two configurable display modes. The classic mode prominently displays the speedometer and tachometer, while an "infotainment" mode brings navigation and audio information to the foreground. Audi says the display will feature "brilliant graphics with a 3D impression and highly-detailed effects."

Next up are the jet turbine-style air vents. Most notable are the three vents located above the center stack. Each vent features a center-mounted display and control knob that adjusts the heated seats and climate control system. Below, a row of buttons control items like the stop-start system and parking-assist sensors. The new TT also gets an updated MMI system that we first saw in In addition to the simplified toggle buttons for navigation, phone, audio, and system settings, the new MMI system gets a fancy rotary knob with an integrated touchpad that will allow users to make handwritten inputs for a number of functions.

Overall, the cockpit is sporty, simple, and focused on the driver. Metallic accents are used on the flat-bottom steering wheel and the center console, while the baseball glove-like leather seats add a nice pop of color. Expect more details on the upcoming TT to arrive in the coming months.

Audi revealed the eagerly anticipated third generation TT in Geneva, but while it attracted a lot of attention, it was easily one of the more disappointing new designs on show.

Let’s start with the good stuff first. From the cabin the new TT is one of the more progressive concepts of recent times: a driver-centric TFT screen, beautifully clean IP and vents that incorporate all of the climate controls. Though it doesn’t quite have the detailing appeal of the original, it’s incredibly serene…

The first generation TT became a design icon almost instantly when it was launched in 1998, the second generation moved the game on by making it a bit harder and edgier, but the third stab at a redesign was always going to be an issue of contention.

By now, the TT’s got a lot of baggage. People have preconceived notions about what it should and shouldn’t be. That goes a long way towards explaining what went on with the design (and resultant shortcomings) of this new third generation product.

The new car carries forward fundamentals that defined last century’s model — perhaps following the successful blueprint a bit too closely. The fact is that Audi had a chance to really deliver a forward looking new car and chose to go the safe route, incorporating elements that would make it recognizable without alienating prospective buyers.

There’s a lot to be said for that. After all, many buyers have been attracted to the design of the previous models. Why throw the baby out with the bath water?

We caught up with design bosses from BMW, Citroen, Ford, General Motors and Volkswagen catching a closer on the stand in Geneva. Unfortunately none had anything positive to say about the new TT’s exterior design. In fact, it looked so much like a refresh of the second-generation design that most couldn’t believe every body panel and glass element was actually all-new.

What happened to evolving the brand and turning the TT into a true sports car worthy of the race-inspired moniker? Wasn’t that always the TT’s agenda? Isn’t that why the car was shortened and slimmed?

With an important identity like the TT at stake, it’s possible to have too many cooks in the kitchen. But the board members – sitting high on the totem pole ahead of the designers and the engineers — were simply far too reserved to push the aesthetic of this new car forward. Given the availability of MQB platform that’s remarkably short-sighted.

Don’t get me wrong; Audis are great products. They simply ooze quality; their interiors are ergonomically superior to many others; material selection and fit and finish are impeccable; and they provide (for the most part) a rewarding driving experience. In short, they’re some of the best vehicles in the business.

Why then — in this day where design is so paramount in informing the purchasing decision — has there been an overwhelmingly strong urge to ‘design by committee’?

Barely changed from the concept car that took the world by storm in 1995, the production TT was something that hadn’t been seen in a main street showroom since the 1960s – a work of art.

The original was a car to be seen, rather than driven, but the second generation took a step toward the territory of “driver’s car.” And the final hurrah of the second-gen TT – the TT RS – took a big step toward driving dynamism.

To prove that point, Audi invited Digital Trends to its headquarters in Ingolstadt, Germany to explain just how it made this transformation, and what goes into building one of the most scintillating new cars in the last five years.

Audi gathered together every example of the TT, from concept to newest generation, along with the man responsible for a lot of the design: Jürgen Löffler. With his dark suit and square-rimmed glasses, Löffler looks exactly how you would picture a German designer.

When the Audi TT came onto the scene in 1998, it was a revelation.Sitting down at a desk, he drew out a near perfect design sketch of the new TT in less than a minute. While performing this amazing feat, Löffler explained the transformation from the bubbly original to the taught, focused TT that was springing to life on his page.

To my surprised, Löffler admitted the new TT was designed to look like Usain Bolt. And before you accuse me of being crazy, take a moment to look at the lines. They run taut and continuous like the sinew and muscle of a sprinter, all the way from the grille in the front to the rear spoiler. And with the hunkered-down posture of a pouncing cat, the new TT is far more aggressive than the previous cars.

There are touches of the sinister, too. The Audi rings, for example, are moved from the grille to the hood – just like an R8 – and the headlights look like the staring eyes of a predator.

These elements combined with the taut lines make this TT something decidedly more masculine and bellicose, at least by the subtle standards of German design, than the previous cars.

And those exquisite bodylines? They are all crafted from high-strength, practically aviation-quality aluminum, which make this the lightest TT ever – by more than 120 pounds.

While the reach from Usain Bolt to Audi TT is a big one, the jet fighter inspiration is plain to see in the interior. The wrap-around dash is shaped to look like the leading edge of an aircraft’s wing. And the exhaust nozzles look like the afterburners off an F14, albeit with HVAC controls cleverly built in. This is paired with a relatively simple center console that cocoons the driver – or should I say pilot – to create something a bit special.

The wrap-around dash is shaped to look like the leading edge of an aircraft’s wing.But the heart of the Audi’s new cockpit is the massive MMI screen right where you would expect to see an instrument cluster. Unlike so many other automakers that have shoehorned a small LCD screen in the middle of an instrument cluster, Audi has gone with a foot-wide TFT display that covers absolutely everything from your instrument gauges to your navigation map.

Audi designed the position of both the screen and the seats to ensure the display is visible to the passenger. For those who fear controlling the driver-centered screen from the center console would be an uncomfortable left-handed task for the passenger, it’s no different than if the screen were in the middle.

What’s more, Audi’s head tech engineer admitted to me that internal testing proved centering the infotainment screen in front of the driver is no less or more safe than the “standard” center-mounted system. Which, to me, is neither a positive nor a negative for Audi.

This means the new TT runs two completely isolated chipsets for the different aspects of the system, including a high-end Nvidia graphics processor. The two chips run synchronized down to nearly the microsecond. To ensure the equipment would hold up to the test of time, Audi engineers put it on the rack.

On our visit, Audi showed off its electronics test lab for the first time. Simply put, it’s the place where the electronic components of cars are tortured. It’s bizarre to see the parts of a car all wired to boards and being run through tests. That, however, is just what happens from the moment the car goes through preproduction until production stops.

The real answer is that we won’t know until the car is ready to be driven, which despite my imprecations, Audi insists it isn’t. What we do know is all very encouraging, though.

The car retains the beauty of the original, but now it actually looks like a car that you want to drive rather than just be seen in. Combine together the TT’s lightness and the fact that it boasts the same platform and insane TFSI engine as the S3, and it has the makings of a true sports car. And I should know; I got to drive the S3 while I was Ingolstadt, and my heart practically races to imagine that car with two seats and 500 fewer pounds to carry around.

Barely changed from the concept car that took the world by storm in 1995, the production TT was something that hadn’t been seen in a main street showroom since the 1960s – a work of art.

The original was a car to be seen, rather than driven, but the second generation took a step toward the territory of “driver’s car.” And the final hurrah of the second-gen TT – the TT RS – took a big step toward driving dynamism.

To prove that point, Audi invited Digital Trends to its headquarters in Ingolstadt, Germany to explain just how it made this transformation, and what goes into building one of the most scintillating new cars in the last five years.

Audi gathered together every example of the TT, from concept to newest generation, along with the man responsible for a lot of the design: Jürgen Löffler. With his dark suit and square-rimmed glasses, Löffler looks exactly how you would picture a German designer.

When the Audi TT came onto the scene in 1998, it was a revelation.Sitting down at a desk, he drew out a near perfect design sketch of the new TT in less than a minute. While performing this amazing feat, Löffler explained the transformation from the bubbly original to the taught, focused TT that was springing to life on his page.

To my surprised, Löffler admitted the new TT was designed to look like Usain Bolt. And before you accuse me of being crazy, take a moment to look at the lines. They run taut and continuous like the sinew and muscle of a sprinter, all the way from the grille in the front to the rear spoiler. And with the hunkered-down posture of a pouncing cat, the new TT is far more aggressive than the previous cars.

There are touches of the sinister, too. The Audi rings, for example, are moved from the grille to the hood – just like an R8 – and the headlights look like the staring eyes of a predator.

These elements combined with the taut lines make this TT something decidedly more masculine and bellicose, at least by the subtle standards of German design, than the previous cars.

And those exquisite bodylines? They are all crafted from high-strength, practically aviation-quality aluminum, which make this the lightest TT ever – by more than 120 pounds.

While the reach from Usain Bolt to Audi TT is a big one, the jet fighter inspiration is plain to see in the interior. The wrap-around dash is shaped to look like the leading edge of an aircraft’s wing. And the exhaust nozzles look like the afterburners off an F14, albeit with HVAC controls cleverly built in. This is paired with a relatively simple center console that cocoons the driver – or should I say pilot – to create something a bit special.

The wrap-around dash is shaped to look like the leading edge of an aircraft’s wing.But the heart of the Audi’s new cockpit is the massive MMI screen right where you would expect to see an instrument cluster. Unlike so many other automakers that have shoehorned a small LCD screen in the middle of an instrument cluster, Audi has gone with a foot-wide TFT display that covers absolutely everything from your instrument gauges to your navigation map.

Audi designed the position of both the screen and the seats to ensure the display is visible to the passenger. For those who fear controlling the driver-centered screen from the center console would be an uncomfortable left-handed task for the passenger, it’s no different than if the screen were in the middle.

What’s more, Audi’s head tech engineer admitted to me that internal testing proved centering the infotainment screen in front of the driver is no less or more safe than the “standard” center-mounted system. Which, to me, is neither a positive nor a negative for Audi.

This means the new TT runs two completely isolated chipsets for the different aspects of the system, including a high-end Nvidia graphics processor. The two chips run synchronized down to nearly the microsecond. To ensure the equipment would hold up to the test of time, Audi engineers put it on the rack.

On our visit, Audi showed off its electronics test lab for the first time. Simply put, it’s the place where the electronic components of cars are tortured. It’s bizarre to see the parts of a car all wired to boards and being run through tests. That, however, is just what happens from the moment the car goes through preproduction until production stops.

The real answer is that we won’t know until the car is ready to be driven, which despite my imprecations, Audi insists it isn’t. What we do know is all very encouraging, though.

The car retains the beauty of the original, but now it actually looks like a car that you want to drive rather than just be seen in. Combine together the TT’s lightness and the fact that it boasts the same platform and insane TFSI engine as the S3, and it has the makings of a true sports car. And I should know; I got to drive the S3 while I was Ingolstadt, and my heart practically races to imagine that car with two seats and 500 fewer pounds to carry around.

Explained as "puristic, sporty and fully focused on the driver", the cabin features an instrument cluster and infotainment screen on one display unit behind the steering wheel. Its a 12.3-inch TFT display that has "classic" and "infotainment" view eliminating the need for a second infotainment screen.

In typical Audi fashion, a multi-function flat-bottomed steering wheel takes its place on the dashboard, while air vents are shaped like jet turbines and come with individual temperature settings adjustable through dials set on the vents. The dashboard resembles an airplane wing when viewed from above, and the sport seats have pneumatically adjustable side bolsters and integrated headrests.

Prof. Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, Member of the Board of Management of AUDI AG for Technical Development says that the 2015 TT drivers will be able to experience technology with a new generation of electronics and connectivity features.

You may think of Audi as a car company – and it is – but these days, cars are as much about bits and bytes as they are about camshafts and cylinders. And while Audi has always been at the forefront of in-car technology, its latest efforts in electronics have placed it head-and-shoulders above the rest of the industry. Audi press conferences are now highlights at the Consumer Electronics Show – a show where the brand recently presented its virtual cockpit technology.

Virtual cockpit is the fully digital instrument cluster of the future. Its contemporary TFT display has a 12.3 inch diagonal measurement, with a super-high resolution of 1,440 x 540 pixels. All screen contents are razor sharp, brilliant, and rich in contrast. High-end animation and lighting effects round out its state-of-the-art look.

A fast graphics processor is at work in the background. Audi is the first carmaker in the world to use the Tegra 30 chip by Nvidia, a company with whom Audi has partnered for many years now. For the tachometer, the processor generates 60 frames per second, so that the needle shows the engine speed with absolute precision.

The driver can toggle between two user interfaces (modes) by pressing the “View” button on the multifunction steering wheel. In Infotainment mode, a central window dominates the view – it offers a big stage for the navigation map or for lists in the Phone, Radio and Audio areas. In this mode, the tachometer and speedometer, the latter with a digital display, appear as small round instruments on the left and right sides. In the Classic view, the middle window is smaller, and the instruments – with black scales, red needles and white numerals – are about as large as today’s instruments.

In the Audi virtual cockpit, the user can have any of the available information displayed – such as the navigation arrow, dynamic vehicle animations and images from the rear camera as well as graphics from the assistance systems. The display changes its context-related colour scheme according to the main menu selected. In the Media menu, for example, the colour is orange as it usually is with MMI, while the screen is tinted green for the Phone menu. Indicators with fixed positions are displayed along the lower border; they show the outside temperature, clock time and odometer readings as well as warning and information symbols. LEDs indicate the engine coolant temperature and fuel level.

We"re told this new Audi TT will "reinterpret the ideas" of the first TT, a car that was a real milestone in Audi design. Hell, of car design as a whole.

What are we looking at then? The front of the car is said to have ‘dominant horizontals" that give it a powerful stance, while the four rings logo now sits on the bonnet - just like the R8 supercar - where a pair of contours also form a sort of V-pattern.

The wheel arches are wider, too, there"s a kink in the C-pillar, and horizontal lines at the back continue the wide, sporty stance. Audi will fit two large, round exhaust pipes in the diffuser on all TTs, but the TTS will get four pipes.

As we showed you before, the interior looks superb, all floating lines and aircraft inspiration, with that central digital display offering up 3D graphics on a TFT monitor. The classic TT air nozzles seen on the first-gen car now resemble jet engines, with the air-con, seat heating, temperature, direction and airflow strength controls all located in the vents and axes.

The TT"s underpinnings are all brand new, too, in the shape of the VW Group"s MQB architecture. If the other applications of this flexible platform are anything to go by, it should be a decent drive. Expect variants of that 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine and of course, the lovely 2.5-litre five-pot turbo in the RS to follow.

You’ve no doubt heard a bit about the Audi virtual cockpit – a 12.3-inch TFT LCD behind the steering wheel that debuted on the third-gen Audi TT, and which negates the need for a central display, as well as mechanical analogue instruments.

The driver can toggle between two viewing modes by pressing the View button on the steering wheel – in Infotainment mode, the rev counter and speedo retreat to the sides, letting a main window that displays navigation, phone and audio data take centre stage.

Complementing the virtual cockpit is a new, much-simplified Multi-Media Interface (MMI) central control terminal. This comprises a big rotary controller with a touch-sensitive face for handwriting input, a button on either side, plus two toggles that activate navigation, telephone, radio and media menus.

But enough of us talking – watch the above videos to see for yourself how the thing works. Our RM285k Audi TT 2.0 TFSI Coupe has the virtual cockpit as standard, by the way.

I’ve made it no secret that I pour the proverbial Kool-Aid for Audi performance vehicles. The reality is; recent Audis have captured exactly what it is about automobiles that ignited my passion as an enthusiast in the first place. Elegant lines that undoubtedly age well, wonderful engineering, and the latest in simplistic technology – all of these factors comprise the recipe for what I consider to be the ideal vehicle. As of late though, the MMI infotainment used in most Audi products has begun to look dated, and a heavy refresh was required. I was one of the first Canadians to get a home soil test of a 2016 Audi TT-S, complete with the brand’s first application of the Virtual Cockpit technology.

The TT has always been in an awkward place in the market. Largely regarded as a “girl car” or a “rich man’s Beetle”, I’ve maintained that the sleek little coupé possesses many good qualities. The 2016 model marks the debut of the third generation for the TT, and it continues to be based on the Golf platform. Since the Golf was redesigned for 2015, this all-new chassis (codenamed “MQB”) also carries forth here. The TT’s platform sharing within the Audi family means it’s a sibling to the A3 and S3. MQB is one of my favourite new chassis’ out there, it provides tons of versatility and is easily adaptable to focused, sporty applications like this TT-S.

What differentiates the TT-S from the standard fare TT lies under the hood. The S still maintains the EA888 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder as the regular model, but it has been beefed up significantly and given a lot more boost. The result is the same powertrain that powers the Audi S3 and the Volkswagen Golf R. Output is 292 horsepower at 6,200RPM, and 280 lb-ft of torque, peaking at just 1,800RPM. Power is sent to all four wheels thanks to the Haldex quattro all-wheel-drive system. Despite being a front-based all-wheel-drive system, the TT-S is able to send all of the torque directly to the rear wheels through an electronically-managed clutch.

Purists will be sad to hear that the six-speed manual offered on European-spec TTs is not available in North America, but it’s not all bad. The only available transmission is the six-speed S-tronic dual-clutch unit. This is the same unit that Volkswagen calls DSG and implements in the Golf R, and it’s a truly wonderful one. Shifts can be done manually if you so desire, either via paddles on the steering wheel or on the shifter itself. Even if left in “S” to do its own thing, S-tronic is almost telepathic and knows exactly what to do and when to do it. On spirited shifts, there’s a great burble from the exhaust confirming your move, and the downshift blipping is equally satisfying.

Okay, so the numbers are good, but how does it actually drive? The TT-S is one of the most satisfying compromises I’ve driven in a long while. I say compromise because it’s not exactly a focused sports car, but it has all of the qualities of a sporty daily driver without many of the drawbacks of, say, a Subaru WRX STi or a Scion FR-S. There’s virtually no understeer and the TT-S turns into corners very quickly. The steering is electric, but the response is incredible and the excellent ergonomics make it even easier to toss around twisty roads. Even with stability assists turned off, the car is just very confidence inspiring.

Audi’s Drive Select is capable of adapting the suspension damping, steering weight, engine, transmission, and even engine sound, in an attempt to tailor the driving experience perfectly for the user. The “Individual” setting allows each of these variables to be selected between “Auto”, “Comfort”, and “Dynamic”. Obviously, the most spirited and focused preset is “Dynamic”, which I enjoyed very much. Damping is very good, but I found the ride of the TT-S to be a little bit too harsh, even in the “Comfort” setting. Driving through Toronto’s pothole-ridden streets with the suspension in “Dynamic” mode is next to impossible.

Simplicity is the name of the game inside the TT-S, and this theme is going to continue into all of Audi’s upcoming models, starting with the forthcoming Q7 and A4. Minimalism is emphasized by putting all of the major controls within the Virtual Cockpit; more on that a little bit later. The climate control system is adjusted via three convenient knobs, located on the center of the vents themselves. The outward-most vents hold the heated seat controls, and the vents on the center stack house the climate adjustment. The only actual buttons other than MMI controls are for Audi Drive Select, the hazards, stability control, and manual control of the rear spoiler.

Interior accommodations within the TT are exactly what I expected from a small sports coupé. Ergonomics are at a near-perfect level, and everything is accessible within the driver’s reach. The seats are fantastic, and our car was equipped with the Pneumatic Bolsters which are adjustable as well. Getting in and out of the car was no problem, and the frameless windows are a nice touch. The TT’s small dimensions make parking and quick U-turns a breeze. This is a very livable car, year round, in almost any type of climate – full kudos to Audi.

Virtual Cockpit is the future of Audi’s infotainment. It’s actually simpler than it seems – this system integrates multimedia, navigation, on-board information, and telematics into the instrument cluster. The display itself is a 12.3” TFT display, capable of full customization and compatible with future updates. There are a series of different views to Virtual Cockpit, which are toggled by buttons on the steering wheel. Those familiar with MMI will find the learning curve much easier than others, but it’s all pretty user-intuitive regardless.

The “Navigation” view on Virtual Cockpit is probably my favourite, because it’s capable of displaying a full 3D map, including major buildings within the downtown core, right in front of the driver. Gone is the need to have to look over to a screen mounted in the center of the dashboard; it’s all right there. The speedometer and tachometer are both shrunk, and placed conveniently in the corner of the screen. Other markets get Google Maps and Google Earth compatibility, including Street View. Canadians don’t receive this or AudiConnect’s other features just yet. In the standard view, the tach is up front and center, with the speedometer digitally displayed within it. The navigation/media and trip computer are located on the outside edges of the screen. It’s all very slick, and if you find the steering wheel controls not intuitive enough, there’s a standard MMI hockey-puck controller (capable of reading pinch-to-zoom!) to the front of the center armrest.

Audi has priced the TT-S competitively with a base sticker of $61,900. Adding onto that, our car had the Driver Comfort Package ($1,400), which adds Audi Parking System, intelligent key, rear camera, and blind spot assist. The Navigation Package ($1,800) adds navigation within the MMI Virtual Cockpit, Pneumatic Side Bolsters are $300, Bang & Olufsen audio is $950, Audi Lane Assist is $650, red brake calipers are $400, and the beautiful Sepang Blue paint job is an additional $890. The total sticker on our tester was pushing the $70,000 mark, which is getting dangerously close to Porsche Boxster S territory.

Those keeping count will notice that this TT-S is about $15,000 more than the base price of the S3, which uses the same powertrain, platform, and has the added practicality of four doors. Regardless, the TT is a bit of a premium fashion statement and is priced as such. The LED headlights and aggressive styling of the new TT is definitely reminiscent of the brand’s flagship R8 supercar, and the electronically deployable rear spoiler only adds that upscale touch. I’m a huge fan of the styling, and at 6’1, fit very comfortably into the front seats of the TT. However, the rear seats are for luggage and/or decoration only – even children will find these accommodations unacceptable.

The 2016 Audi TT-S does a lot of things very, very well. It’s an exceptional sporty coupé that checks off the right boxes for a lot of people. Its lovely driving dynamics make it an eager dance partner, and the history and proven longevity of the 2.0L engine render the TT-S a surefire candidate for further tuning, if so desired. As it is though, if you don’t need the rear seats and love the low, sexy styling of the TT-S, it’s an unbeatable choice. For us, the TT-S highlights the new Virtual Cockpit technology for all of Audi’s upcoming models, demonstrating a bright future ahead for the brand.