Audi presents new TT interior with Virtual Cockpit at CES

Audi has taken the opportunity at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas held from January 6 through 10, 2014 to present the new Audi TT interior.

Due to be launched on the market in the course of the year, the 2014 Audi TT features a “virtual cockpit”, a fully digital instrument cluster that displays all information, including operation of the infotainment system and satellite navigation, directly in front of the driver. This eliminates the need for a second centrally mounted display.

The Audi virtual cockpit is the focus of attention for the first time in one of the brand’s production models. This solution gave the designers the freedom to slim down the instrument panel architecture such that it visually conveys the Audi lightweight construction principle.

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 265kW. 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.”

The 12.3-inch TFT replaces conventional analogue gauges in the instrument cluster. The high-resolution display allows driver to 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.

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 are switches for the hazard warning light while the secondary functions are centrally positioned for easy access.

All elements of the new Audi TT operating concept are focused on the driver. The new multifunction steering wheel features a flat-bottomed rim, with aluminium-look clips framing its spokes. The buttons and controls on the spokes allow you to control most functions, including the infotainment system. The menu is structured to reflect that of a smartphone and includes a full-text search function (MMI search).

The other highlights of the new Audi TT interior include the S sport seats with their significantly curved side bolsters, the integrated headrests and the low seating position. 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.