The first-generation Audi TT was a fresh design that's hard to believe is now old enough to be a candidate for restomodding. Autoforma, a division of Dutch coachbuilder Niels van Roij Design, gave an early TT Roadster some updates while paying respect to its iconic style.
The one-off restomod is inspired by the 1995 TTS Roadster concept that presaged the production TT convertible. It essentially goes in the opposite direction of the concept, reversing some of the changes made for production to create a purer look. The front bumper was flattened and given more-horizontal air intakes to emphasize the front end's width. New front-fender vents also house the side turn signals, and required moving the windshield washer reservoir to the trunk because they intrude into the tightly packed engine bay.
View Price on AmazonThis car is also a true roadster. Autoforma ditched the folding roof, replacing it with a cleaner-looking tonneau panel behind the seats—much like on the 1995 concept. A small intake was also added to the side sills just ahead of the rear wheels, and a new rear bumper integrates the tailpipes and diffuser, again helping to clean up and simplify the exterior, as do the clip-on racing mirrors. Autoforma also removed weld seams behind the trunk lid, as well as the antenna and rear spoiler, but left exposed screws for the new front-fender and side-sill intakes.
The TT rides on lowered suspension, but Autoforma doesn't seem to have touched the powertrain or any other mechanical areas. Weight savings from the removal of the convertible top, as well as the use of carbon-fiber-backed material for many of the new exterior bits, should mean the engine is pushing fewer pounds.
Nimbus Gray paint and a brown leather interior are the hero configuration for a first-generation TT, but Autoforma put its own spin on it. The paint mostly has a shiny pearl effect, but the lower body, A-pillars, and windshield surround have a matte finish. Overall, the changes will likely be apparent only to fans of the original Audi TT.
Source: thedrive.com
