Pretender,

Autocar gets it right more often than it gets it wrong, so I find this story encouraging:

POSITIVES
- Lighter, more aluminium-intensive chassis
- New EA888 engines plus reworked 2.5 5-cylinder unit for TT-RS
- Return to Bauhaus styling

NEGATIVES
- MQB platform with transverse engine
- Haldex AWD system

Actually, MQB isn't the negative you perceive it to be. If you use a longitudinally mounted engine with Audi's traditional quattro set-up, most of the engine weight is ahead of the front axle. With MQB you can tilt the engine rearwards so while it isn't behind the front axle, at least it is over it.

Secondly, A lot of work is being done on the Haldex system and I think we may be in for a few surprises. Mercedes has reworked it for the upcoming A45 so that the you can actually steer the car with the throttle. Haldex is likely to incorporate these changes into standard units it makes for VW and Audi.

Thirdly, my understanding is that Audi is feeling a little bit stung by recent criticism of its design language. That being the case, plus Audi's love of the original TT's Bauhaus lines should mean that we're in for a stunning car visually.

Will the next TT be on a par with the Boxter? I don't know. let's hope so.