Üretim modeli (dahili adı Type 8N) Eylül 1998'de coupé olarak piyasaya sürüldü ve bunu Ağustos 1999'da roadster takip etti. Volkswagen Golf Mk4, orijinal Audi A3, Škoda Octavia ve diğerleri için kullanılan Volkswagen Group A4 (PQ34) platformuna dayanmaktadır. Hafifçe yenilenen tamponlar ve kapıların arkasına eklenen arka çeyrek ışık pencereleri dışında tasarım konseptten çok az farklıydı. Fabrika üretimine Ekim 1998'de başlandı.

Early TTs were cited in a series fatalities from accidents involving speeds over 112 mph (180 km/h), abrupt lane changes or sharp turns. Both the coupé and roadster variants were recalled in late 1999/early 2000, to improve the car's handling predictability at very high speeds.[13] Audi's Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) or Anti Slip Regulation (ASR) were added, as well as a rear spoiler, along with modifications to the suspension system. All changes were incorporated into subsequent production.

The Audi TT was nominated for the North American Car of the Year award for 2000 and made Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list for 2000 and 2001. By 2003, Audi revised the TT, with a number of small styling and practicality improvements.

Mechanically, the TT...