WOW! That’s some statement when you’re just unveiling the world debut of a Roadster, in this case the powerhouse convertible version of the Mk3 Audi TT Coupe.

But Dany Garand was adamant. “We don’t do fashionable design. We do timeless.”

French Canadian Dany is an exterior project designer with Audi, and was responsible for the new Audi TT RS Roadster 2016. It was a constant refrain of Dany’s – he said Audi should not be swayed by design trends of the moment – it was important for Audis to look as fresh today as they will in 10 years. Timeless, then. More to the point, Dany was keen to stress that this new Audi TT RS Roadster should be sportier, more aggressive.

 “When you view the new TT RS Roadster from the side, we didn’t want all elegance – we wanted to express the rawness of the car, that five-cylinder engine and 400PS power.

 “The car has these 20 inch optional alloy wheels. We wanted these wheels to convey the power, so the centres are scooped, like you would get on a racing car. If you want the car to look more elegant, then that can be achieved by deleted the fixed rear spoiler.

 “At the front we also wanted to make sure this sportiness was visible to both other road users as well as to the owner when they walked up to the car. That’s why we have newly designed quattro badging that sits on the lower edge of the front spoiler. You must be aware that this car is about raw power.”

 Other details add to the more sporty nature of this new Audi TT RS – such as the starter button on the steering wheel, and the aggressive stance of the car on the road.

 But is the Roadster his favourite? “No,” laughs Dany.

 “I drive the Coupe because it is more practical – the Roadster is more lifestyle. And at home my wife has an A3 Convertible so we can enjoy both types of motoring!”