Those who regularly search the internet for the TT 8N see that different bumpers regularly come along, And we are not talking about the standard versus the V6/S line front bumper (see header picture) with the extra air intakes, but bumpers that are different in certain countries. Sometimes because there are different number plate sizes or even no duty for it. Sometimes because of safety regulations. Below is an overview of the different bumpers found in the most common countries.
Europe
Europe, of course, is the most recognisable for us. Both the front and rear bumper are characterised by a recess suitable for the familiar elongated number plate (in the Netherlands, the 27.2 plate measuring 520 x 110 mm).
United States of America
A TT 8N from America can be recognised by:
Japan
In Japan (and other Asian countries), we see basically the same setup as in the US in the states where a front number plate is mandatory. Rear bumper with a narrow cut-out and the front bumper with a blind plate with an additional licence plate holder. This combination is regularly seen on quattro sport versions imported from Japan
Canada
Canada is another story. And often raises the most questions about where these bumpers come from. For a start, there is also a smaller front and rear number plate here than in America. Only, at the time of the Audi TT 8N, Canada had different regulations in terms of safety requirements than Europe. As a result, bumpers in Canada were fitted with extra ‘bump/strip’ to meet the additional requirements. Unfortunately for Canadians, not a very nice option.