Forgoing the coupe-convertible trend, Audi's TT Roadster returns with a fabric top and a range of engines and drivetrains. It's based on the new TT Coupe we told you about in October. The engines include a 250-hp 3.2-liter V-6 and a 200-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four. The base car comes with a manual top, while the V-6 edition comes with a power-operated roof that opens or closes in 12 seconds. The V-6 also comes with quattro all-wheel drive. A six-speed manual is standard, but both versions can be ordered with S-tronic, the new name for the former DSG dual-clutch transmission. The TT Roadster 2.0 TFSI with S-tronic scoots to 60 mph in less than 6.5 seconds, Audi says, and hits a top speed of 146 mph. The Roadster 3.2 with S-tronic does the same in 5.9 seconds and 155 mph. Pricing and U.S. availability have not been confirmed.

Audi prices 2008 TT coupe, roadster

Audi today announced pricing for its 2008 TT model line-up. TT Coupe models will arrive in dealerships in April, while TT Roadsters follow in May. Prices will range from $34,800 to $45,900 depending upon model and options.
TT Coupe 2.0T models start at $34,800, while 3.2 quattro models begin at $41,500. TT Roadster 2.0T models have a base price of $36,800, and 3.2 quattro Roadsters start at $44,500. This pricing does not include a $720 destination charge. TT 3.2 models equipped with S tronic gearboxes have a base price $1,400 higher than manual transmission cars. (Coupe: $42,900, Roadster: $45,900).


Both TT model lines will be available in 2.0T or 3.2 quattro form. All 2.0T models will have a 200hp 2.0 TFSI engine mated to a six-speed S tronic gearbox. The 3.2 quattro models will have a 250hp V6 engine and quattro all-wheel drive. A six-speed manual transmission is standard (3.2 quattro only), with a six-speed S tronic gearbox optional.


Standard equipment on the 2008 TT includes such items as leather and Alcantara-covered sport seats, automatic climate control, electromechanical power steering, Audi Concert audio system with in-dash CD changer with MP3 capability, 17” alloy wheels, keyless entry with alarm, cruise control, and a leather-wrapped flat-bottom sport steering wheel.


An extensive list of optional equipment is also available. Audi magnetic ride and 18” alloy wheels improve the car's handling. An S line package goes one step further by adding more aggressive front and rear styling and 19” alloy wheels with performance tires, and special interior leather trim. An Enhanced Interior package includes Nappa leather covered seats and leather covered interior trip components. TT Roadster models also have an extra storage compartments with this package.


Other options include a DVD-based navigation system with two slots for SD memory cards, Bluetooth phone preparation, Bose premium sound with Sirius satellite radio, Bi-Xenon adaptive headlights, iPod interface, Audi parking system, and Baseball-optic leather interior (Roadster only).

Audi is reintroducing its TT coupe and roadster for the 2008 model year after skipping the 2007 model year while the vehicle was redesigned.

The 2008 Audi TT coupe has a base price of $35,520, including shipping. That compares with a base price of $34,710 for the 2006 model.

The base price for the TT roadster is $37,520, including shipping.

Audi says TT coupes will be in U.S. auto dealerships in April, while roadsters will reach dealerships in May.

The redesign included changes to the TT's unibody that combines aluminum and steel to create a lighter vehicle with better weight distribution that promises better driving dynamics.

Buyers have a choice of the standard front-wheel drive or Audi's quattro all-wheel-drive. Engine choices are a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, rated at 200 hp, or a 3.2-liter V-6 rated at 250 hp.

Every Audi TT is noted for its clear lines, unmistakable dynamism and the driving characteristics of a sports car. Audi now presents the TT in its most purist form: the Clubsport Quattro Study.

The Audi TT clubsport quattro study reduces the TT Roadster to a pure driving machine. A powerful engine, state-of-the-art technology and numerous traits borrowed from the world of motorsport are the dominant features of the TT clubsport quattro.

The goal that the development engineers set themselves for this vehicle study was to achieve purism at a premium level. No hood, no A-post – instead, a wraparound windscreen kept extremely low which deliberately evokes images of a speedster. The flat, slightly tinted window strip surrounds the cockpit. The panoramic windscreen and the two humps located behind the interior in place of the hood compartment are reminiscent of a racing car. The rollover bars familiar from the TT Roadster are kept flatter and are the same height as the sports bucket seats.

The front end is dominated by the single-frame grille which has aluminium inserts to give its design a horizontal emphasis. This makes the TT clubsport quattro appear even flatter than it already is. The four rings of the logo are not located in the grille as on most Audi models, but on the bonnet. The large air inlets in the front end supply additional air to the more potent TFSI engine. LED daytime running lights provide an eye-catching highlight at all times of day. The visible stainless steel rear silencer is the striking feature in the rear bumper, while the blade under the rear silencer visibly underscores the vehicle’s sports character. The dual-branch exhaust system with its oval tailpipes calls to mind the sporty Audi production models such as the RS 4.

There is a deliberate lack of visual interruptions in the side line and you will look in vain for door handles. The TT clubsport quattro is opened by remote control: the doors spring open at the press of a button. The size of the two exterior mirrors has also been minimised. 20-inch wheels with tyres of size 265/30 R20 emphasise the car’s muscular appearance, as does its track width which has been increased by a total of 80 millimetres compared with a production TT. Not only that, but the wheel arches have also been enlarged additionally.

The car is painted Daytona Grey, a colour that Audi used for the first time on the RS 4 and the S8. The exterior design features dark shades of grey. This forms a contrast with the metallic elements, with the grille and side grille in Gun Metal, a steely colour which imbues the TT clubsport quattro with a look which is both sporty and pure. The brake callipers, the orange colour of which links the exterior design to the interior, provide a visual contrast. These bright colour highlights also provide attractive visual touches in the interior, on elements such as the instrument cowl, the armrest and on the back of the bucket seats. The black leather seat itself also boasts a special feature in the shape of a laser pattern worked into the seat. This was specially designed for the TT clubsport quattro and plays on the TT logo.

The sports character demonstrated by the exterior design is continued inside the car, where purism was also the driving element. Racing bucket seats are provided for both occupants. Together with four-point belts that are three inches wide, these offer both driver and passenger excellent support, even in extreme driving situations – on the racetrack, for example. The generous use of aluminium is characteristic of Audi. This starts with the steering wheel which is adorned with a twin spoke crafted from this lightweight metal. The pedals are also made of aluminium and exhibit a grooved structure. They consequently not only afford a better grip, but also help to save weight. Foot rests are provided for both driver and passenger in the TT clubsport quattro.

The gear lever gate adopted from the new mid-engined sports car, the Audi R8, and the aluminium gear knob are a joy to behold. This lightweight metal is also used for the door pull and the door opener, both of which are cut-out, a feature which further underlines the interior’s purist character.

The sill area has also been restyled compared with the production model. Rather than being interrupted by a sill strip, it now emphasises the width of the car. A new door sill trim located further inside the car, along with floor mats sporting the TT logo as an aluminium inlay provide further visual highlights. The surrounding strip on the top shoulder is also made of this lightweight metal.

The Audi designers came up with a special idea in the field of entertainment. Instead of the middle of the three round air vents in the upper part of the dashboard, they integrated an interface here, designed among other things for the B&O MP3 player BeoSound 2. The round player built by Audi’s premium partner fits exactly into the circular opening and is a sheer delight for the senses, both visually and acoustically.

The instrument cluster is very different from the one in a production model. The vertical needles and colour graphics are the eye-catching features. The clock and odometer have been omitted in keeping with the car’s underlying purist philosophy.

The racing character of the Audi TT clubsport quattro is underscored by its technology. The Audi engineers have packed the 2.0 TFSI engine with even more power than the 260 bhp familiar from the Audi S3. The turbocharged four-cylinder unit with petrol direct injection breaks the magic 300 bhp barrier. Thanks to a modified intake manifold, it has been possible to get even more power out of this highly efficient engine (which was “Engine of the Year” in its class in 2005 and 2006). Power is transferred to all four wheels, making the TT clubsport quattro the first new-generation TT with four-cylinder engine and quattro permanent four-wheel drive.

The transmission is also new in this performance category. Thanks to its dual clutch, the S tronic direct-shift gearbox changes gear virtually without interrupting the flow of power, a process that goes unnoticed by the driver. The six gears can, however, also be changed manually, with gearshifts taking just fractions of a second.

Anyone opening the bonnet will be met by a fascinating sight. Thanks to a lack of cables and auxiliaries, the engine compartment looks extremely clean. The engine has deliberately not been hidden under a cover. The cross brace running above the engine is a technical stroke of genius. It not only makes the car more rigid, but also contains the coolant expansion tank. The ABS system has been moved from the engine compartment to the interior. The air conditioning and activated charcoal filter are not to be found in the engine compartment either. A racing air filter ensures that the engine takes in a sufficient amount of air. The exhaust system has been adapted to suit the car’s sporty performance: the specially tuned exhaust emits the genuine sound of motor racing.

Ceramic brakes are fitted in the TT for the first time. These are absolutely non-fading and enable countless sharp braking manoeuvres without any loss of stopping power. Once again, Audi has taken advantage of its superior wealth of experience: ceramic brakes are already offered for the RS 4, the A8 and S8, for example, and are enjoying increasing popularity with customers.

The Audi TT clubsport quattro is a purist driving machine that combines the performance of a sports car with a unique design language. It consequently remains a TT on the one hand, while at the same time demonstrating just what is possible with such a fascinating production vehicle. The possible small-series production of this model is being considered.

Driving the 415-hp Audi TT and 470-hp S5
By Nick Kurczewski, Contributor Email


Date posted: 11-06-2007


Back in 1990, Roland Mayer had to be very brave to start a company devoted to the idea of a high-performance Audi. Those were tough times for Audi, particularly in the U.S. But Mayer stuck with it and now his range of speed equipment for various Audi models perfectly suits the success of some of the most desirable and gorgeous cars in the world. It's funny how a 415-horsepower Audi TT can turn your world around.

To find Motoren Technik Mayer GmbH, you dive off the German autobahn in Wettstetten, not far from Audi's headquarters in the medieval city of Ingolstadt. The MTM compound on Dr. Kurt Schumacher Ring has grown larger over the years, and now there are about two dozen people at work and two air-conditioned rooms with chassis dynamometers. Mayer spent his early years at Audi engineering the turbocharged inline-5 of the original Audi Quattro coupe, and it's left him with a taste for extreme statements ever since.

MTM's signature car is still the bizarre Bimoto, a 1,000-horsepower twin-engine Audi TT that reached a sustained speed of 232 mph in 2003 and recently reached 246 mph in preparation for an attempt to break 400 kph (249 mph). But these days MTM has a tuned version of every brand under the Volkswagen umbrella from Bentley to Škoda, and we spent a day in Wettstetten sampling some of the latest Audis.

Don't Settle for the Obvious
Now that the Audi R8 has grabbed so many headlines, Roland Meyer has wanted to build something of his own with matching performance. Of course, this car would also have to include some of the R8's jaw-dropping road presence. Why not simply build a faster R8? We get the impression that it would have been much too obvious.

For the MTM RTT, Mayer begins with the Audi TT coupe and its 250-hp 3.2-liter V6 with dual-clutch automated manual transmission. To this base, MTM adds a specially developed turbocharger and a low-restriction exhaust. The result is 415 hp at 6,910 rpm and 368 pound-feet of torque delivered at 3,400 rpm. If the powertrain features a six-speed manual transmission, MTM turns up the RTT's boost to deliver 433 hp.

The RTT is the same inside as a stock TT coupe, and that's fine by us, since the TT's cockpit is chock-full of rich leather and handsome metal trim. Slapping faux carbon-fiber on the dash or installing some disco ball shift knob would only ruin a good thing.

Externally, the RTT isn't quite as subtle, and the gaping grilles front and rear definitely give the RTT a menacing stance that the normal TT lacks. The four chrome exhaust tips projecting out of the rear bumper are a nice touch, although the two-tone paint treatment of deep purple and gray tells you more about the German market for tuner cars than you want to know.

A TT That Thinks It's an R8
At first, the MTM RTT is as docile and user-friendly as any TT coupe. Once you light it off, the turbocharged V6 has a stronger rasp, which quickly settles down to a surprisingly subdued burble. We click the S-tronic gearbox into manual mode for the first couple of miles and reacclimate to using the shift paddles on the steering wheel. Once free of traffic, we click the left paddle toward us to select 1st gear and slam the gas pedal to the floor.

The force with which the RTT blasts down the road is shocking. MTM says it gets to 60 mph in only 4.1 seconds, some 0.3 second faster than the R8, and there's no electronic policeman in the engine computer to keep it from reaching a top speed of 175 mph. The V6 simply erupts into a sharp mechanical roar as the tach needle streaks to the 7,000-rpm redline, barely leaving time for us to click 2nd, then 3rd and 4th gears before finally slapping into the rev limiter.

For a turbocharged engine, the MTM V6 is remarkably responsive and free of turbo lag. Its torque output ensures that acceleration is fierce and — most important — very consistent throughout the entire rev range.

Tearing along quiet roads in the heart of the Bavarian countryside, the RTT feels terrifically poised, its tires planted on the road. The 265/35ZR19 Michelin Pilot Sport tires and Audi's four-wheel-drive hardware offer stupendous grip. Only under full-throttle acceleration from a dead stop does the steering wheel jink left and right in our hands, as the traction control light glows on the dash and the little Audi struggles to put all its power down to the pavement.

MTM has wisely upgraded the brakes to match the RTT's speed. The vented and cross-drilled discs measure 14.9 inches in front and 12.2 inches in the rear, and great stopping power is complemented by excellent feel. Surprisingly the suspension has been left completely stock, but cornering performance doesn't seem to suffer and we're not sure MTM's available upgrades are worth the extra cash.

Super(charged) Audi S5
Roland Mayer hints that upgrades for the Audi R8 supercar are being planned, but for the moment, MTM's next major project is a supercharged version of the new Audi S5 coupe. This stylish new Audi should be equally adept at impressing valets as it is at delving into six-digit speeds on the autobahn.

MTM's version of this broad-shouldered coupe will have 470 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque, versus the standard S5's 325 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque. The MTM S5 before us wears 21-inch MTM wheels and you can hear the bark of its sport exhaust, but unfortunately the installation of the supercharged engine is still a few weeks away.

Not one to pass up a test-drive (even of a work in progress), we take the S5 out on the same roads we tackled in the RTT. The 4.2-liter V8 has a deep grumble that gets better the harder you push the four-wheel-drive coupe. The six-speed manual is accurate, though gear engagement feels plasticky. A short-shift kit would be a nice option, as the low-effort throws between gears are awfully long, just as with most German cars.

The supersize tires and heavy wheels don't seem to harm the S5's comfortable ride, and the sport exhaust adds a nice dose of auditory attitude and probably a few extra ponies. But there's no doubt that the merely quick S5 can handle all the horsepower MTM throws at it. MTM expects its turbocharged version to reach 60 mph in 4.6 seconds (0.5 second better than stock) and have a top speed of 186 mph. The engine modifications along with upgraded exhaust, brakes and wheels add about $38,000 to the S5's base price.

Try an Audi S4 Cabriolet for the Road
To get a feel for MTM's supercharger trickery before our flight home, Roland Mayer tosses us the keys to a 2005 MTM-tuned Audi S4 Cabriolet, fitted with an older-spec supercharged 4.2-liter V8. Mayer admits that the S5's engine will pack more punch.

What this well-worn S4 proves is that the refined feel of the RTT is no fluke. The 334-hp thrust of the supercharged V8 is immediate, strong in any gear and refined across the entire rev range. There is not even a hint of annoying supercharger whine — Mayer admits that endless hours went into eliminating it.

Before we hand back the keys, we're plotting another visit to test the finished S5 and snag a drive in the wild Bimoto. The Audi R8 may be the cover car of the moment for countless auto magazines, but a day spent at MTM hints that this tuning company doesn't intend on sharing the spotlight for long.

Audi is taking the wraps off a new sports car – the Audi TTS, the top of the TT model line. It will be coming to dealer showrooms in the early summer. Under its hood lies a two-liter TFSI high-performance engine delivering a mighty 200 kW (272 hp). This intense power propels the TTS Coupe to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) from a standstill in just 5.2 seconds and on to a governor-limited top speed of 250 km/h (155.34 mph). The Audi TTS is available as both a 2 + 2-seater coupe and as a roadster.

Designed to appeal to a young and dynamic clientele, the TTS represents the Audi brand's Vorsprung durch Technik (“advancement through technology”) in its very latest form. The TFSI engine in the TTS takes the two Audi technologies of gasoline direct injection and turbocharging and blends them to form a perfect partnership. Aside from its output of 200 kW (272 hp), it is its peak torque of 350 Nm (258.15 lb-ft), which is constantly on tap between 2,500 and 5,000 rpm, that makes the compact and lightweight four-cylinder unit so impressive.

Compared to the engine it was derived from, the two-liter power unit has been reengineered and strengthened in a number of key areas to ready it for operation in the TTS. Thanks to its excellent efficiency, the sporty-sounding TFSI has an average fuel consumption of just 8.0 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers (29.375 mpg) in the Coupe when partnered by the six-speed manual transmission, while the figure for the roadster averages 8.2 l/100 km (28.659 mpg). These figures are improved by 0.1 and 0.2 l/100 km (by 0.372 and 0.716 mpg), respectively, if the optional S tronic dual-clutch transmission is fitted.

S tronic, which deploys two clutches, is capable of performing extremely quick gear shifts at high engine loads and rev speeds; consequently, the time taken to sprint from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) is cut by a further two-tenths of a second in both the Coupe and Roadster. Loss-free transfer of power to the road is the task of the standard quattro permanent all-wheel drive that enables the TTS to accelerate quicker and with greater stability than its rivals. At the heart of this system is a hydraulic multi-plate clutch that works faster than ever thanks to a new pressure reservoir.

The TTS rolls off the production line equipped with yet another high-tech module – the Audi magnetic ride adaptive damping system. This gives the driver the choice of two characteristic settings: “Standard” mode is designed for a well-balanced, comfortable ride, whereas in the “Sport” setting the TTS harnesses all of the potential of its sports suspension – which lowers the body by 10 millimeters
(0.39 in.) – to deliver uncompromisingly dynamic handling. Its front suspension is mainly made of aluminum, while the efficient technology of the precision electromechanical steering also helps to improve fuel consumption considerably. The sports car is safely brought to a standstill by the high-performance braking system with its 17-inch discs.

Yet another factor in the supreme performance of the TTS is the hybrid construction of its body. Steel is used at the rear end, while the front and center sections of the body are built from lightweight aluminum. ASF (Audi Space Frame) technology optimizes axle load distribution and reduces the overall weight. The manual Coupe weighs just 1,395 kilograms (3,075.45 lbs), which equates to a power-to-weight ratio of 5.1 kg/hp (11.24 lbs/hp).

Powerful looks: 18-inch wheels plus new headlights

The Audi TTS instantly stands out as the dynamic flagship of the TT model line. The standard 18-inch aluminum wheels are a highlight of the exterior design, as are the headlights, comprising newly designed bi-xenon units with LED daytime running lights. Inside, passengers are welcomed by deep-set sports seats trimmed in a mixture of leather and Alcantara, with Silk Nappa leather seat upholstery in four different color combinations available as an option. The gray instrument panel as well as the multifunctional steering wheel add further styling touches.

The TTS Roadster comes with an electrohydraulic drive for the soft top, a power wind deflector, plus, for added practicality, a load-through facility. The rear seats in the Coupe have a split-folding design, allowing luggage capacity to be increased from 290 to 700 liters (10.24 to 24.72 cubic ft.). The hard-top TTS is priced at 44,900 euros and the convertible version at 47,750 euros.

The unveiling of the TTS also marks something of an anniversary for Audi: It was 10 years ago that the TT Coupe first took to the road, swiftly acquiring the status of design icon. And the TT has stayed firmly in the fast lane ever since.

The Drivetrain

The TFSI engine fitted in the TTS summons its power from a displacement of 1984 cc, and blends two separate Audi technologies – gasoline direct injection and turbocharging – to form a partnership that is perfect for a sports car. It is with good reason that an international jury of motoring journalists has crowned the two-liter four-cylinder power unit "Engine of the Year" three times in succession since 2005.

It is not only the 200 kW (272 hp) of output that makes the TFSI so scintillating, there's its hefty pulling power too – the maximum torque of 350 Nm (258.15 lb-ft) is constantly on tap from 2,500 up to 5,000 rpm. The Coupe with manual transmission takes just 5.4 seconds to race from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph), while a mere 4.4 seconds are required to speed up from 80 to 120 km/h (49.71 to
74.56 mph) in fourth gear. The Roadster is almost as impressive, recording times of 5.6 and 4.6 seconds respectively for the same two exercises. The electronic limiter calls a halt to this outstanding propulsion at a speed of 250 km/h (155.34 mph) in both models.

Compared to the engine it was derived from, the two-liter power unit has undergone extensive reengineering and strengthening to ready it for operation in the TTS – overhauled areas include the engine block, the cylinder head, the pistons, the connecting rods and the turbocharger, which can build up as much as 1.2 bar of relative air pressure. The intake and exhaust systems have undergone elaborate honing to allow the refined four-cylinder engine to both breathe freely and generate a powerful, resonant soundtrack. An optimized and highly efficient intercooler lowers the temperature of the compressed air, producing a crucial increase in the quantity of air supplied for combustion.
Thanks to its outstanding efficiency, the TFSI has impressive fuel consumption of 7.9 liters per 100 km (29.747 mpg) in the Coupe when partnered by the S tronic transmission, and just 8.0 l/100 km (29.375 mpg) in the Roadster. The two-liter engine is extremely light, weighing in at 153 kilograms (337.31 lbs). This has considerable benefits for the overall weight of the TTS as well as for the axle load distribution and, consequently, for the vehicle's handling.

High-tech gearshifting: S tronic

Transmission of the engine's power is handled as standard in the TTS by a manual six-speed gearshift with a light-weight magnesium housing. As an alternative, customers can opt for S tronic, which operates using six gears and two clutches positioned one behind the other. At high engine loads and rev speeds, it is capable of shifting in just two-tenths of a second. As a result of this high-speed shift work and its dynamic start-off capabilities, the dual-clutch transmission from Audi shaves a whole two-tenths off the time taken for the sprint from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in both the Coupe and the Roadster.

S tronic, which likewise boasts excellent efficiency, also allows the driver to shift gears manually using the one-touch lever or by means of paddles on the steering wheel, just like in a racing car. There is also a choice of two automatic operating modes: N for “Normal” and S for “Sport.” The clutches also have an adaptive design, enabling the start-off characteristics to be varied – whereas caution is exercised on slippery surfaces, full power can be unleashed at the driver's command when there is firm grip.

The standard-specification quattro permanent all-wheel drive ensures loss-free transfer of the engine's power to the road. With drive power being delivered to all four wheels, the TTS is able to accelerate quicker and more safely than its rivals, delivering dynamism coupled with supreme stability under all conditions.

At the heart of the quattro system is an electronically controlled and hydraulically operated multi-plate clutch, which now works even faster than ever thanks to a new pressure reservoir. If required, all of the drive force can be redirected from the front to the rear wheels within a matter of milliseconds. To make allowance for the high torques produced by the TFSI engine in the TTS, the drive train has been reinforced as required.

The Chassis

Audi has opted for a McPherson front suspension with lower triangular wishbones for the TTS. The suspension is largely made of aluminum, thereby reducing the unsprung masses. With a view to increasing rigidity, the subframe is bolted to the body at six points. The sensitive, high-precision power steering is driven electromechanically, a technology that improves fuel consumption by 0.2 liters per 100 km (0.716 mpg). The characteristics of the steering's power assistance have been adapted to reflect the dynamic nature of the TTS.

The four-link rear suspension offers considerable benefits for vehicle handling, as it is capable of dealing with the longitudinal and lateral forces separately from one another. All of the links are made from high-strength grades of steel, while modified bearings emphasize the taut feel of the TTS. The coil springs and shock absorbers are fitted separately from one another, meaning that they take up little space.

The TTS comes standard with 18-inch cast aluminum wheels that sport the five-arm parallel-spoke S design and are shod with 245/40-size tires. Further wheel variants are optionally available, including a new 19-inch cast aluminum wheel designed by quattro GmbH. The exceptionally dynamic top-of-the-line TT model comes equipped with a high-performance braking system. Large disks are fitted front and rear, with the front disks being internally ventilated too. Inside the black-painted calipers, which bear the TTS emblem at the front, are the sport brake pads. Audi has devised a second, sporty level for the ESP stabilization program which enables controlled drifting.

Audi magnetic ride – crisp and versatile

The TTS rolls off the production line equipped with yet another high-tech solution — the Audi magnetic ride adaptive suspension system. Circulating inside the damper pistons is a special fluid containing minute magnetic particles. When an electrical voltage is applied, the oil's flow properties change the characteristics of the suspension.

Audi magnetic ride works adaptively, meaning that it adjusts automatically to suit the prevailing conditions. The driver can select one of two suspension settings. In “Normal” mode, when oil viscosity is high, the TTS offers a well-balanced, comfortable ride. In the “Sport” setting, meaning low viscosity, the TTS harnesses all of the potential of its sports suspension – which lowers the body by 10 millimeters (0.39 in.) – to deliver uncompromisingly dynamic handling.

The Audi generates non-stop fun at the wheel as it speeds around corners like a go-cart with absolute crispness and precision, seemingly glued to the road. Any body roll is suppressed from the moment the vehicle starts to turn. The steering becomes more responsive and direct, and selective bracing of the wheels makes the self-steering more neutral.

The Body

The superior performance of the TTS can be partly attributed to the technology of its bodywork, whose hybrid construction combines two different types of materials. Steel is used at the rear end, while the front and center sections of the body are built from lightweight aluminum.

Audi first developed this principle, known as the Audi Space Frame (ASF), in the early 1990s, triggering a revolution in body manufacturing. Extruded sections, pressure die-castings and load-bearing aluminum panels together form a light, rigid and extremely safe structure. On the Coupe, the side sections and the roof are laser welded together, producing a precision seamless joint — another clear indication of how Audi strives for perfection when building its cars.

The construction of the TTS has the added major benefit of optimizing distribution of the axle loads and reducing the vehicle's total weight. The Coupe's body weighs a mere 206 kilograms (454.15 lbs), of which 140 kg (308.65 lbs) is aluminum and 66 kg (145.51 lbs) steel. In the case of the TTS Roadster, whose body incorporates special reinforcements, the figure is 251 kilograms (553.36 lbs). All in all, the manual version of the Coupe weighs in at just 1,395 kilograms (3,075.45 lbs), equating to a power-to-weight ratio of 5.1 kilograms (11.24 lbs) per hp. The Roadster's weight of 1,455 kilograms (3,207.73 lbs), meanwhile, corresponds to a ratio of 5.4 kg/hp (11.90 lbs/hp).

The Audi TTS instantly stands out as the dynamic flagship of the TT model line. One of the design highlights is undoubtedly the headlights – newly designed bixenon units featuring a horizontal strip of white LEDs that serve as daytime running lights. The single-frame grill in a platinum gray finish is embellished with slender chrome strips, while large air intakes in the restyled front apron add to the striking look.

When viewed in profile, it is not only the large 18-inch wheels that stand out; the widened, deeper door sills are equally eye-catching. A muscular rear bumper, a gray-colored diffusor trim, plus two sets of twin tailpipes protruding from the left and the right inject the vehicle's tail with a sporty character all of its own. The spoiler on the TTS extends automatically when the speed reaches 120 km/h (74.56 mph) and retracts again when it drops back to 80 km/h (49.71 mph).

Both the Coupe and the Roadster measure 4,198 millimeters (13.77 ft) long and 1,842 mm (6.04 ft) wide; the hard-top TTS is 1,345 mm (4.41 ft) in height, its open-top counterpart 1,350 mm (4.43 ft). The Roadster features an electrohydraulically operated soft top which opens and closes in twelve seconds, even on the move at speeds below 50 km/h (31.07 mph). The soft top incorporates a large glass rear window and folds in a "Z" shape. Neither a tonneau cover nor a cover flap is needed. Extra matting between the headlining and the outer skin improves insulation, and an electrically extending/retracting wind deflector shields the occupants' necks from drafts when the hood is down.

The Interior

Awaiting the passengers inside are deep-set sports seats featuring seat heating and height adjustment. They come as standard with leather/Alcantara seat covers in either black or black and silver, plus silver-colored contrast stitching. The sports seats are optionally available in Silk Nappa leather upholstery. There is also the option of the Impulse leather package, comprising black trim with silver stitching in the Coupe or chennai brown trim with espresso-colored contrast stitching in the Roadster.

The cockpit in the TTS is molded around the driver like a sleek-fitting suit. Its clean-cut, sporty design and uncompromising quality of construction is another Audi trademark. Instruments with a gray background and white needles, metal pedals, aluminum trim panels, plus a multifunctional leather sports steering wheel with a rim that’s flattened at the bottom add further styling touches. The driver information system with its new, high-resolution white display concentrates all important information where it can be clearly seen by the driver, and includes a timer function that is able to record lap times on race tracks. Mobile entertainment out on the road comes in the form of the chorus audio system with CD player.

As well as being great fun to drive, the new sports car from Audi boasts a host of credentials that make it eminently suitable for day-to-day use. The Roadster is available with an optional load-through facility complete with removable ski bag for added practicality. The trunk has a capacity of 250 liters (8.83 cubic ft). The rear seats in the Coupe have a split-folding design, allowing luggage capacity to be increased from 290 to 700 liters (10.24 to 24.72 cubic ft.).

The Features

Sales of the TTS will begin in the early summer. The Coupe is priced at 44,900 euros and the Roadster at 47,750 euros. The TT line's dynamic top model comes generously equipped. Its list of features includes quattro permanent all-wheel drive, the Audi magnetic ride adaptive suspension system, 18-inch aluminum wheels, xenon plus headlights with LED daytime running lights, plus – on the Roadster – the fully automatic soft top including power wind deflector.

The interior is dominated by the multifunctional leather sports steering wheel. The extended aluminum styling and heated sports seats with their leather/Alcantara upholstery are further highlights. An automatic air conditioning system and Isofix child seat mountings on the front passenger seat are designed to enhance both comfort and safety.

The list of optional extras includes two navigation systems, a Bose sound system, an iPod port, an LED interior lighting package, electrically adjustable seats, as well as the Audi adaptive light dynamic cornering light system. The S tronic dual-clutch transmission is an Audi technology that remains unmatched by anything the competition has to offer.

Ten Years of Audi TT – A Decade of Success

The unveiling of the TTS marks something of an anniversary for Audi: It was 10 years ago that the TT Coupe first took to the road, swiftly acquiring the status of a design icon. Ever since then the TT has been going from one strength to the next, in both hard-top and open-top form.

The prototype that was premiered by Audi at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 1995, painted in silver gray, instantly captured the imagination of the show visitors. The strict consistency of its puristic form drew on the Bauhaus style of the 1920s. The solidly built body, the sleek glass house, the strict geometry of the shoulder line and circular arcs, the large wheels and the aluminum tank cap – all of these elements added up to deliver a new statement from Audi, the innovative technology brand. A few weeks later the Roadster appeared at the Tokyo Motor Show where it was also a tremendous hit.

The Coupe started to roll off the production line in 1998, followed one year later by the Roadster. The shortened floor assembly of the Audi A3 proved to form an ideal base for the car – its wheel suspension endowed the TT with dynamic handling characteristics. The puristic design was also retained for the interior. Here, the classic emblem of the TT concept, the circle, had a leading role to play, featuring in the styling of the air outlets and many of the controls.

The first TT was powered by the turbocharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder drive unit, which came in two different versions. The basic unit delivered an output of 132 kW (180 hp) and the top version 165 kW (225 hp). The more powerful engine was available exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission and quattro drive. Customers buying the basic version had the choice of either the six-speed technology again or front-wheel drive combined with a five-speed transmission.

Audi started to expand the range of drivetrain options in 2001. First came a new version of the 1.8-liter unit generating 110 kW (150 hp), followed in 2003 by a 3.2-liter V6 developing 184 kW (250 hp). This new engine could be matched with the S tronic dual-clutch transmission as an option. The six-speed tiptronic transmission became available for the 132 kW (180 hp) four-cylinder model with front-wheel drive. In 2005, this engine's output was increased to 140 kW (190 hp) and the power output of the entry-level unit jumped to 120 kW (163 hp). Production of the coupe and roadster versions of the first TT model series ended in 2006 and 2007 respectively.

The cat is out the bag – Audi has officially revealed the production TT Clubsport Quattro after a series of spy shots have plagued the internet for the last week. We thought there was little chance of the concept version ever spawning what you see before you, but we have no problem with being proved wrong on this occasion. For those of you looking to get a good glimpse of it for yourselves, it will have its worldwide debut at the Wörthersee Tour, the big meet for Audi and VW enthusiasts in Austria from May 21st.

Surely the most eye catching element of this car is the open cockpit with the low windscreen featuring the almost none existent A-pillars creating a nice curvaceous effect round to the side windows. The high rising roll bars behind the seats make up for the low A-pillars meaning the occupants are still protected should the vehicle roll over.

The front fascia styling continues the Audi tradition with a single-frame grill and as with all new Audi models, the headlights get LED-daytime running lights, to complete the front look of this special model we see it gets those huge air inlets covered by horizontally split black grills and a low spolier lip to optimise downforce and increase the driving dynamics of the car. Smooth design lines across the side panels to the rear of the vehicle along with the impressive 19'' wheels continue the Purism at a premium level theme.

Audi can be credited with some of the best interiors in the business and once again they fail to disappoint with an effective use of aluminium along with sport bucket seats and a flat-bottomed sports steering wheel derived from the regular TT.

Under the hood we find the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine which pumps out over 300 horsepower mated to the S tronic duel clutch transmission which is then passed to the wheels via the Quattro 4WD system. A powerful brake system borrowed from the TTS completes the model.

Earlier today we reported an Audi official had confirmed the production of the extravagant concept with a limited production run of between 50 and 100 units although the words in this press release only state that they would not rule out production.

TTRS



Rumors of the hottest TT variant ever are rampant. Several theories on drivetrain have resulted, though our money is on a turbocharged five cylinder. Volkswagen already does a low cost and lower capacity 5-cylinder with 2.5-liters, though an Audi version sharing very little with the base VW engine will be a considerably more costly and possibly a different displacement (we’ve heard 2.3-liters from one source) – built up to meet a power rating of 350-hp says a high-ranking source from Audi in Germany.

What else can we guess about the engine? FSI is a certainty, and Audi’s new Valvelift system is likely – aiding in both torque and fuel economy. 2.0T engines we’ve driven with the same FSI/Valvelift setup are burgeoning with torque and we expect no different from the TTRS’ five cylinder.

A turbocharged five-cylinder Audi engine in a performance coupe certainly pays homage to the original Quattro, though the TT’s transverse engine layout lower and closer to the center of the chassis, aluminum body structure and computer-controlled Haldex-sourced version of quattro will make it a decidedly different beast than the boxy Audi icon.

As far as U.S. sale, sources have informed us that the plan is to currently include the TTRS in the American mix. The current plan for DSG-only in the States for the recently announced TTS is likely a hint that a manual-transmission TTRS is the likely shifting choice for the RS.

Our TTRS rendering shows what the car might look like if it were launched today. Audi has been known to share design language across its sub brands and the RS nomenclature is no different. This TTRS mockup uses a similar nose and sill extensions from the latest RS6, along with the car’s 5-spoke alloys with Titanium Package finish. It’s also Avus Silver Metallic – a color Audi usually reserves for RS duty.

Ever since the Audi R8 was unveiled, the automotive world has speculated on what models were to follow, we already know we are going to see open top and V10 versions of the sportscar, but what about lower down the scale. The Audi TT, TTS and the as yet unreleased TT RS are more than catering to this market, but according to a report posted by Car Magazine, the lifespan of this legendary model could come to an end.

Audi are currently in the early stages of development of the Audi R3 which has been expertly rendered for Worldcarfans by the resident Larson and it is set to hit the dealerships in around 5 years time. It is yet to be decided whether the TT will continue into a third generation and run alongside the R3, but our analyses that Audi have no space in their line-up for both an R3 and TT in their line-up leads us to the conclusion the TT will cease production.

The model is being developed in conjunction with Volkswagen who will initially present of concept version of the sportscar at the LA Auto Show this November. Porsche's influence on the VW Group is clearly evident in this model with sources confirming the engine range will exclusively offer just four cylinder units to keep the model from competing with the Boxster and Cayman. This is also explains why the original plans to launch an R4 never got off the ground.

Engines likely to get the green light for the model include the 180bhp 1.8-liter TFSI, a 220bhp 2.0-liter TFSI and we should also see an S-line version hitting close to 280bhp. Diesels are also likely to find its way to the engine bay, probable candidates are the 1.6-liter and 2.0-liter TDI engines that are good for 125bhp and 204 bhp respectively.