Audi Releases TTS Coupe and Roadster, Squeezes More from 2.0T

Colin Mathews

Author BIO

One part politico, two parts mechanic, and three parts rabid diesel enthusiast, Colin Mathews started his career as a freelance writer in Atlanta in... More

LATEST ARTICLE
Mazda Launches 2010 MAZDA3 Web Site
To bolster sales of its recently released 2010 MAZDA3, Mazda's best-selling nameplate globally, on... Read More

N/ALEADERBOARD RANK
496ARTICLES CONTRIBUTED
0COMMENTS POSTED

1,440 views Nov 1, 2008

2009 Audi TTS

Enlarge Photo

Audi today released its "highest performing TT models ever," the TTS Coupe and TTS Roadster. The Coupe will retail starting at $45,500, and the Roadster starting at $47,500. These are the latest versions of the Audi TT, a modernist sports coupe that has shared technology and some platform bits and pieces with sibling Volksagen since its inception.

The heart of the TT is a robust little turbocharged four. What started life as the 1.8T in the first-gen TT--a small four-cylinder with five valves per cylinder and modest boost from a small turbo--has grown into the 2.0 TFSI, a highly advanced design with direct injection, variable-vane turbocharging, and all of the latest tricks to both boost performance and maximize efficiency.

Audi revolutionized four-cylinder performance back when it introduced the 1.8T, as that engine yielded torque and driving fun far beyond its diminutive displacement suggested. The 2.0 TFSI continues in that tradition, reaching new heights of 265 horsepower and, more importantly in the day-to-day slog, 258 pound-feet of torque in a flat plane from 2,500 to 5,000 rpm. Installed in these new sporting TT variants, in concert with the standard S-tronic dual-clutch gearbox, the mighty mouse four rockets the TTS Coupe to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds, the TTS Roadster in 5.1, all while achieving admirable EPA ratings of 21/29 mpg.

Standard in both vehicles is quattro all-wheel drive, TTS-specific Audi magnetic ride (magnetorheological shock absorption that varies with driving conditions), and the aforementioned S-tronic dual-clutch automated manual, which cracks off impossibly quick, seamless shifts.

As do all S-line performance Audi models, both TTS coupes get special touches inside and out. Xenon headlights plus Audi's new signature LED running lights, larger front air intakes, a special grille, aluminum mirrors, extended rocker panels, a Platinum Gray rear diffuser with silver blade, quad exhaust pipes, painted brake calipers, and a unique 18-inch wheel/tire package round out the exterior upgrades over lesser TTs.

Audi's sumptuous interior treatment benefits from brushed aluminum inlays, a die-cast magnesium flat-bottomed leather-wrapped steering wheel, aluminum optic S-tronic shift paddles, a unique instrument cluster, a driver information system with digital lap timer, a redesigned S-tronic shift knob, racing-inspired leather Alcantara sport seats, contrasting color stitching, and special TTS badging.

Both vehicles will be on sale before the close of 2008.--Colin Mathews