COUPE CAN HANDLE NAMESAKE COURSE
Refreshed model makes quick work of a fast, dangerous stretch of racing route
ISLE OF MAN Despite having knowledge of the Audi TT and the designation of the twinned letters in its name, I never knew of the connection between the German coupe and the famed Tourist Trophy motorcycle races held annually on the Isle of Man.
The Isle of Man Tourist Trophy road race was first held in 1907 and it’s considered to be the most dangerous motorsports event, certainly by today’s standards. The race is held on the 60.7-kilometre Mountain Course, which is a circuit that uses public roads that wind through hills, forests, and villages, and possessing landmark names such as Ballaugh Bridge, Gob-ny- Geay and Hailwood Rise. The event attracts the fringe of motorcycle racers and riders who take much higher risks than those competing on purpose-built circuits; there’s no run-off throughout most of the TT course, which is often lined by stone walls, trees and houses.
A 19-kilometre section of the Mountain Course, between the Hairpin and Creg-ny-baa, was cordoned off exclusively for the launch of the refreshed 2019
Audi TTS. It’s the first time a portion of the race circuit has been closed for something other than a race. The reason we’re testing the new TTS here is because Audi has ties to some early Tourist Trophy victories.
The Audi TT is 20 years old this year, and it was originally named to pay homage to early successes on the island. Face-lifted for
2019, the sporty TTS coupe we’re driving gets subtle changes in the grille and air inlets, while the rear bumper now has some air vents in the sides. It’s powered by a 2.0-litre turbo-four that produces 302 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque — an increase of 10 hp and 15 lb-ft over the outgoing model — and is capable of propelling the TTS from zero to 100 km/ h in 4.5 seconds. A more significant powertrain change is an added ratio in a new dual-clutch gearbox; it now has seven speeds and is standard on the TTS. A six-speed manual is still standard on the TT, with the dual-clutch available as an option.
To commemorate the 20th anniversary of the TT, Audi will also produce 999 special-edition TT 20 Years versions, with several detail highlights, including moccasin-brown Nappa leather interior, numbered badges, stainless tailpipes and grey paint, and a few other unique touches.
We’re to run the closed section of the Mountain Course backwards first, beginning at Creg-ny-baa, and then turning around at the Hairpin, where we will run it in its proper direction for the return trip. Organizers have installed 14 marshalling stations along the course, making it feel like a race, though we are reminded during the drivers’ meeting that it is not. For safety, a 145 km/ h speed limit is imposed. We’re also led by one of Audi’s hired guns, who maintains a blistering pace.
The TTS is placed in Dynamic mode for the drive, the other choices being Auto, Comfort or Efficiency. Dynamic sets the throttle response to its most aggressive, and firms up the steering and magnetic ride suspension. While it also holds gears longer for aggressive driving in automatic mode, I kept the gear selector to the right from Drive, in manual mode, to allow gear changes using the steering wheel-mounted paddles.
Immediately from the start we get hard on the gas, and the new seven-speed shifts gears with almost no delay after hitting the paddles, while the clutches are tuned to provide quick gear changes. Closer ratios help keep the engine spinning in the sweet spot of its powerband.
Not being on a purpose-built racetrack makes driving at speed much more challenging, and demands much sharper focus, since the layout isn’t imprinted in your mind from lapping several times. Former Tourist Trophy winner and Isle of Man resident Richard (Milky) Quayle is also present, giving a few pointers on how to negotiate the challenging and fast course.
Make a mistake here and you’re either sailing into a rocky field, bouncing off a stone wall, or smashing into a tree, none of which have desirable outcomes. This emphasizes the TTS’S wellbalanced chassis and forgiving power band. Acceleration is hard but not overwhelming, and the well-weighted steering follows commands precisely as we take proper racing lines and use up the entire width of the road.
While I’ve driven very fast on a racetrack before, I’ve never before driven on public roads as fast as here at the Isle of
Man. This drive has given me a new-found respect for those who compete here, as well as a renewed affinity for Audi’s refreshed sports coupe. I’d never attempt driving like this on a road that’s not closed to regular traffic.
The 2019 Audi TT models will arrive at dealers in the first quarter of next year, and pricing will be announced closer to arrival. The current TT coupe starts at $53,100 and the TTS at $63,400.