Worthy of your lust
Audi’s slick, new roadster packs speed, agility and loads of impressive technology in a small, sexy package
PALMA DE MALLORCA, Spain • When the Audi TT Roadster debuted in the mid-’90s, it pushed Audi’s stylistic envelope and changed its image forever. While some will argue the second-generation TT backed away from the edginess of the original and its funky baseball-mitt seats, it was still a sweet ride. Now comes the third-generation Roadster.
As before the TT, and its hopped-up sibling, the TTS, is one cool ride. From its sleek lines to its bulging fenders and piercing LED lights it has road presence galore. While the Roadster looks smart with the canvas top up, it takes on a whole new look with it folded — the large rollover hoops giving the appearance some real pizzazz.
The new powered s of t top opens and closes in 10 seconds and at speeds of up to 50 kilometres an hour. It can also be operated remotely via the key fob. The design also consumes less space than a hardtop convertible, which means there’s still 280 litres of cargo space. Not overly abundant, but enough for a weekend getaway.
Compared with the outgoing model, the new TT is 21 millimetres shorter and 10 mm narrower; however, the wheelbase grows by 37 mm. The TTS then rides 10 mm lower, which emphasizes its sportier persona. Underpinning the seductive look is Audi’s hybrid aluminum/ steel platform. This blend not only brings incredible strength, as was witnessed by the total lack of cowl shake on the drive, the lightweight design is good for fuel economy and it works wonders for the handling.
Here the TT proved to be as tenacious as it gets, espe- cially the TTS. The latter puts Audi’s magnetic ride suspension to great use, as it dialed out all body roll without sacrificing ride comfort. Throw in the excellent steering feel, powerful brakes (the TTS’s being noticeably larger than the TT’s) and the effects of the Quattro all-wheel-drive system and you have a gokart that ducks and weaves with the very best speedsters. On the drive, Quattro shuttled the power around in a completely seamless manner, meaning there was no wheelspin and it hauls the car out of a corner with much greater authority. That cemented its dynamic appeal for me.
The TT and TTS are powered by very different versions of essentially the same engine. The TT’s 2.0-litre turbocharged four makes a healthy 230 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque at just 1,600 r.p.m. This gives it a rewarding mid-range and plenty of passing power. The other upside? It is equally frugal — based on the European testing it consumes an average of 6.7 litres per 100 kilometres.
The TTS is something else. Its 2.0L four turns the turbo’s wick up to the point where it spins out 310 h.p. and 280 lb.-ft. of torque. This brought a riotous ride — the run to 100 km/h dropped to 4.9 seconds. It also put so much more spring in the TTS’s step across the entire operating range.
Then there was the exhaust tone. While the TT sounds purposeful, the TTS brings a delicious roar that builds with speed. Two flaps in the exhaust system open at higher loads/r.p.m., which made it intoxicating. It was enough to force me to slow down, hammer the gas and enjoy the mellifluous note as it rocketed back to speed. Then I just had to do it again and again. Life is good!
Both engines are teamed with Audi’s six-speed S-tronic twin-clutch transmission. While there is a manual offered in Europe, S tronic is the better route to go. The ratios are perfectly matched to the engines and it makes both models faster — the TT drops from 6.2 seconds for the manual to 5.6 seconds with the twin-clutch aboard.
Audi drive select allows the driver to select comfort, auto, dynamic, efficiency and individual modes at the push of a button. The system tweaks everything from throttle response and shift timing to the steering’s effort and how Quattro divvies up the power. Don’t Mickey Mouse about — pick dynamic and be done with it.
The TT’s cabin is a cozy affair, but it’s comfortable nonetheless. The sport buckets in the TTS were formfitting and delivered just the right amount of support. The rest of the cockpit is finished with Audi’s typical élan — elegant simplicity, beautiful materials and exemplary fit and finish.
The highlight is the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. It displays all of the information in stunning style. The driver can switch between various looks through the “View” button. Infotainment sees the tachometer and speedometer flank a large central area that displays the navigation, phone or media functions. The classic view shrinks the central display and increases the size of the outer dials. The TTS features a sports mode that gives the tachometer pride of place in the centre of the display. Regardless of format, the layout really does set a new standard for showcasing information — the screen’s brightness, which is twice that of a normal digital display, and clarity are outstanding. It was also devoid of the usual reflections that make for a digital disaster.
The lot is controlled through Audi’s Multi-Media Interface (MMI). It has been reworked to bring better functionality. As it stood, MMI was the easiest of the bunch to use. The latest version is even easier — the round rotary push button includes an optional touch-sensitive top.
The touchpad allows the driver to scribe numbers or letters and it recognizes smartphone gestures. This allows the driver to zoom in or out of the map, as well as swipe and scroll through functions. The hard buttons for navigation/phone and radio/media sit ahead of the controller with the menu and back buttons residing behind. As I say, elegant in its simplicity.
There was a lot to love about the outgoing TT Roadster — there is so much more to lust after this time around. From its overtly smart looks and speedy work ethic to the buttoned-down handling, it is a smile inducer of the first order. The new 2016 Audi TT and TTS Roadsters hit Canadian roads in August. No word on pricing yet, but expect the duo to mirror current pricing — $54,600 for the TT and $65,100 for the hotter TTS.
Sleek lines and bulging fenders give the car road presence galore