2016 Audi TT: Audi’s compact sprinter gets updated
I drove the first generation of the Audi TT that came to America in 2000. It was avant-garde, with an exterior that made me swoon, a cabin that was inventive, and technologies that were innovative … and, then, there was the power that was unexpectedly potent. A second generation came and Audi moved the needle forward again. So, I wondered, what would the all-new third gen model bring that would retain the TT’s heritage, yet propel it to novel wizardry?
I recently went to the wine country on the outskirts of Portland, Oregon, to drive the 2016 Audi TT. My heart was stolen again. Redesigned outside and in, the all-new TT has also been endowed with significant updates in technology. Available in a four-seater coupe or two-passenger roadster body, all TTs come Quattro as standard issue. The coupe starts at $42,900 and the roadster at $46,400; it will also be available soon dressed as the more sizzling TTS Quattro coupe that will be priced starting at $51,900 — a roadster will follow later. On sale late
summer, the new TT and TTS compete with the Porsche Boxster, Porsche Cayman, BMW Z4, Mazda Miata MX-5, and the Mercedes-Benz SLK, among others.
Audi said the TT is not a sports car but a sportscar. All models are required to carry forward its sportscar DNA and iconic design, plus add revolutionary technology. The new TT keeps its unique, iconic shape and has some refinements that modernize its fully aluminum body. The threebox design wears its top one-third as its slightly stretched upper cabin and the bottom two-thirds as the body that has a look of motion more than the previous more bubbled shape. The fascia borrows some imprint of Audi’s R8 and carries over the trademark Singleframe grille; its edges are knocked off to give it a more hexagonal shape, with the traditional brushed black horizontal slats. Head- and taillights are fully LED with dynamic turn signals, and a stunning double vertical light pattern in front; other features and cues include standard 18-inch five-twin-spoke alloy wheels, dual chrome-tipped exhaust ports, and a retractable rear spoiler. The cloth-top roadster comes with aluminum-optic trimmed roll bars.
Interior features
Inside is a showcase for tech upgrades. Many automakers are adding at least one — or even two — screens to the dash, Audi has embodied its motto of “Progress through Technology” or “Vorsprung durch Technik,” removing the center audio panel and adding an innovative virtual cockpit, with a 12.3-inch display that replaces the traditional gauge cluster, located behind the steering wheel. With Nvidia technology, the display is visible in varying light and can be seen from the passenger seat; a center console dial gives the right-seat rider control over navigation, audio and more. Two modes are available; Classic gives a more traditional view of speedometer and tachometer; Progressive adds navigation. With 60 frames per second, there is no lag time detectable.
Audi’s MMI system comes with two USB ports, one auxiliary input, single disc, AM/ FM and satellite radio, with phase diversity for better reception, and Bluetooth connect — all are standard, with a 90-day SiriusXM Satellite Radio trial subscription. Bundled in are a Radio Data System that displays radio station details, calls, and other information; there is also a voice control system and Graduated Audio Level Adjustment, which raises and lowers volume based on speed. Standard is a 188-watt nine-speaker sound system, with an optional Bang & Olufsen 680-watt 12-speaker surround sound. Options include the MMI Navigation and Audi Connect, plus a complimentary 6-month subscription trial. Audi Connect MIB2 infotainment system brings 4G LTE connection and assists with voice recognition, map updates and INRIX XD Traffic.
Automatic headlights and rain-sensing wipers come standard as does HomeLink garage door opener; cruise control; key/keyless start, stop and entry and an extended radio remote locking system, with “rolling code” security that turns on cabin lights and panic alarm. A rear acoustic parking sensor comes standard, as an upgrade to the rear parking camera; front acoustic sensors and lane change assist are available.
Engine specifications
The TT is motivated by a 16-valve 2.0-liter TFSI engine with a six-speed Stronic transmission; it produces 220 horsepower and 258 pound-feet. The dual-clutch transmission can be shifted via a driver-selectable manual mode and paddle shifters. The Coupe and Roadster clock in at 5.3 and 5.6 seconds respectively.
My drive day in the new coupe consisted of close to 200 miles of sheer motoring pleasure, piloting it along a carefully-chosen collection of roadways, including a course of tight, twisting and undulating two-lanes. Having seat time in the previous two models, it is fair to say that performance upgrades combined with updates to the AWD system give the new model a more sporting character; torque can be distributed up to 100 percent to either the front or rear wheels, in concert with stability control, high-tech dampers, throttle position, and steering angle. During hard cornering, the wheels closest to the inside are momentarily decelerated helping with turn-in and to reducing understeer. Drive mode settings let you motor in Comfort, Auto, Dynamic or Custom; it’s a car-lover’s dream team that lets your different personalities choose whether loud exhaust notes and burbles when downshifting at speeds that can reach 160 mph or contented cruising listening to tunes on the Bang & Olufsen.
MacPherson struts keep the car lighter, as does the aluminum sub-frame and the large ventilated front disc/solid rear brakes provide mannered and enthusiastic stopping power when you stretch the throttle. This Bavarian-born, Hungarian-built coupe is everything that past generations have been and more. Audi has hit the mark once again.