New Audi TT Roadster arrives
FWD and quattro versions on sale now
Audi TT Roadster 3.2 quattro
Like its coupé counterpart, the new TT Roadster uses a hybrid space frame bodyshell made of 58 per cent aluminium and 42 per cent steel to minimise weight and improve dynamic potential.
As a result, the four-cylinder version weighs 1,295kg unladen, and body rigidity has increased by 120 per cent, reckoned Audi.
The Roadster retains a cloth hood to save weight. It's electro-hydraulically powered in both versions and includes a heated glass rear window. A powered mesh wind deflector is also standard to streamline airflow through the cabin and minimise buffeting.
The new soft top is both lighter than before through the use of a new steel and aluminium support framework, and more insulating thanks to an additional layer of soundproofing. Operation is now completely hands-free, with no need to attach or detach the hood to or from the windscreen rail, and the full opening or closing process takes place in just 12 seconds, and can be carried out at speeds of up to 19mph. The soft top also stows more neatly and space efficiently than before, said Audi, thanks to a new Z-fold system which stacks the rigid front section of the roof on top of the cloth to form a cover that sits flush with the body and eliminates the need for a tonneau.
New FSI power
The TT Roadster will be powered by either the 2.0-litre Turbo FSI petrol engine with 197bhp or the 3.2-litre V6 petrol unit with 247bhp. In common with the Coupé, 2.0 T FSI versions are front-wheel-driven, and the 3.2-litre models are quattros. Six-speed manual transmission is standard in both versions, with the S tronic twin-clutch automatic transmission (formerly known as DSG) a £1,400 option.
Underpinnings use a new suspension configuration incorporating a multi-link set-up at the rear for improved composure at speed. Handling's improved by a wider track, new electromechanical speed-sensitive steering and a better brakes, reckoned Audi.
Like the coupé, the roadster gets dampers filled with a magnetorheological fluid containing minute magnetic particles that can be influenced by an electromagnetic field. By applying a voltage to the system’s electromagnets, the viscosity of the fluid is altered by the affected magnetic particles, increasing resistance to damper movement to iron out pitch and roll when necessary, and reducing resistance when ride comfort takes precedence.
Stability at speed is also enhanced by an electrically powered rear spoiler which helps to increase rear downforce, and retracts to sit flush with the body when not required.
Equipment
Standard equipment includes powered roof and wind deflector operation, sports seats with leather and Alcantara mix upholstery for 2.0 TFSI versions or full leather for the V6, electronic climate control, a new generation MP3-compatible audio system with single CD player, an RS 4-style flat-bottomed leather-rimmed steering wheel and a Driver’s Information System (DIS).
V6 versions add front seat heating, an enhanced braking system, an exterior light styling pack and quattro four-wheel-drive. Alloy wheels are 17-inch Trapez design in the 2.0 TFSI or 18-inch 10-spoke design in the V6.
I can't get my head around how Audi keep managing to do this. They take all the ingredients and turn it into something duller than it should be.
At least the cabrio should have better visibility than the coupe. There are huge blindspots on the coupe. Bikers beware!
I can't get my head around how Audi keep managing to do this. They take all the ingredients and turn it into something duller than it should be.
I completely agree, The New S3 is exactly the same borrriinnng. A sports car is all about the driving experience. Take that experience away and we might as well all drive a Hyundai getz.
I ended my A4 lease early out of frustration, and my experience in the TT hasn't convinced me that Audi have hired any decent damper specialists yet...........
I can't get my head around how Audi keep managing to do this. They take all the ingredients and turn it into something duller than it should be.
nope.....can't see any I can't get my head around how Audi keep managing to do this. They take all the ingredients and turn it into something duller than it should be.
I totally agree with that. Audi are a fantastic marketing machine. They make people spend absurd amounts of money in very desirable cars based on very humble underpinnings with very humble handling but their customer could not care less.
Well said - they knock spots off anything BMW & Merc do at the moment!
anyway, I hope Audi hasnt messed this up too. It looks excellent, but not overdone (Audi's expertise), and looks like its not a brick (wasnt the mk1 3.2Quattro like 3400lbs?), but I havent really looked at it yet. opefully they'll have considered weight and didnt put too big/heavy an engine and drivetrain in (another reason RWD or an overhauled quattro needs to come). I've heard steering feel is there even though not great, so there could be potential, maybe, for some track duty. all i can do is hope until i see it for myself
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