The new Audi TT Roadster starts out life with a choice of two transverse petrol engines – one a four-cylinder turbo, and the other a naturally aspirated V6. Both power units provide it with impressive pulling power, top performance values and correspondingly dynamic road performance.
- 2.0 TFSI developing 147 kW (200 bhp), 280 Nm
- 3.2 V6 developing 184 kW (250 bhp), 320 Nm
The 2.0 TFSI
The direct-injection four-cylinder turbo engine badged as the TFSI has a displacement of 1,984 cm3. In recognition of its innovative technical package, an international jury of automotive specialists voted it the "Engine of the Year" in both 2005 and 2006. The TFSI engine combines the FSI petrol direct injection system developed by Audi with a turbocharger – an ideal combination.
FSI petrol direct injection has already demonstrated its superiority in terms of performance and efficiency not only for road driving, but also in particular measure in the world of motor sport. From 2001, the Audi R8 sports prototype powered by FSI engines notched up numerous overall wins in endurance races, including five wins in the legendary Le Mans 24 Hours. FSI technology involves injecting the fuel at between 30 and 110 bar from an accumulator, similar to the common rail of a diesel engine, directly into the combustion chambers.
Flaps in the intake tract moved by actuating motors induce a rolling type of movement in the incoming air. The injectors atomise the fuel into this "tumble" inside the combustion chambers. Because the fuel’s evaporation draws heat out of the combustion chambers, petrol direct injection overcomes the fundamental problem faced by all turbocharged engines – the high amount of heat generated, and the engine’s resulting tendency to knock, hitherto necessitating a reduced compression ratio. For the TFSI, Audi has been able to achieve an exceptionally high compression ratio of 10.3:1, decisively improving the thermodynamic efficiency of the engine.
The continuously variable intake camshaft in the TFSI cylinder head contributes towards optimum cylinder filling across the entire engine-speed range. The lightweight pistons are made from a highly heat-resistant aluminium alloy with a piston-ring carrier zone featuring a grey cast iron reinforcement.
Two balancing shafts running at double the speed of the crankshaft compensate for the second-degree inertial forces, thus producing a high level of refinement in the engine’s running. The turbocharger’s turbine housing and the exhaust manifold are made from a single grey cast iron component. The charge-air intercooler is located immediately ahead of the engine’s radiator, with the result that it also catches the airflow of the cooling fan.
Cooling of the compressed air increases the charging efficiency of the cylinders. The two-litre TFSI is a real all-rounder. It responds spontaneously to the accelerator, revs up eagerly and delivers ample pulling power even at very low engine speeds. The undersquare engine puts 280 Nm of torque onto the crankshaft even at engine speeds as low as 1,800 rpm, and is able to keep this high level of torque constant up to 5,000 rpm. The nominal power output of 147 kW (200 bhp) is available between 5,100 and 6,000 rpm.
The Audi TT Roadster 2.0 TFSI accelerates to 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds (in the version featuring S tronic) and on to a top speed of 237 km/h. It clocks up 100 kilometres on an average of 7.8 litres of premium-grade fuel, irrespective of transmission type.
The 3.2 V6
Even more power is on tap from the V6 engine with its 3,189 cm3 capacity. Its peak torque of 320 Nm is available at engine speeds as low as 2,500 to 3,000 rpm, and its output of 184 kW (250 bhp) at 6,300 rpm. Many aspects of the six-cylinder engine have been revised compared with the version in the previous TT Roadster model.
The reconfigured mapped characteristic ensures that it responds to the throttle even more spontaneously and with more "bite" in all engine speed ranges.
This undersquare engine is fascinatingly free-revving and sonorous, accentuating in particular the intake sound, whereas the sound produced by the TFSI is primarily based on the exhaust spectrum.
The V6 owes its suitability for transverse installation to its extremely narrow included angle of just 15 degrees between the cylinder banks; both banks share the same cylinder head. Both camshafts can be adjusted continuously, for more effective cylinder filling – by 52 degrees at the intake end and 42 degrees at the exhaust end.
The variable intake manifold optimises cylinder filling still further. The new Audi TT Roadster 3.2 quattro with S tronic sprints from a standing start to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds. Its top speed is 250 km/h (governed), and its average fuel consumption 9.5 litres per 100 km.
The chassis
The sporty chassis has undergone complete redevelopment for the new TT Roadster. Its chief features are the complex four-link rear suspension, wide track widths, elastokinematics that have been heavily reworked, plus large wheels. The 2.0 TFSI rides on 16-inch and the 3.2 quattro on 17-inch alloy wheels. The wheels may be specified with run-flat capabilities as an option.
The front wheel suspension, which is linked to a separate subframe, has a McPherson construction that has been refined by the use of lightweight aluminium components. The electromechanical power-assisted steering combines a direct ratio with sensitive precision.
The construction of the four-link rear suspension, which also operates using a subframe, separates the coil springs and the shock absorbers from one another. The longitudinal links – which have a relatively soft set-up for enhanced ride comfort – absorb the propulsive and braking forces, while the rigid connection of the three transverse links for each wheel allows them to direct the lateral forces into the bodyshell with great precision.
The redeveloped electronic stabilisation program (ESP) has been optimised for a sporty driving style and to help produce the steering balance of the TT Roadster, which varies between neutral and slight understeer. If necessary, the brake assist system takes action to ensure that the four large disc brakes build up maximum braking power as fast as possible.
The optional Audi magnetic ride adaptive damping system is a high-tech feature that is unique in the roadster segment. At the push of a button, drivers can choose between either an extra-comfortable or a decidedly dynamic suspension set-up. Circulating inside the shock absorber struts is a special fluid containing minute magnetic particles. Applying a voltage to this fluid alters its viscosity – and therefore the damping characteristics – within milliseconds.
The rear suspension
The new four-link rear suspension, also new, represents a further major technical breakthrough. It is used on both the quattro and the front-wheel-drive version, the only difference being the subframe, which is made from aluminium instead of sheet steel on the quattro, and accommodates the additional differential. The rear track measures 1,558 millimetres, an increase of 45 mm on the previous model.
The four-link principle realises major benefits in terms of driving dynamics, because it separates the functions of cushioning of longitudinal and transverse forces. The longitudinal links absorb the driveline and braking forces, and their relatively soft mounts assure good ride comfort. On the other hand, the three wishbones per wheel – the spring link, the upper wishbone and the tie rod – are attached very rigidly to the subframe, for optimum handling characteristics. As on the front axle, the subframe is bolted firmly to the body.
All links are made from high-strength steel grades. Separate, compact springs and shock absorbers provide the necessary vertical support. The progress that this configuration represents really can be felt. The new TT Roadster responds with precision to steering movements, with only minimal movement of the body. It turns spontaneously and takes all manner of bends at high speed; its high limits of handling are heralded by a slight understeering response. The new TT Roadster features sporty settings.
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The TT Roadster 2.0 TFSI features 16-inch cast aluminium wheels, fitted with 225/55 R 16 tyres as standard. The 3.2 quattro is equipped with forged 17-inch lightweight alloy wheels, fitted with size 245/45 R 17 tyres. There are in addition three designs of 18-inch wheels in the range; quattro GmbH can even supply wheels measuring up to 19 inches in diameter. Run-flat tyres with reinforced side walls are available for all 17 and 18-inch wheels.
As a further option, Audi can supply a refined tyre pressure monitoring system that identifies precisely which wheel has suffered a puncture. The brake system has been specially matched to the requirements of a sports car. Newly developed brake pads on the front wheels generate around 15 percent more friction. On the four-cylinder version, the front discs are ventilated and measure 312 mm in diameter; the large rear discs have a diameter of 286 mm.
The 3.2 quattro features four ventilated discs, in diameters of 340 mm at the front and 310 mm at the rear. The brake calipers, painted black as standard, are also available in the colour dark grey as an option. Thanks to the new ratio of the brake servo, the pedal response is more direct and spontaneous, and braking power easier to regulate. There is also a brake assist system to aid the driver in critical situations.
Particular emphasis was in addition placed on reducing the braking distance when the new stabilisation program was developed. The ESP has moreover been optimised for a sporty driving style and subtlety of control. Its new functions include dry-braking the discs in rain by repeatedly applying the pads briefly to the discs. Both engine versions of the TT Roadster can be supplied optionally with Audi magnetic ride – this new damping technology overcomes the traditional conflict of objectives between comfort and handling characteristics.
A continuously adaptive system, it repeatedly adjusts the damping characteristics to the new situation within a matter of milliseconds. The shock absorber pistons contain a special magneto-rheological fluid – a synthetic hydrocarbon oil in which microscopically small magnetic particles measuring between three and ten microns are enclosed. When a voltage is applied to a coil, a magnetic field is created in which the alignment of the particles changes. They arrange themselves transversely to the direction of flow of the oil, thus inhibiting its flow through the piston channels. This instantaneously alters the characteristic, much faster than is possible in conventional adaptive dampers.
Two programs: comfortable or dynamic
The control unit, supplied by complex sensing technology, constantly monitors the properties of the road surface and the driver’s style. The driver is able to activate the normal position or the Sport mode via a button on the centre tunnel. In the normal mode – when the oil is more viscous – the TT Roadster rolls smoothly; this is ideal for long-distance driving or uneven road surfaces.
In the Sport mode, by contrast – when the oil is less viscous – it reveals an extremely dynamic character that is manifested by a firm grip of the road surface. From the very moment the steering is turned, rolling movements are suppressed even more effectively than in the basic suspension setting, and the steering response is further improved. The specific stabilisation of each individual wheel further optimises the self-steering behaviour, resulting in a driving feel reminiscent of a go-kart.
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The new Audi TT Roadster is priced at a similar level to the previous model – the 2.0 TFSI costs EUR 33,800, and the 3.2 quattro EUR 43,800 (incl. 19 % VAT). The standard specification reflects the character of the open-top two-seater: it is copiously equipped and offers every creature comfort that even sporty drivers could wish for. The first external sign of the new Audi TT’s dynamic potential is provided by its large aluminium wheels. They measure 16 inches across on the 2.0 TFSI and 17 inches on the 3.2 quattro.
The V6 sports a black high-gloss radiator grille and specially designed headlights and rear lights, with factory-fitted xenon plus headlights including daytime running lights. Front fog lights and electrically adjustable exterior mirrors – including heating on the V6 – are part of the standard specification for both versions. One distinguishing feature of the 3.2 quattro is the individual tailpipes on the left and right, whereas the 2.0 TFSI has both tailpipes grouped as a pair on the left-hand side. The rollover bars with aluminium trims on the reverse side are characteristic features of both versions.
Inside both engine versions, the driver information system shows information for the on-board computer on its display, and also shows the road speed in digital numbers. Electric window lifts, central locking with radio remote control and the new "chorus" radio provide a high standard of comfort and convenience for everyday use of the TT. On both engine versions the sports seats can also be height-adjusted, and the sports steering wheel is trimmed in Fine Nappa leather.
The TT Roadster 3.2 quattro has heated seat upholstery in Alcantara/Leather, and operating elements such as the door pull handles, the handbrake handle and the armrest in the centre console are in addition trimmed in leather. Its automatic air conditioning system regulates the heating and ventilation depending on the sun’s position. Various controls and trims on the V6 have a resplendent aluminium finish.
Optional extras
Leather trim is available for the interior of the new TT Roadster in a choice of Valetta, Fine Nappa, Leather/Alcantara (standard on 3.2 quattro) and Impulse. Customers in addition have three leather packages to choose from. A four-way lumbar support, electric 12-way adjustment and seat heating (standard on the 3.2 quattro) are available as options. The storage package includes two nets and four additional compartments, two under the front seats and two in the rear wall behind the seats. There is a further package comprising various aluminium-look controls and inlays. There are more options which enhance safety on board the TT Roadster.
The headlight washer system (standard on V6 and with xenon plus) maintains a clear view, and the acoustic parking aid Audi parking system facilitates reversing into a parking space. The anti-theft alarm is combined with interior monitoring, and an Isofix mounting for a child’s seat is available for the passenger seat. The cruise control makes driving lengthy stretches of motorway an altogether more relaxing affair. The same applies to the leather multifunction steering wheel, which incorporates buttons for operating the radio, speech control system and telephone. On the versions with S tronic, there are also the shift paddles for the transmission.
The size 17 and 18 inch tyres are also available as versions with run-flat properties on the new TT Roadster. Intelligent tyre pressure monitoring is available for the standard tyres. There are aluminium winter wheels in the standard dimensions from 16 to 18 inches, and summer wheels measuring up to 19 inches in the S line and exclusive range.
The new TT Roadster comes with a choice of three solid paint colours as standard, with ten metallic and pearl-effect colours available as options. A special lights styling package incorporates chrome-look trims for the headlights and black rear-light inserts (standard on the 3.2 quattro and in conjunction with xenon plus). Audi is able to supply the headlights of the new TT
Roadster in two different versions: xenon plus lights with integral daytime running lights (standard on the 3.2 quattro), and a xenon plus system that incorporates adaptive light, the dynamic cornering light system. A combined light and rain sensor is also available as an option.
The S tronic dual-clutch gearbox and the adaptive damping system Audi magnetic ride guarantee the TT Roadster a unique competitive position. Customers looking for other dynamic options such as sports suspension with steel springs will find them in the S lines and in the Audi exclusive range from quattro GmbH.
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Audi is presenting a new generation of equipment for its infotainment technology. The three new audio systems have a double DIN frontage format. Their VHF reception has been substantially improved and the controls made simpler: around the large-format three-line display are six softkeys which perform different functions depending on which menu is selected.
The standard-specification "chorus" radio features a single CD drive. The "concert" model is able to play MP3-coded tracks, and the top-of-the-range "symphony" model incorporates an MP3-enabled six-disc CD changer. High-quality sound systems ensure audio enjoyment.
The "chorus" radio supplies four passive speakers with an output of 40 watts. On the other two models, a digital five-channel amplifier produces an output of 140 watts, spread among nine active speakers. The highlight is a surround sound system from the specialist Bose: twelve high-performance speakers, including one subwoofer, are supplied with a total output of 255 watts from eight separate channels.
Customers have a choice of two radio and navigation systems in the new TT Roadster. The operating logic for both systems shares the exemplary MMI concept from the large Audi model series, and they can be combined with other modules such as a CD changer or mobile phone preparation. The large system can also play MP3-coded songs on CDs and memory cards. The new TT Roadster can, if desired, be equipped with a mobile phone interface with Bluetooth technology; the telephone can also be operated via the multifunction steering wheel or the navigation systems.
The market
Like its predecessor, the new Audi TT Roadster has considerable potential to win over new customers. Most of its customers will be young, dynamic climbers aged between 30 and 45 – the youngest customer group for Audi and indeed the field of competitors. They will have a high level of education and professional qualifications.
The first generation of the TT Roadster was already extremely popular with women. That is likely to remain the case with its successor. Buyers of the new TT Roadster will attach particular importance to lifestyle and leisure. They regard their car as a statement of their personal vitality, and feel a strong emotional bond with it. For them, driving a roadster is a tangible expression of freedom and independence.
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