2010 Audi TTS

S tronic, which deploys two clutches, is capable of performing extremely quick gear shifts at high engine loads and rev speeds; consequently, the time taken to sprint from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) is cut by a further two-tenths of a second in both the Coupe and Roadster. Loss-free transfer of power to the road is the task of the standard quattro permanent all-wheel drive that enables the TTS to accelerate quicker and with greater stability than its rivals. At the heart of this system is a hydraulic multi-plate clutch that works faster than ever thanks to a new pressure reservoir.

The TTS rolls off the production line equipped with yet another high-tech module – the Audi magnetic ride adaptive damping system. This gives the driver the choice of two characteristic settings: “Standard” mode is designed for a wellbalanced, comfortable ride, whereas in the “Sport” setting the TTS harnesses all of the potential of its sports suspension – which lowers the body by 10 millimeters (0.39 in.) – to deliver uncompromisingly dynamic handling. Its front suspension is mainly made of aluminum, while the efficient technology of the precision electromechanical steering also helps to improve fuel consumption considerably. The sports car is safely brought to a standstill by the high-performance braking system with its 17-inch discs.

Yet another factor in the supreme performance of the TTS is the hybrid construction of its body. Steel is used at the rear end, while the front and center sections of the body are built from lightweight aluminum. ASF (Audi Space Frame) technology optimizes axle load distribution and reduces the overall weight. The manual Coupe weighs just 1,395 kilograms (3,075.45 lbs), which equates to a power-to-weight ratio of 5.1 kg/hp (11.24 lbs/hp).

Powerful looks: 18-inch wheels plus new headlights

The Audi TTS instantly stands out as the dynamic flagship of the TT model line. The standard 18-inch aluminum wheels are a highlight of the exterior design, as are the headlights, comprising newly designed bi-xenon units with LED daytime running lights. Inside, passengers are welcomed by deep-set sports seats trimmed in a mixture of leather and Alcantara, with Silk Nappa leather seat upholstery in four different color combinations available as an option. The gray instrument panel as well as the multifunctional steering wheel add further styling touches. The TTS Roadster comes with an electrohydraulic drive for the soft top, a power wind deflector, plus, for added practicality, a load-through facility. The rear seats in the Coupe have a split-folding design, allowing luggage capacity to be increased from 290 to 700 liters (10.24 to 24.72 cubic ft.).

The unveiling of the TTS also marks something of an anniversary for Audi: It was 10 years ago that the TT Coupe first took to the road, swiftly acquiring the status of design icon. And the TT has stayed firmly in the fast lane ever since.

Performance

5.2 seconds for the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) and a top speed governed at 250 km/h (155.34 mph) – these two key figures for the Coupe with S tronic dual-clutch transmission clearly spell out just how much performance the Audi TTS has to offer. The sports car with the four-ring badge is a classic driving machine – powerful, fast and light, rigorously faithful to its concept and to applying it systematically.

The high efficiency of the TFSI engine is typical of Audi. The two-liter power unit mobilizes all of 265hp, yet the average fuel consumption in the Coupe version is a very abstemious 8.0 liters (29.40 mpg). In the Roadster, the figure is 8.2 liters per 100 km (28.68 mpg). In combination with S tronic, consumption is cut by a further one-tenth and two-tenths of a liter respectively.

When driven in laid-back style, the ultra-powerful TFSI engine shows resplendent poise – its 350 Nm (258.15 lb-ft) available constantly from 2,500 to 5,000 rpm gives it a broad torque plateau.

When the supercharged direct-injection unit is put to the test, however, it gladly displays its sport engine credentials. It responds to the accelerator directly and with plenty of bite, revving up to 6,800 rpm with playful ease. Yet throughout, the powerful TFSI delivers a sound that blends power with harmony thanks to the elaborate fine-tuning work that went into its intake and exhaust system.

The manual six-speed transmission of the TTS harmonizes perfectly with this dynamic character. Audi can also supply the dynamic S tronic as an option, again with six speeds. With its two clutches, the high-tech transmission changes gear even faster than the sportiest driver. Plus it trims two-tenths of a second off the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) – reducing the figure to 5.2 seconds for the Coupe and 5.4 seconds for the Roadster.

quattro: even more grip, even more driving enjoyment

The quattro permanent all-wheel drive that distributes power between all four wheels if need be makes the TTS a genuine exception in the compact sports car segment. The latest version of this system responds even faster when the grip beneath the wheels changes. quattro technology continues to transfer the engine’s entire power to the road where competitors with only two driven wheels start to find it difficult to maintain traction – whether on slippery surfaces or when accelerating early out of a bend.

The TTS Coupe and TTS Roadster weigh in at a very light unladen weight of 1,395 and 1,455 kilograms (3075.42 and 3207.69 lb) respectively, and their power-to-weight ratio is 5.1 and 5.3 kilograms per hp (11.24 and 11.68 lb/hp). Their highly rigid, predominantly aluminum bodies are the basis for excellent handling – giving the TTS the dynamism of a top athlete in this respect as well.

-----

The Drivetrain

The TFSI engine fitted in the TTS summons its power from a displacement of 1984 cc, and blends two separate Audi technologies – gasoline direct injection and turbocharging – to form a partnership that is perfect for a sports car. It is with good reason that an international jury of motoring journalists has crowned the two-liter four-cylinder power unit "Engine of the Year" three times in succession since 2005.

It is not only the 265 of output that makes the TFSI so scintillating, there’s its hefty pulling power too – the maximum torque of 350 Nm (258.15 lb-ft) is constantly on tap from 2,500 up to 5,000 rpm. The Coupe with manual transmission takes just 5.4 seconds to race from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph), while a mere 4.4 seconds are required to speed up from 80 to 120 km/h (49.71 to 74.56 mph) in fourth gear. The Roadster is almost as impressive, recording times of 5.6 and 4.6 seconds respectively for the same two exercises. The electronic limiter calls a halt to this outstanding propulsion at a speed of 250 km/h (155.34 mph) in both models.

Compared to the engine it was derived from, the two-liter power unit has undergone extensive reengineering and strengthening to ready it for operation in the TTS – overhauled areas include the engine block, the cylinder head, the pistons, the connecting rods and the turbocharger, which can build up as much as 1.2 bar of relative air pressure. The intake and exhaust systems have undergone elaborate honing to allow the refined four-cylinder engine to both breathe freely and generate a powerful, resonant soundtrack. An optimized and highly efficient intercooler lowers the temperature of the compressed air, producing a crucial increase in the quantity of air supplied for combustion.

Thanks to its outstanding efficiency, the TFSI has impressive fuel consumption of 7.9 liters per 100 km (29.747 mpg) in the Coupe when partnered by the S tronic transmission, and just 8.0 l/100 km (29.375 mpg) in the Roadster. The two-liter engine is extremely light, weighing in at 153 kilograms (337.31 lbs). This has considerable benefits for the overall weight of the TTS as well as for the axle load distribution and, consequently, for the vehicle’s handling.

Strong basis: the 2.0 TFSI

The 2.0 TFSI in the Audi TTS incorporates key technical components of its 147 kW (200 hp) base engine. Its intake camshaft can be adjusted through 42 degrees for optimum cylinder charging and the two balancing shafts rotate at double the speed of the crankshaft to compensate for the second-degree inertial forces.

To equip it for use in the TTS, the undersquare engine was given a whole raft of radically reengineered features. The cylinder block has been reinforced at the main-bearing pedestals and the main-bearing cap. The piston pins, rings and connecting rods have also been adapted to the higher forces. The camshafts and annular valve seats, too, have been upgraded and the cylinder head consists of a new aluminum-silicon alloy.

The intake tract incorporates flaps that induce rolling movement in the incoming air. Special injectors inject the fuel into this “tumble” at pressures of up to 110 bar generated by a redesigned pump. The mixture has a lambda ratio of one – meaning one part fuel per 14.7 parts air. The compression ratio of 9.8:1 is in the same league as naturally aspirated engines, further enhancing the engine’s thermodynamic efficiency.

It operates with a larger turbine wheel so that the reengineered turbocharger can deliver a particularly large quantity of air. The turbocharger is an integral module made from thermally high-strength cast steel that also incorporates the exhaust manifold. It very rapidly achieves its maximum relative boost pressure of 1.2 bar. An intercooler lowers the temperature of the compressed air, increasing the engine’s thermodynamic efficiency as a result. The intercooler is made entirely from aluminum, making it even more efficient than a conventional component with plastic casing. The entire admission tract of the TTS has been optimized for minimum pressure loss. The development engineers successfully reduced the exhaust backpressure in the exhaust tract.

Audi’s powerful 2.0 TFSI engine weighs just 153 kilograms (337.30 lb), much less than the equivalent power unit of a key competitor. This benefits the overall weight of the TTS and is also a big advantage for its axle load distribution and thus handling. The engine measures just 652 millimeters (25.67 in) in length, 648 millimeters (25.51 in) in width and 666 millimeters (26.22 in) in height, making it ideal for transverse installation.

High-tech gearshifting: S tronic

Transmission of the engine’s power is handled as standard in the TTS by a manual six-speed gearshift with a light-weight magnesium housing. As an alternative, customers can opt for S tronic, which operates using six gears and two clutches positioned one behind the other. At high engine loads and rev speeds, it is capable of shifting in just two-tenths of a second. As a result of this high-speed shift work and its dynamic start-off capabilities, the dual-clutch transmission from Audi shaves a whole two-tenths off the time taken for the sprint from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in both the Coupe and the Roadster.

S tronic, which likewise boasts excellent efficiency, also allows the driver to shift gears manually using the one-touch lever or by means of paddles on the steering wheel, just like in a racing car. There is also a choice of two automatic operating modes: N for “Normal” and S for “Sport.” The clutches also have an adaptive design, enabling the start-off characteristics to be varied – whereas caution is exercised on slippery surfaces, full power can be unleashed at the driver’s command when there is firm grip.

The standard-specification quattro permanent all-wheel drive ensures loss-free transfer of the engine’s power to the road. With drive power being delivered to all four wheels, the TTS is able to accelerate quicker and more safely than its rivals, delivering dynamism coupled with supreme stability under all conditions. At the heart of the quattro system is an electronically controlled and hydraulically operated multi-plate clutch, which now works even faster than ever thanks to a new pressure reservoir. If required, all of the drive force can be redirected from the front to the rear wheels within a matter of milliseconds. To make allowance for the high torques produced by the TFSI engine in the TTS, the drive train has been reinforced as required.

Manual or automatic – the transmissions

A manual six-speed transmission is the standard solution for power transmission between the engine and wheels on the TTS. Both highly compact and ultra-light thanks to its magnesium casing, it perfectly reflects the characteristics of the top TT model. Its shafts and gears have been reinforced with an eye to the high engine torques, and gearshift travel is shorter. Gear changes are performed swiftly, with precision and ease – just as you would expect of an Audi.

Alternatively, the TTS is available with S tronic as an option – the dual-clutch transmission combines the strengths of an automatic with the benefits of a manual. It can change its six gears within just a few hundredths of a second without interrupting the power flow. S tronic responds with dynamic precision or serene poise depending on the requirements, making it the ideal partner for the TFSI engine. Its impressive efficiency is another factor that makes it ideal for the turbocharged four-cylinder engine.

The technical principle on which S tronic is based is as simple as it is brilliant: Two subsidiary transmissions, each with a multi-plate clutch, are integrated into a single casing. The first clutch serves the odd-numbered gears and reverse, and the second one serves the even-numbered gears.

The two input shafts share the same axle, with a solid shaft running inside a ollow shaft. Both subsidiary transmissions are continuously active, but only one is powered by the engine at any given time. If a gear is engaged by one of the subsidiary transmissions, the next is already preselected by the other; the gear change is accomplished by switching to the other clutch.

S tronic can be operated by the one-touch lever or – in motor racing style – via the shift paddles on the steering wheel. For added driver convenience, there are also two automatic operating modes: D (Drive) and S (Sport). S tronic’s clutches also have an adaptive feature and permit a variety of different starting characteristics. On slippery surfaces, they are engaged cautiously. When grip is good, the power is engaged forcefully if the driver so wishes.

Unbeatable: quattro drive

quattro permanent all-wheel drive, like S tronic, underscores the unique position of the TTS in the compact sports car segment. In both areas of technology, its competitors are unable to offer anything comparable.

The nerve center of the quattro drive system, developed specially for transversemounted engines, is a multi-plate clutch that is electronically controlled and hydraulically actuated.

The clutch is located at the end of the propshaft, in front of the rear axle differential – an installed position that improves the axle load distribution. Inside is a package of plates, running in an oil bath, which can be pressed together by
controlled hydraulic power. As this hydraulic pressure increases, the amount of torque diverted to the rear axle rises.

The clutch’s control unit permanently analyses the driving conditions using a wide range of data. If necessary, an electrically driven axial piston pump with five pistons nearly instantaneously generates the oil pressure needed by the clutches to divert the drive torque almost entirely from the front to the rear wheels. Thanks to a pressure reservoir, this process is completed twice as fast as it used to be – in a matter of milliseconds. All important stages of the drive line have been reinforced, from the propshaft through the differentials to the drive shafts.

Again in the TTS, the quattro principle delivers the supreme capabilities that have become an Audi hallmark – greater traction, slip-free acceleration, dynamic driving, safety and directional stability, together making up Audi’s proverbial Vorsprung durch Technik. The TTS handles dynamically and with supreme stability in all weather conditions.

-----

The Chassis

The front suspension of the TTS, with a track of 1,555 millimeters (61.22 in), adheres to a design principle that has already proved highly effective: a McPherson structure with triangular lower wishbones. The pivot bearings, the subframe and the wishbones are made from aluminum. This measure has cut the unsprung weight of the transverse links alone by 2.5 kilograms (5.51 lb). To increase the rigidity, the subframe is bolted to the body at six points. The level of servo assistance for the rack-and-pinion steering falls as the speed rises; its characteristics have been adapted to the dynamic overall character of the TTS.

Because the electromechanical system does not tap the power supply when the car is driving in a straight line, in contrast to hydraulic power steering, it operates very efficiently and saves an average of 0.2 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers. With its precise, analytical operating principle, the steering provides good road feedback yet exhibits minimal sensitivity to excitation from the road surface. Its ratio of 16.9:1 gives it a sporty character.

The four-link rear suspension has a track width of 1,546 millimeters (60.87 in). Its design principle offers major benefits in terms of driving dynamics, because it separates the cushioning of longitudinal and transverse forces. The longitudinal links absorb the driveline and braking forces, and their relatively soft mounts permit 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, benefiting the handling characteristics.

All links are made from high-strength steel grades. Separate coil springs and dampers provide vertical support.

The Audi TTS comes as standard with 18-inch cast aluminum wheels that sport the five-arm parallel-spoke S design and are shod with 245/40-size tires as standard. For winter driving, the same size wheels are available with winter tires or with 17-inch tires that are compatible with snow chains. A number of other wheel variants are optionally available, including an exclusive 19-inch cast aluminum wheel designed by quattro GmbH.

The large wheels conceal high-performance sport brakes. The ventilated disks on the front wheels measure 340 millimeters (25.67 in) in diameter and 310 mm (13.39 in) at the rear. The brake calipers are painted black, with special TTS badges at the front. Their sport brake pads guarantee high friction.

Audi magnetic ride – crisp and versatile

The TTS rolls off the production line equipped with yet another high-tech solution — the Audi magnetic ride adaptive suspension system. Circulating inside the damper pistons is a special fluid containing minute magnetic particles. When an electrical voltage is applied, the oil’s flow properties change the characteristics of the suspension.

Audi magnetic ride works adaptively, meaning that it adjusts automatically to suit the prevailing conditions. The driver can select one of two suspension settings. In “Normal” mode, when oil viscosity is high, the TTS offers a well-balanced, comfortable ride. In the “Sport” setting, meaning low viscosity, the TTS harnesses all of the potential of its sports suspension – which lowers the body by 10 millimeters (0.39 in.) – to deliver uncompromisingly dynamic handling.

The Audi generates non-stop fun at the wheel as it speeds around corners like a go-cart with absolute crispness and precision, seemingly glued to the road. Any body roll is suppressed from the moment the vehicle starts to turn. The steering becomes more responsive and direct, and selective bracing of the wheels makes the self-steering more neutral.

For sport enthusiasts: two-stage ESP

The ESP electronic stabilization program is optimized for dynamic driving. A brief press of a button at lower speeds – e.g. when driving on snow chains – is all it takes to increase wheel slip. When the button is pressed longer, the TTS driver enters a second, sporty operating plane in which the ESP permits controlled sideslip angles. The brakes intervene somewhat later than in normal operation and the engine manipulation is suppressed.

The elastokinematic behavior of the chassis links on the TTS has been slightly modified compared with the basic technical configuration; sporty springs hold the body ten millimeters (0.39 in) lower. This built-for-fun Audi is equipped with the high-tech Audi magnetic ride as standard – the shock absorbers’ electronic control resolves the conflict between comfort and drivability.

The shock absorber pistons contain a synthetic hydrocarbon fluid in which microscopically small magnetic particles measuring between three and ten microns (a micron is one-thousandth of a millimeter) are enclosed. When 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 fluid, thus inhibiting its flow through the piston channels. This alters the damping characteristic within a matter of milliseconds, much faster than is possible with conventional adaptive dampers.

The magnetic ride system’s control unit constantly monitors the properties of the road surface and the driver’s style, adjusting the response accordingly. The driver can change between the Normal and Sport modes at the touch of a button. In Normal mode, when the fluid is able to flow readily, the TTS offers a wellbalanced, comfortable ride. In the Sport mode it is uncompromisingly crisp, hugging the road; any hint of body roll is nipped in the bud. The steering response becomes even more precise and specific stabilization of each wheel imparts even more neutrality to the self-steering behavior.

The Body

An unladen weight of just 1,395 kilograms (3075.42 lb) for the manual TTS Coupe and 1,455 kilograms (3207.69 lb) for the Roadster version – low weight is the bedrock of both TTS versions’ dazzling performance. The power-to-weight ratio of 5.1 kg/hp (11.02 lb/hp) for the Coupe and 5.3 kg/hp (11.68 lb/hp) for the Roadster is a fitting reflection of Audi’s expertise in sports car construction.

The key factor is the design of both body versions. In each case, the forward structure is made from lightweight aluminum components assembled with Audi Space Frame technology (ASF) – a principle with which the brand kicked off a revolution in vehicle manufacturing in the early 1990s. Extruded sections, pressure die-castings and load-bearing aluminum panels together form a light, extremely rigid and ultra-safe structure that offers good vibrational comfort. On the Coupe, the seam between the roof and the side sections is welded by laser – this “invisible joint” gives visible expression to the extremely high standards of precision embodied by the Audi brand.

By contrast, the rear section of the floor assembly, the doors and the rear lid of the TTS are made from steel. This gives the car a balance that harmonizes perfectly with the quattro drive’s characteristics. 58 percent of the Coupe’s weight with manual transmission rests on the front wheels and 42 percent on the rear wheels. Thanks to this hybrid design, the Coupe bodyshell weighs just 206 kilograms (454.15 lb). This is comprised of 140 kilograms (308.64 lb) of aluminum (68 percent) and 66 kilograms (145.50 lb) of steel (32 percent); an all-steel structure would have weighed one and a half times as much. The body of the TTS Roadster weighs in at 251 kilograms (553.35 lb); it incorporates special components such as the steel bulkhead behind the passenger compartment and intensively ribbed side sills.

In the event of a rollover, passengers are protected by the windshield frame, which is reinforced with a super-strength steel tube, and the two rigid rollover bars with aluminum trim. The Roadster and Coupe come complete with front airbags that are activated in two stages, depending on the severity of an accident.

The belt tensioners and belt force limiters protect the driver and passenger. In a rear-end collision, the Audi backguard system uses the head restraints to support the back of the head. Both cars are equipped with head/thorax side airbags for protection in the event of a side impact.

The TTS Coupe and Roadster are assembled at the Györ plant; the ready-painted bodies arrive by rail from Ingolstadt. Györ serves as the home plant of the TT – the first generation of this sports car went into production in the city in northwest
Hungary back in 1998.

The construction of the TTS has the added major benefit of optimizing

distribution of the axle loads and reducing the vehicle’s total weight. The Coupe’s body weighs a mere 206 kilograms (454.15 lbs), of which 140 kg (308.65 lbs) is aluminum and 66 kg (145.51 lbs) steel. In the case of the TTS Roadster, whose body incorporates special reinforcements, the figure is 251 kilograms (553.36 lbs). All in all, the manual version of the Coupe weighs in at just 1,395 kilograms (3,075.45 lbs), equating to a power-to-weight ratio of 5.1 kilograms (11.24 lbs) per hp. The Roadster’s weight of 1,455 kilograms (3,207.73 lbs), meanwhile, corresponds to a ratio of 5.4 kg/hp (11.90 lbs/hp).

The Audi TTS instantly stands out as the dynamic flagship of the TT model line. One of the design highlights is undoubtedly the headlights – newly designed bixenon units featuring a horizontal strip of white LEDs that serve as daytime running lights. The single-frame grill in a platinum gray finish is embellished with slender chrome strips, while large air intakes in the restyled front apron add to the striking look.

When viewed in profile, it is not only the large 18-inch wheels that stand out; the widened, deeper door sills are equally eye-catching. A muscular rear bumper, a gray-colored diffusor trim, plus two sets of twin tailpipes protruding from the left and the right inject the vehicle’s tail with a sporty character all of its own. The spoiler on the TTS extends automatically when the speed reaches 120 km/h (74.56 mph) and retracts again when it drops back to 80 km/h (49.71 mph).

Both the Coupe and the Roadster measure 4,198 millimeters (13.77 ft) long and 1,842 mm (6.04 ft) wide; the hard-top TTS is 1,345 mm (4.41 ft) in height, its open-top counterpart 1,350 mm (4.43 ft). The Roadster features an electrohydraulically operated soft top which opens and closes in twelve seconds, even on the move at speeds below 50 km/h (31.07 mph). The soft top incorporates a large glass rear window and folds in a "Z" shape. Neither a tonneau cover nor a cover flap is needed. Extra matting between the headlining and the outer skin improves insulation, and an electrically extending/retracting wind deflector shields the occupants’ necks from drafts when the hood is down.

 ----

The exterior design

A compact, muscular body that appears to be straining at the leash even when stationary, an expressive nose end, a prominent tail and of course the famous aluminum tank cap – the Coupe and Roadster have engaging, charismatic styling. Bold lines serve to emphasize the highly dynamic character of the TT. The front end is dominated by the large platinum gray single-frame grille that sports a silver and red TTS badge. The front apron has been reshaped; the air inlets have been made larger and extend uninterrupted across the entire width, their abruptly downward-pointing corners reinforcing the striking look. The lower edging panel, or blade, is painted in the body color.

The redesigned headlights combine bi-xenon units with LED daytime running lights, a major safety innovation from Audi. The twelve white light-emitting diodes on each side are arranged in a straight line along the lower edge of the housing, combining with the plastic wings to give the brand an unmistakable design feature. The headlights are more than just lights – their design elevates them to the status of miniature technical works of art.

When viewed in profile, it is not only the large 18-inch wheels which stand out; the widened, deeper side sills are equally eye-catching. The exterior mirror housings are in gleaming aluminum. A chunky rear bumper, a diffuser trim in platinum gray and a TTS badge help the TTS make an even more imposing exit. The twin tailpipes on the left and right hint at the potential of the most powerful four-cylinder engine in the Audi range.

As on the TT, the spoiler of the TTS extends automatically at a speed of 120 km/h (74.56 mph) and is retracted again at 80 km/h (49.71 mph); in conjunction with the smooth underbody, it reduces lift. The Coupe boasts a drag coefficient of 0.31 with a frontal area of 2.09 m2; the Roadster achieves cD = 0.33 (with the soft top up) with the same frontal area.

Both cars measure 4,198 millimeters (165.28 in) in length and 1,842 millimeters (72.5 in) in width. The Coupe version of the TTS stands 1,345 millimeters (52.95 in) tall and the Roadster 1,350 millimeters (53.15 in).

Audi provides a choice of twelve body colors. The solid colors are Ibis White, Brilliant Red, Brilliant Black, Solar Orange and Imola Yellow. The metallic hues bear the names Ice Silver, Sahara Silver and Condor Gray, and the pearl effect paint finishes are Meteor Gray, Phantom Black, Deep Sea Blue and Sprint Blue. Solar Orange, Imola Yellow and Sprint Blue have been created exclusively for the TTS.

The TTS Roadster’s soft top is available in beige, black or dark gray. It incorporates a large, heated glass rear window and folds down in a Z-pattern when the roof is open, making a lid or tonneau cover unnecessary. An electro-hydraulic drive opens and closes the soft top in twelve seconds at the push of a button, even when on the move at speeds of less than 50 km/h (31.01 mph). Additional matting between the headlining and outer skin provides outstanding soundproofing and thermal insulation, and an electrically extended and retracted wind deflector reduces draughts at neck level with the soft top open.

-----

The Interior

Awaiting the passengers inside are deep-set sports seats featuring seat heating and height adjustment. They come as standard with leather/Alcantara seat covers in either black or black and silver, plus silver-colored contrast stitching. The sports seats are optionally available in Silk Nappa leather upholstery. There is also the option of the Impulse leather package, comprising black trim with silver stitching in the Coupe or chennai brown trim with espresso-colored contrast stitching in the Roadster.

The cockpit in the TTS is molded around the driver like a sleek-fitting suit. Its clean-cut, sporty design and uncompromising quality of construction is another Audi trademark. Instruments with a gray background and white needles, metal pedals, aluminum trim panels, plus a multifunctional leather sports steering wheel with a rim that’s flattened at the bottom add further styling touches.

The driver information system with its new, high-resolution white display concentrates all important information where it can be clearly seen by the driver, and includes a timer function that is able to record lap times on race tracks. Mobile entertainment out on the road comes in the form of the chorus audio system with CD player.

As well as being great fun to drive, the new sports car from Audi boasts a host of credentials that make it eminently suitable for day-to-day use. The Roadster is available with an optional load-through facility complete with removable ski bag

for added practicality. The trunk has a capacity of 250 liters (8.83 cubic ft). The rear seats in the Coupe have a split-folding design, allowing luggage capacity to be increased from 290 to 700 liters (10.24 to 24.72 cubic ft.).

The Features

Sales of the TTS will begin in the early summer. The Coupe is priced at 44,900 euros and the Roadster at 47,750 euros. The TT line’s dynamic top model comes generously equipped. Its list of features includes quattro permanent allwheel drive, the Audi magnetic ride adaptive suspension system, 18-inch aluminum wheels, xenon plus headlights with LED daytime running lights, plus – on the Roadster – the fully automatic soft top including power wind deflector. The interior is dominated by the multifunctional leather sports steering wheel. The extended aluminum styling and heated sports seats with their leather/Alcantara upholstery are further highlights. An automatic air conditioning system and Isofix child seat mountings on the front passenger seat are designed to enhance both comfort and safety.

The list of optional extras includes two navigation systems, a Bose sound system, an iPod port, an LED interior lighting package, electrically adjustable seats, as well as the Audi adaptive light dynamic cornering light system. The S tronic dualclutch transmission is an Audi technology that remains unmatched by anything the competition has to offer.

Two-color: seat covers in red and orange

The two-color concept is a defining trait of the TTS that also applies to the optional seat covers in Silk Nappa leather. The contrasting colors available are magma red, silver and signal orange; with matching seams. There is also the option of the Impulse leather package, comprising black trim with silver stitching in the Coupe or chennai brown trim with espresso-colored contrast stitching in the case of the Roadster.

The predominant color inside the TTS is sporty black, punctuated by a number of elements in pale gray. The standard specification includes trim surfaces in brushed aluminum; the footrest and pedals are in stainless steel. The door sill trims, the leather multifunction sport steering wheel with flat-bottomed rim and the gear knob display TTS logos. The selector lever on S tronic has been modified – the release catch is now on the front instead of at the side.

Like the TT, the TTS is a sports car that is excellently suited to everyday driving. The backs of both rear seats fold down in the 2+2-seater Coupe, expanding the trunk space from 290 to 700 liters (10.24 – 24.72 cubic ft). The Roadster, which offers 250 liters (8.83 cubic ft) of storage space no matter if the soft top is up or down, can also be supplied with the option of a load-through facility plus removable ski bag.

The equipment

As the dynamic top model in the TT line, the Audi TTS offers an extensive, sporty equipment specification as standard. Its highlights are quattro permanent all-wheel drive, the adaptive damping system Audi magnetic ride, and the large 18-inch alloy wheels. All these features have the same objective – to deliver competition-beating performance.

In addition to striking modifications to the body, the redesigned xenon plus headlights with LED daytime running lights lend the TTS’s face an unmistakable expressiveness. For instantly accessible, undiluted open-air driving enjoyment the TTS Roadster has an electro-hydraulic soft top and an electric wind deflector. Inside, both versions are dominated by the leather multifunction sport steering wheel, which comes complete with shift paddles on versions with the S tronic transmission.

The extended aluminum styling and heated sport seats with their exclusive leather/Alcantara upholstery are further highlights. Mobile entertainment comes in the form of the chorus audio system with CD player. Generous storage facilities, electrically adjustable exterior mirrors, automatic air conditioning and an interior mirror with automatic anti-dazzle function add to comfort and convenience when traveling in the TTS. For occupant safety, there are Isofix child seat mounts for the passenger seat, complete with an airbag deactivation switch.

Audi can supply a whole host of high-tech components as options. These include the competition-beating S tronic dual-clutch transmission, two navigation systems, a Bose Sound System and an iPod provision. Electrically adjustable seats, upholstered optionally in Silk Nappa leather or Impulse leather, bucket seats from the Audi exclusive range, a parking aid, hill-start assist, cruise control, an interior lighting package with LED lights and adaptive light, the dynamic cornering light system, add a note of luxury to this built-for-fun car.


 ----

Specifications

ENGINE:

• Type: 2.0 liter turbocharged, inline four-cylinder, spark ignition engine with TFSI® direct injection, four valves per cylinder, double overhead camshafts [DOHC], S model turbocharger (enlarged turbine wheel, spiral, compressor inlet and compressor wheel and in
• Arrangement Front mounted, transverse
• Bore 3.25 in.
• Stroke 3.65 in.
• Displacement 121.1 cu. in.
• Compression ratio 9.8 : 1
• Fuel requirement Unleaded Super, 95 RON (unleaded regular, 91 RON, as an alternative with slight reduction in performance)
• Horsepower (SAE) 265 hp @ 6,000
• Max. Torque 258 lb-ft @ 2500 - 5,000 rpm
• Max. Turbo boost (relative) 1.2 bar (17.4 psi)

Engine design:

• Cylinder block Cast iron
• Crankshaft Forged steel, 5 main bearings
• Cylinder head Aluminum

Electrical system:

• Battery coupe/roadster volts 75/80 amp/hr
• Alternator volts 140 amp/hr

Drivetrain:

• Transmission 6-speed dual-clutch gearbox gearbox with electro-hydraulic control
• Type: 2.0T FWD S tronic
• Gear ratios: 1st 2.923
• 2nd 1.957
• 3rd 1.400
• 4th 1.032
• 5th 1.077
• 6th 0.871
• Reverse 3.264
• Final Drive 1th-4th/ 5th - 6th and Reverse 4.769 / 3.444
• Front Differential Hypoid gear, electronically locking (EDL)
• Center Differential Haldex electronically controlled multi-plate coupling
• Rear Differential Hypoid gear

Steering:

• Type Eletromechanical steering with speed-dependent power assistance
• Ratio 16.9 : 1
• Turns (lock-to-lock) 2.9
• Turning circle (curb-to-curb) 35.96 ft. 10.96 m
• SUSPENSION:
• Front Mac Pherson strut (gas charged) with 3-point lower control arm, aluminium subframe, tubular anti-roll bar, track-stabilising steering roll radius
• Rear Four-link rear suspension with seperate spring/shock absorber arragement, subframe, turbular anti-roll bar

Brakes:

• Service brake: Dual-circuit brake system with diagonal split, ESP, hydraulic brake assistant, front and rear disc brakes ventilated
• Front size 13.4 x 1.2 in. 340 mm
• Rear size 12.2 x 0.9 in. 310 mm
• Parking brake Mechanically actuated at the rear wheels

Wheels (standard only):

• Size aluminum, 9Jx18, offset: 52
• TIRES (standard only):
• Size 245/40 R18 93Y

Body:

• Power Top Operation 12 seconds at speeds below 31 mph
• Material Audi space frame (ASF): Lightweight construction concept which is a mixed construction using aluminium and steel
• Corrosion protection Multi-step anti-corrosion protection

Capacities:

• Engine oil in quarts (gallons) 5.8 qt (1.45) 5.5 liter
• Fuel tank 15.85 gal. 60 liter
• Cooling system in quarts (gallons) 9.1 qt (2.27) 8.6 liter

Exterior dimensions:

• Wheelbase 97.2 in. 2,468 mm
• 61.2 60.9 in. 1555 1546 mm
• Overall length 165.3 in. 4,198 mm
• Overall width w/o mirrors 72.5 in. 1,842 mm
• Height coupe / roadster 53.0 53.1 in. 1,345 1,350 mm
• Height of loading lip 30.7 780 mm
• Curb weight 3241 lbs. 1,470 kg 3395 lbs. 1,540 kg
• Distribution front / rear [%]
• Drag coefficient Coupe: 0.31 Roadster: 0.33

Interior dimensions:

• Seating Capacity 2 + 2
• Head room front/rear 39/ 32.6 in.
• Shoulder room front/rear 53.2/ 47.5 in.
• Leg room front/rear 41.1/ 29.2 in.
• Int. vol. (EPA) front/rear 47.7/ 26.2 cu.ft.
• Luggage capacity std / seats folded 13.1/ 24.7 cu.ft.

Performance:

• 0-60 mph 4.9 sec.(Coupe) 5.1 sec.(Roadster)
• 1/4 mile 13.5 sec.(Coupe) 13.7 sec.(Roadster)
• Top speed Electronically limited to 155.34 mph (250 km/h) for North America

Efficiency/environment:

• Emission Class ULEVII
• City 21 mpg
• Highway 29 mpg
• Combined 24 mpg

 ----

Prices

Coupe

Roadster

New for 2010

• New Audi Navigation plus with real time traffic
• Elimination of Premium Plus
• Prestige Model enhanced with Silk Nappa Leather Package and new 19 inch 5 tri-spoke
  wheels with summer performance tires.
• New choice of AMI with iPod interface for Prestige
• Baseball Optic Leather Package Prestige only
• Stand alone options reduced

 ----

Competitors and press reviews

"The 2009 Audi TTS is a good drive and genuinely entertaining, but it’s not a Porsche Cayman. It still feels like a sporting version of a mainstream car and not a bespoke alternative honed by people who dedicate their every waking moment to the minutiae of control feel. If you want a TT to rival a Porsche, you might have to wait for the yet-to-be-confirmed TTRS." (InsideLine)

"By some margin, the TTS is the most agile, fastest, and most entertaining TT of all, and you can thread together corners with real fluency and verve. Here, at last, is a TT that delivers big smiles with fast miles. But its elevation into Porsche territory (in Europe, the roadster version costs more than a base Boxster, and the coupe isn’t all that far short of a Cayman) throws up new challenges. We now find ourselves comparing the TTS with two of the finest-handling and best-driving cars of all, and the comparison doesn’t flatter the TTS." (MotorTrend)

"We’ve taken the TTS out for extended drives through Upper Bavaria, between Munich and Audi’s home base in Ingolstadt, and it’s thoroughly enjoyable. Torque comes on early, despite slight but noticeable turbo lag. The turbocharger delivers 17.4 psi of boost and a high-pitched whistle that reflects nicely off tunnel walls and the houses lining the tiny Bavarian villages. Flat out, we saw an indicated 270 km/h (168 mph), which is probably a bit optimistic, but almost every top-speed-governed Audi we have actually tested tops out well above 155 mph, which is the increasingly porous ceiling set by the German auto industry’s 20-year-old voluntary agreement." (CarAndDriver)

Competitors

The Cayman S is powered by a 3.4-liter power unit that delivers 320 hp. Equipped with a PDK dual-clutch automatic and Launch Control can do 0 to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds. The Boxster S is powered by a 3.4-liter power unit that delivers 310 hp. Mated to a the standard six-speed manual gearbox, the new Boxter makes the 0 to 60 mph sprint in 5.9 seconds. The 2010 Cayman S is priced at $61,500 and the 2010 Boxster S at $58,000.

Mercedes SLK

The 2010 SLK gets two different versions: SLK300 and SLK350. The first one is powered by a 3.0 liter V6 engine that delivers 228 hp and sprints from 0 to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds and the SLK350 gets a 3.5 liter V6 engine with 300hp. Prices start at $46,900 for the SLK300 and at $51,900 for the SLK350.

BMW Z4

The 2010 BMW Z4 is also offered in two different versions: a Z4 sDrive30i and a Z4 sDrive35i, priced at $46,00 and 51,900, respectively. Both versions are using the same 3.0-liter inline-six cylinder engine. The sDrive30i has 255 hp, and the sDrive35i uses twin-turbos (one turbo designated for three cylinders each) to upgrade to 300 hp.

Conclusion

Its true the Audi TTS gets a front spoiler and a rear aero diffuser, prominent rocker skirts and special 18-inch cast-aluminum wheels, but it is still not the sports car you will want to get for $50k. If you are willing to pay an extra $10K you will get the Porsche Cayman or Boxster, both of them being considerably better, but in the same price you can get the new Z4 Roadster, a car that does not only look sportier, but it also drives better and handles like a true sports car.

Of course that compared with its little brother TT, the TTS is better, but if you really want to drive a TT sports car you might wait for the TT-RS. When you will have in your garage a car that can easily compete with your neighbor’s Porsche.

Well, now if you really want the TTS, you will be happy to know is the cheapest one in its segment, and for the money you will get a good looking car with an interior offering all the tools you might need.