With the last year of the second generation TT upon us, we’re taking one last look at the car before it drives off into the golden sunset of classic car->ke503 history. While it still looks similar to the original TT, the 2015 car is a lot sportier and more contemporary looking, while yet beginning to show its age. A little grey around the edges plays well for the masculine Hollywood types, right?

When Audi->ke14 introduced the TT back in 2000, the car was a great addition to its lineup, as it helped reinforce the brand’s upward movement into the premium performance segment it currently enjoys. Audi let the car soldier on unchanged until the much-needed refresh of 2006 as the TT’s second generation rolled off the assembly line.

Now, as the 2016 third generation looms above, the outgoing car is left with a simple update to bookend its production. The S line plus carbon package adds what Audi calls “5-arm Dynamic design” wheels, unique yellow or grey exterior colors, and a fixed rear spoiler. Inside, the package adds Baseball Optic leather seats with Imola Yellow accents and contrasting stitching.

Power remains unchanged for its send-off, with both TT and TTS models getting the 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four backed by Audi’s DSG transmission. As always, the TTS models get a modest power increase and slightly sportier suspension setting. In top-dog trim, the TTS makes 265 horsepower and 258 pound-feet or torque that is capable of launching the TTS Coupe to 60 mph in just 4.9 seconds.

Click past the jump to read more about the 2015 Audi TT.

2015 Audi TT

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2015 Audi TT
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 211
  • Torque: 258
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

The exterior appointments are all very familiar. The rounded shape with the now-classic Audi grille and LED daytime running lights with Xenon plus headlights still look modern, though after looking at the all-new 2016 Audi TT, looks somewhat bland and unsporty. Adaptive headlights, rear LED taillights, and adaptive rear spoiler help keep the TT looking good against its competition though.

Audi is giving the second-generation TT a send-off present -- an optional S line plus carbon package. The upscale option includes some rather nice five-spoke wheels and an optional black leather-wrapped roll bar.

2015 Audi TT - Exterior Specifications

Wheelbase

97.2 in.

Overall length

164.5 in.

Overall width

72.5 in.

Overall height

53.2 in.

Track (front/rear)

61.5/60.9 in.

Weight

3,153 pounds

Drag Coefficient

0.30


Interior

Inside the TT is a familiar cabin that has deep connections with Audi’s long-running superiority with interior design and execution. The flat-bottomed steering wheel has a thick-grip rim and redundant controls on two of the three spokes. The center console is capped with three HVAC vents and flows downward to the 6.5-inch LCD infotainment screen. Below that are the HVAC controls – simply laid out in a three knob configuration with other functions grouped together in buttons just below.

The TT’s overall fit and finish are still good, but has since been passed by other models in the Audi garage. The 10-way (and optional 12-way) power seats and door panels come in a variety of colors, complementing the black dash and center console. Chrome trim bits around the cabin give both an element of brightness and sportiness.

Drivetrain

Things haven’t changed much under the hood for the second gen’s last year. The 2.0-liter TFSI turbocharged four cylinder, still features direct injection, variable valve timing, and Audi’s valvelift system to produce 211 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Upgrading to the TTS sees a modest power increase of 54 horsepower, bringing the total to 265, though the torque output stays the same. The extra ponies help the TTS Coupe cut time four tenths off its 0-60 mph run while the Roadster cuts five tenths. Both versions have a top speed of 130 mph.

Rowing gears and doing the clutch dance isn’t an option with the TT as it only comes with the six-speed S-tronic DSG automatic transmission. The DSG does come with manual shifting and generally receives high praise from those who’ve slapped its paddles. Power is routed to all four wheels with Audi’s standard Quattro all-wheel-drive system. A magnetic ride suspension comes standard on TTS models and offer both a normal and sport mode for a tailored ride.

2015 Audi TT - Drivetrain Specifications

Model

TT

TTS

Engine Size and Type

2.0-liter Turbocharged 16-valve I-6 with TFSI Direct Injection and Belt-Driven DOHC

2.0-liter Turbocharged 16-valve I-6 with TFSI Direct Injection and Belt-Driven DOHC

Peak power

211 Horsepower

265 Horsepower

Peak torque

258 Pound-Feet

258 Pound-Feet

Transmission

6-Speed S-tronic DSG Automatic

6-Speed S-tronic DSG Automatic

0-to-60 mph (Coupe/Roadster)

5.3 Sec. / 5.6 Sec.

4.9 Sec. / 5.1 Sec.

Top Speed

130 MPH

130 MPH

EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway/Combined)

22 / 31 / 26

22 / 31 / 26


Prices

Pricing for the 2015 TT begins at $40,795 for the base TT Coupe. Upgrade to the TTS Coupe, and the price jumps to $49,595. To us, $9,000 seems a hard sale for only 54 horsepower and a 0.2-inch lower suspension, but the allure of TTS exclusivity might be justifiable for some.

For the Roadster, pricing starts at $43,795 and climbs to $52,595 for the TTS Roadster. The same $9,000 up-charge conundrum applies here, too. We’d expect Audi dealers willing to cut some considerable bargains for a 2015 TT as they gear up for the updated 2016 model.

Competition

2014 BMW Z4

The Z4 has been a heavy player in this category since its introduction and has been eating Audi’s sales. It’s no wonder, though, as BMW has kept the Z4 fresh throughout the years while giving it a sweet powertrain to boot. Currently, the Z4 is motivated by two separate engine that makes three separate output figures. In the bottom slot is the 2.0-liter Twinpower I-4 making 240 horsepower. Slotted in the middle is the 3.0-liter Twinpowr I-6 making a respectable 300 horsepower. Opt for the higher output version, and you’ll get an extra 35 horsepower.

Prices start $48,950 and rise to over $65,000.

2014 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class

The Mercedes SLK has also been a success here inside the U.S., selling more than either the BMW or Audi in each of the last few years. Sharp looks and the tri-star badge likely play a large roll in that, along with a trio of powerful engines. In the SLK250 is a 1.8-liter turbocharged I-4 making 201 horsepower while the SLK350 enjoys a 302-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6. Trumping them all is the SLK55 AMG boasting a 5.5-liter, 415-horsepower V-8.

Pricing for the SLK-Class starts at $43,525 for the SLK250. The mid-range SLK350 starts at $56,225. The top-dog SLK55 bears a sicker price of $68,925 without any options.

Conclusion

The second-generation TT has been a good car over its life. It’s strong four cylinder and good handling have kept it relevant against time and its competition, although Audi has missed several chances to freshen up the car.

Thinking with out budget-conscience minds, we’d buy the 2015 TT only if we wanted a good deal on a new 2+2 Coupe or two-seater German sports car. Otherwise, we’ hold off one more year for the much-improved 2016 TT and its much crisper looks and updated powertrain.