The Audi TT->ke1081 hit the market initially as a coupe in 1998, but a convertible model followed the next year. The original TT featured a 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that laid down 180 horsepower. In 2001, a 225-horsepower TT quattro debuted, and a 250-horsepower version with a 3.2-liter V-6 arrived in 2004.

The model hit its second generation in 2006, and it featured a more aggressive body language and a weight loss of up to 200 pounds. With the second generation coming to a close, we are now starting to see the 2016 Audi TT make a slow debut around the globe. The European market will see the third-generation TT in time for the 2014 model year, but the U.S. may not see it until the 2016 model year. And the convertible version rolled out even later. On September 24, 2014, Audi->ke14 finally unveiled the TT Roadster in time for its long-awaited debut at the 2014 Paris Motor Show.

Updated 05/06/2015: Audi announces U.S. prices for the new generation TT which will be put on sale later this summer. As expected, the Roadster version will be a little bit more expensive than the coupe, with prices starting from $46,400.

Click past the jump to read more about the 2016 Audi TT Roadster

Model year note: The TT Roadster is a 2015 model year in Germany, but for the U.S. it will be a 2016 model year.

audi-tt-roadster

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: audi-tt-roadster
Pros
Cons

2016 Audi TT Roadster

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2016 Audi TT Roadster
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 230
  • Torque: 272 @ 1600
  • Transmission: six-speed manual
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

When Audi->ke14 pulled the covers off its new TT at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show->ke228, we were all instantly in love with its newly shaped body, combination of angles and curves, and its impressive array of powertrain options. It was a relief after waiting on it for what seemed like years. At that time, we had one more TT to be anxious for: the Roadster.

From a distance and maybe a little closer, the TT Roadster may look similar to the TT Coupe and for the most part, it is the same. But there are some notable differences between the two models, including certain body configurations like the wall that separates the interior from the luggage compartment. Above this wall are the steel roll-over bars, a design characteristic unique to the TT Roadster.

Let’s not forget about that electrically actuated fabric top. It’s available in a choice of three colors -- Titanium Gray, Jive, and Black -- and weighs only 39 kg (86 pounds), 3kg (6.6 pounds) lighter than its predecessor. The fabric top can then be stowed in a small yet spacious aluminum tray and can be opened and closed in just 10 seconds.

Other than that, the rest of the TT Roadster looks similar to the coupe. The new headlights come with an interesting and charming design that belies the TT Roadster’s aggressive and sporty look. The traditional high beltlines on the side remain, as do the stout wheel arches, and the pronounced rear shoulder. Taken together, they create a dramatic new-look TT Roadster that should catch the attention of a lot of people.

Exterior Dimensions

Length

4,180 MM (13.71 ft)

Wheelbase

2,505 MM (8.22 ft)

Width

1,832 MM (6.01 ft)

Height

1,353 MM (4.44 ft)


Interior

The interior of the new TT Roadster bears a lot of similarities to its coupe brother. It’s comfortable, spacious, and ergonomically designed without being too complicated for its drivers. Newly developed sport seats look comfortable from the photos, much more so when they’re dressed in leather or Alcantara. The dashboard is also cleaner than its predecessor, making for a simpler and more elegant look far removed from the clutter of the old TT.

Audi’s also offering plenty of customizable options for the TT Roadster. The interior benefits from this generosity, allowing owners to dress it up using upholstery in various grades of cloth or one of three leather packages, Black, Rock Gray, and Palomino Brown. Owners can also bust out a two-color finish to make the cabin look plusher and more sophisticated.

One of the biggest changes in the TT Roadster is the Audi virtual cockpit, which essentially takes the place of the old analog instrument cluster and replaces with it a digital version that creates a more sophisticated look and feel. The driver can toggle the instrument cluster between two unique views. One is the classic view with the speedometer and rev counter while the other is a more “infotainment-centric” view that works best with navigation maps.

The TTS Roadster is the best of the current available trim models. Naturally, Audi designers gave it a technical laser texture on the wings of the dashboard, a honeycomb-like texture that creates an even sportier appeal for the TTS.

Drivetrain

The new TT Roadster will share the same powertrain options as its coupe counterpart, including the same 2.0-liter, TDI unit derived from the Golf GTD. It produces 184 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque and has a 0 to 60 mph time of 7.4 seconds with a top speed of 146 mph. Sure, that's not mind-blowing performance but with a 54.7-mpg fuel-efficiency rating, this version of the TT Roadster makes up for its performance shortcomings.

Moving to the 2.0-liter TFSI engine, this version produces 230 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of twist. Its 0-to-60-mph sprint time differs depending on the transmission. With a manual transmission, the TT clocks in at 6.2 seconds while a six-speed S tronic automatic drops that time to just 5.5 seconds.

Then there’s the modified 2.0 TFSI engine for the TTS Roadster that develops 310 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. Not only is this version more powerful than its TT counterpart, it also has the chops to hit 60 mph in just 4.9 seconds.

The new TT Roadster shares the same powertrain options as its coupe counterpart, including the same 2.0-liter, TDI unit derived from the Golf GTD. It produces 184 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque and has a 0 to 60 mph time of 7.4 seconds with a top speed of 146 mph. Sure, that’s not mind-blowing performance but with a 54.7-mpg fuel-efficiency rating, this version of the TT Roadster makes up for its performance shortcomings.

Moving to the 2.0-liter TFSI engine, this version produces 230 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of twist. Its 0-to-60-mph sprint time differs depending on the transmission. With a manual transmission, the TT clocks in at 6.2 seconds while a six-speed S tronic automatic drops that time to just 5.5 seconds.

Then there’s the modified 2.0 TFSI engine for the TTS Roadster that develops 310 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. Not only is this version more powerful than its TT counterpart, it also has the chops to hit 60 mph in just 4.9 seconds.

Unfortunately, the aforementioned drivetrains are for the Euro-spec model only. In the U.S., the TT Roadster comes with just one engine.

The unit in question is the familiar 2.0 TFSI, rated at 220 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. As you may have already noticed, it is slightly less powerful than its European counterpart. With this mill, the convertible charges from 0 to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds. That's three tenths slower than the coupe, which can do it in 5.3 ticks. Top speed is set at 130 mph. The engine mates to Audi's S tronic automatic transmission and a Quattro all-wheel drive system.

Unlike the Coupe, the Roadster can't be had with a TTS badge, which adds 72 horsepower and 22 pound-feet of twist.

Drivetrain Specifications - European maket

Type

2.0 TDI (TT)

2.0 TFSI (TT)

2.0 TFSI (TT S)

Horsepower

184 HP

230 HP

310 HP

Torque

280 LB-FT

272.90 LB-FT @ 1,600 - 4,300 RPM

280 LB-FT @ 1,800 - 5,700 RPM

0 to 60 mph

7.4 seconds

6.2 seconds (manual); 5.5 seconds (S tronic)

4.9 seconds

Top speed

146 mph

155 mph

155 mph

Fuel consumption (EU Cycle)

54 mpg

38 mpg

31 mpg


Drivetrain Specifications - U.S. market

Audi TT

Engine type

Four-cylinder

Arrangement

Front Mounted - Transverse

Bore and stroke (in)

3.25 x 3.65

Displacement (cc)

1,984

Horsepower

220 HP @ 4,500 - 6,200 RPM

Torque

258 LB-FT @ 1,600 - 4,400 RPM

Acceleration (0 – 60 mph)

5.6 seconds

Top track speed

130 MPH


Prices

The Audi TT Roadster retails from $46,400 in the U.S., which accounts for a $3,500 premium over the Coupe version. Selecting a different exterior color than the three standard hues will add another $575 to the sticker. Likewise, the fine Nappa leather upholstery will an extra $1,600 or $2,250, depending on color. The larger 19-inch wheels cost $1,000.

The most expensive option, however, is the Technology package. Priced at $3,250, it adds Parking System Plus, a rear view camera, Audi Connect, heated and auto-dimming mirrors, Audi Side Assist, and MMI Navigation Plus. Then there's the $2,250 Audi Design Selection bundle with fine Nappa leather seating surfaces, Slate Gray interior elements, S sport front seats, head-level heating, and the extended color leather package. Finally, you can also opt for a Bang & Olufsen sound system costing $950.

Germany Pricing

2015 Audi TT Roadster

€37,900

2015 Audi TTS Roadster

TBA


Competitors

BMW Z4 Roadster

The 2014 BMW Z4 is also refreshed, and like the TT, it sticks to what it’s done in the past. Though both cars have undergone handsome updates, the two are instantly recognizable. The Z4 gets its power from three separate engines. The sDrive28i gets the 2.0-liter I-4 making 240 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, while the familiar TwinPower Turbo, 3.0-liter I-6 making an even 300 horsepower and pound-feet of torque pushes the sDrive35i. Additionally, there is a more powerful version of the 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo engine offers 35 more horsepower and 32 more pound-feet of torque in the Z4 sDrive35is.

Prices start at $48,950 for the sDrive28i and rise to over $65,000 for the sDrive35is.

Read our full review on the BMW Z4 Roadster here.

2015 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class

The 2015 SLK-Class is yet another competitor to the TT Roadster. The base SLK250 carries a 1.8-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder that pumps out 201 horses and 229 pound-feet of torque. This power travels through a six-cog manual or a seven-speed auto and launches the luxurious roadster to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds. Moving upward, you have the SLK350, which carries a turbocharged, 3.5-liter V-6 that pounds out 302 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of twist. The SLK350 comes standard with a seven-speed auto and hits highway speeds in 5.4 ticks. All the way up top is the SLK55 AMG, which carries a 5.5-liter V-8 that produces 415 horsepower and 398 pound-feet. With the aid of a seven-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT transmission, this AMG-powered roadster hits 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds.

The base SLK250 runs $43,950, the SLK350 commands $57,650, and the AMG model will drain $70,900 from your bank account.

Read our full review on the Mercedes SLK here.

Conclusion

When Audi introduced the new TT at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show, we at least got an idea of what the TT Roadster was going to look like. Sure, it took longer than we expected, but Audi finally unveiled the drop-top roadster and we quite fancy it. Actually, we like it more than the coupe version because nothing exudes the true sporty and aggressive identity of an Audi sports car quite like the TT roadster.

Update History

Updated 04/14/2015: Audi unveiled a new promo video for its new TT Roadster. Enjoy!

Updated 02/02/2015: Audi unveiled a bunch of new high res images for the all-new TT Roadster. Check the "Pictures" tab to check them all!

Updated 09/26/2014: Audi unveiled two new video for its latest TT Roadster. Enjoy!

Rendering

Our rendering artist sent us this masterful sketch of what the new drop-top TT->ke1081 might look like, though it doesn’t take much to imagine what Audi is likely to design. The TT has traditionally used a fabric soft top and we don’t imagine that will change. The two hoops behind the seats will likely return as well. The flat rear deck and strong belt line are two classic TT traits likely to return as well. Our rendering artist actually got the design of the TT Roadster nearly perfect, which speaks well of his design skills and incredible creative foresight.

Spy Shots

September 2, 2014 - First testing session