The Audi TTS, launched in Detroit in January, will be coming to U.S. dealer showrooms in late 2008. Under its hood lies a two-liter TFSI high-performance engine delivering a mighty 265 hp in the U.S.. This intense power propels the TTS Coupe to 60 mph from a standstill in just 4.9 seconds and on to a governor-limited top speed of 155 mph. The Audi TTS is available as both a 2 + 2-seater coupe and as a roadster.

TTS will compete with BMW Z4 3.0si, Mercedes-Benz SLK350, Porsche Cayman and Porsche Boxster.

The TFSI engine in the TTS takes the two Audi technologies of gasoline direct injection and turbocharging and blends them to form a perfect partnership. Aside from its output of 265 hp in the U.S., it is its peak torque of 258 lb-ft, which is constantly on tap between 2,500 and 5,000 rpm, that makes the compact and lightweight four-cylinder unit so impressive.

Compared to the engine it was derived from, the two-liter power unit has been reengineered and strengthened in a number of key areas to ready it for operation in the 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 60 mph is cut by a further two-tenths of a second in both the Coupe and Roadster.

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