|
Price |
|
€ 44,900 |
Production |
|
-- |
|
Engine |
2
liter inline-4 |
Weight |
3075
lbs (coupe) |
|
Aspiration |
turbocharger |
Torque |
258
lb-ft @ 2500 - 5000 rpm |
|
HP |
272
hp |
HP/Weight |
11.2
lbs per hp |
|
HP/Liter |
136
hp |
1/4 mile |
-- |
|
0-62 mph |
5.2
seconds |
Top Speed |
155
mph (electronically limited) |
(from Audi Press
Release) Audi is taking the wraps off a new sports car –
the Audi TTS, the top of the TT model line. It will be coming to
dealer showrooms in the early summer. Under its hood lies a
two-liter TFSI high-performance engine delivering a mighty 200 kW
(272 hp). This intense power propels the TTS Coupe to 100 km/h
(62.14 mph) from a standstill in just 5.2 seconds and on to a
governor-limited top speed of 250 km/h (155.34 mph). The Audi TTS is
available as both a 2 + 2-seater coupe and as a roadster.
Designed to appeal to a
young and dynamic clientele, the TTS represents the Audi brand's
Vorsprung durch Technik (“advancement through technology”) in its
very latest form. 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
200 kW (272 hp), it is its peak torque of 350 Nm (258.15 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. Thanks to its excellent efficiency, the sporty-sounding
TFSI has an average fuel consumption of just 8.0 liters of fuel per
100 kilometers (29.375 mpg) in the Coupe when partnered by the
six-speed manual transmission, while the figure for the roadster
averages 8.2 l/100 km (28.659 mpg). These figures are improved by
0.1 and 0.2 l/100 km (by 0.372 and 0.716 mpg), respectively, if the
optional S tronic dual-clutch transmission is fitted.
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 well-balanced, 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 hard-top TTS is priced at 44,900 euros and the
convertible version at 47,750 euros.
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.
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 200
kW (272 hp) 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.
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.
The Chassis
Audi has opted for a
McPherson front suspension with lower triangular wishbones for the
TTS. The suspension is largely made of aluminum, thereby reducing
the unsprung masses. With a view to increasing rigidity, the
subframe is bolted to the body at six points. The sensitive,
high-precision power steering is driven electromechanically, a
technology that improves fuel consumption by 0.2 liters per 100 km
(0.716 mpg). The characteristics of the steering's power assistance
have been adapted to reflect the dynamic nature of the TTS.
The four-link rear
suspension offers considerable benefits for vehicle handling, as it
is capable of dealing with the longitudinal and lateral forces
separately from one another. All of the links are made from
high-strength grades of steel, while modified bearings emphasize the
taut feel of the TTS. The coil springs and shock absorbers are
fitted separately from one another, meaning that they take up little
space.
The TTS comes standard
with 18-inch cast aluminum wheels that sport the five-arm
parallel-spoke S design and are shod with 245/40-size tires. Further
wheel variants are optionally available, including a new 19-inch
cast aluminum wheel designed by quattro GmbH. The exceptionally
dynamic top-of-the-line TT model comes equipped with a
high-performance braking system. Large disks are fitted front and
rear, with the front disks being internally ventilated too. Inside
the black-painted calipers, which bear the TTS emblem at the front,
are the sport brake pads. Audi has devised a second, sporty level
for the ESP stabilization program which enables controlled drifting.
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.
The Body
The superior performance
of the TTS can be partly attributed to the technology of its
bodywork, whose hybrid construction combines two different types of
materials. Steel is used at the rear end, while the front and center
sections of the body are built from lightweight aluminum.
Audi first developed
this principle, known as the Audi Space Frame (ASF), in the early
1990s, triggering a revolution in body manufacturing. Extruded
sections, pressure die-castings and load-bearing aluminum panels
together form a light, rigid and extremely safe structure. On the
Coupe, the side sections and the roof are laser welded together,
producing a precision seamless joint — another clear indication of
how Audi strives for perfection when building its cars.
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 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
all-wheel 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 dual-clutch transmission is an Audi technology
that remains unmatched by anything the competition has to offer.
Ten Years of Audi TT – A Decade of
Success
The unveiling of the TTS
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
a design icon. Ever since then the TT has been going from one
strength to the next, in both hard-top and open-top form.
The prototype that was
premiered by Audi at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 1995,
painted in silver gray, instantly captured the imagination of the
show visitors. The strict consistency of its puristic form drew on
the Bauhaus style of the 1920s. The solidly built body, the sleek
glass house, the strict geometry of the shoulder line and circular
arcs, the large wheels and the aluminum tank cap – all of these
elements added up to deliver a new statement from Audi, the
innovative technology brand. A few weeks later the Roadster appeared
at the Tokyo Motor Show where it was also a tremendous hit.
The Coupe started to roll off the production line in 1998, followed
one year later by the Roadster. The shortened floor assembly of the
Audi A3 proved to form an ideal base for the car – its wheel
suspension endowed the TT with dynamic handling characteristics. The
puristic design was also retained for the interior. Here, the
classic emblem of the TT concept, the circle, had a leading role to
play, featuring in the styling of the air outlets and many of the
controls.
The first TT was powered
by the turbocharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder drive unit, which came
in two different versions. The basic unit delivered an output of 132
kW (180 hp) and the top version 165 kW (225 hp). The more powerful
engine was available exclusively with a six-speed manual
transmission and quattro drive. Customers buying the basic version
had the choice of either the six-speed technology again or
front-wheel drive combined with a five-speed transmission.
Audi started to expand
the range of drivetrain options in 2001. First came a new version of
the 1.8-liter unit generating 110 kW (150 hp), followed in 2003 by a
3.2-liter V6 developing 184 kW (250 hp). This new engine could be
matched with the S tronic dual-clutch transmission as an option. The
six-speed tiptronic transmission became available for the 132 kW
(180 hp) four-cylinder model with front-wheel drive. In 2005, this
engine's output was increased to 140 kW (190 hp) and the power
output of the entry-level unit jumped to 120 kW (163 hp). Production
of the coupe and roadster versions of the first TT model series
ended in 2006 and 2007 respectively.
