Open-top version of all-new Audi sports car retains classic roadster format but sets new class standards for agility, efficiency and in-car technology
- All-new TT Roadster and TTS Roadster models to make their World debut at the Mondial de l’Automobile in Paris (October 4 to 14)
- 310PS TTS Roadster available to order from early 2015 – first deliveries in second quarter
- Sport and S line specification options – both include fully automatic fabric hood, digital Audi virtual cockpit, MMI touch, xenon or LED headlights, Audi Music Interface, Audi drive select, Alcantara/leather sports seats, keyless go
- Engines at launch – 2.0 TFSI 230PS in conjunction with front-wheel-drive and quattro all-wheel-drive, 2.0 TDI 184PS exclusively with front-wheel-drive
- Further improved aluminium and steel hybrid construction processes help to keep entry level 2.0 TFSI kerb weight down to 1,320kg
- TT Roadster 2.0 TDI ultra capable of in excess of 65mpg with CO2 output of just 114g/km, 0-62mph in 7.3 seconds, top speed 147mph
Open minds at Audi have again been applied to the classic concept of the open-top two-seater sports car, and the result – the all-new TT Roadster – is set to bring its thoroughly contemporary perspective on the time-honoured theme to next month’s Mondial de l’Automobile in Paris.
While on the outside it retains a fast-retracting fabric hood in accordance with roadster tradition and in the interest of weight minimisation, the third generation of the Audi icon embraces the future in all other respects, from its advanced hybrid aluminium and steel construction to its remarkable all-digital virtual cockpit and advanced new chassis with upgraded quattro drive. The new high performance convertible is set to arrive in the UK in good time for spring 2015, and will be available to order from mid-November priced from £31,955 OTR.
“The concept of designing a compact roadster following clear geometrical rules formed the original idea for the Audi TT in autumn 1994,” says Prof. Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, Board Member for Technical Development at AUDI AG: “From the first generation on, it has been a sports car for the senses – a driving machine with an authentic design. With the new TT Roadster, we have developed this concept in a consistent manner and further improved the technical experience in the car with innovations such as the Audi virtual cockpit.”
The new TT Roadster offers the capabilities of a sports car with the option of added open-top exhilaration, but without the compromises that this blend of attributes often demands. Great importance has been attached to torsional rigidity and ride comfort, and specially developed struts in the underbody and body work in their favour. Aerodynamics have also been prioritised, the new Roadster slipping cleanly and quietly through the air with a best-in-class drag coefficient of 0.30.
More purposeful stance
At 4,177 millimeters in length the two‑seater is 21 millimetres shorter than its predecessor. Its wheelbase, on the other hand, has grown by 37 millimetres to 2,505 millimetres, contributing to shorter overhangs for an even more purposeful stance. With a width of 1,832 millimetres, the new TT Roadster is 10 millimetres narrower than its predecessor, and at a height of 1,355 millimetres it is 3 millimetres lower.
The front of the open‑top sports car conveys power and energy through its accentuated horizontal lines. Similar to the Audi R8, the Singleframe grille is wide and flat, and the four rings are positioned on the bonnet in the style of a high-performance sports car. On the standard version, the air inlets are connected to one another and divided by two vertical slats.
Two vertical lighting elements are also positioned in the headlights and emit the LED daytime running lights. In the UK these are combined with either xenon or LED headlamps depending on version, and in both cases it will be possible to upgrade these to new Matrix LED headlamps which can automatically divert their high beams around oncoming and leading traffic, and also feature dynamic indicators with a sweeping function following the intended turn direction.
The flat and taut top of the new TT Roadster and the TTS Roadster also provides a clear contrast with the body and is defined by the short side window design that is typical of the TT Roadster. When viewed from the side, many of the details invoke the first generation of the design classic. The shoulders have a muscular look and the sill contour forms a strong light-refracting edge. The broad wheel arches form their own geometric entities: The front wheel arch breaks through the bonnet gap that continues as the tornado line all the way to the rear end.
At the rear, horizontal lines again underscore the width of the open‑top sports car. The bars in the standard LED rear lights, which adopt the motif of the headlights, are permanently illuminated. The third brake light – a flat strip on the edge of the luggage compartment lid – connects the light silhouette at the rear. A diffuser incorporates the tailpipes of the exhaust system. At speeds of 74mph and above, a spoiler is electrically extended from the luggage compartment lid to provide additional downforce on the rear axle.
The sleek new body can be painted in a far more distinct and varied range of colours than its predecessor. There are 10 exterior colours, one of which is exclusively reserved for the S line. Five of the colours in the palette are new for the TT, and two of these are completely new for Audi: nano grey and tango red. Panther black, crystal effect and the expressive Sepang blue are also available for the TTS.
Quieter and lighter
As with all Audi Cabriolet models, the new TT Roadster and TTS Roadster also feature an electrically actuated fabric top. Every version benefits as standard from the more insulating acoustic top with its extremely effective thermal insulation and low noise level, especially in the frequency range of the airflow. The thick fleece layer on the black inner headlining adds comfort. Depending on frequency, the noise level in the interior has been reduced by up to 6 dB compared with the previous TT Roadster.
The snug fabric top is available as standard in a selection of colours including black, biege and titanium grey, and its magnesium, aluminium, steel and plastic framework keeps its weight down to just 39 kilograms – 3 kilograms less than its predecessor. This has a positive impact on the gross vehicle weight and on the centre of gravity.
The two electric motors powering the soft-top complete the opening and closing process in 10 seconds, and can do so at speeds of up to 31mph. While opening, the top forms a Z shape as it folds flat into its aluminium tray, which doesn’t encroach on the 280 litre luggage compartment. Sophisticated clamping technology ensures that the closed top is completely taut even at high speeds. An electrically powered mesh wind deflector can also be specified as an option.
Audi Space Frame evolution
The body of the TT Roadster and the TTS Roadster represents a new evolution of the Audi Space Frame (ASF) based on the modular transverse matrix (MQB). Ultra-high-strength components made from hot-shaped steel reinforce the front section and the passenger compartment floor. The passenger compartment and all outer skin and attachment parts are made of semi-finished aluminium in the form of cast nodes, extruded profiles and sheet metal.
As a result of this extremely sophisticated construction process the entry level petrol-powered TT Roadster with its 2.0 TFSI engine and manual transmission weighs in at just 1,320 kilograms.
Compared with the Coupé, the body of the Roadster has been modified in important areas. The aluminium A‑pillars each conceal a second steel pillar in their interior, which in turn houses a solid steel tube. Internal steel ribbing ensures the aluminium sills have high-strength properties. V‑shaped steel struts reinforce the zones underneath the engine compartment and the luggage compartment, and connect the axle carriers.
In the TT Roadster and the TTS Roadster, a solid wall consisting of two box profiles separates the interior from the luggage compartment, and replaces the bottom cross member found on the Coupé. The upper area of this wall houses the sleek, rounded steel roll-over bars. Mounting plates seal the openings in the rear wall, which features through-loading as standard.
The new TT Roadster launches with two turbocharged four-cylinder engines – a TDI and a TFSI – leaving the most powerful four-cylinder TFSI for the TTS Roadster. With power outputs of between 184PS and 310PS, they clearly surpass their respective predecessors in terms of power, while also significantly improving on their efficiency. All meet the Euro 6 standard, and all are linked to a start-stop system as standard.
ultra model offers up to 65.7mpg
Featuring 184PS and 380 Nm (280.3 lb‑ft) of torque, the 2.0 TDI ultra combines great strength with remarkable restraint where economy is concerned – it can return up to 65.7mpg, which equates to CO2emissions of 114 grams per kilometre – a new benchmark in its segment.
The 2.0 TFSI produces 230PS and 370 Nm (272.9 lb‑ft) of torque in the TT Roadster; in the TTS Roadster, output rises to 310PS and 380 Nm (280.3 lb‑ft). The top model sprints from 0-62mph in just 4.9 seconds on its way to an electronically governed top speed of 155mph. Switchable flaps in its exhaust system can be controlled via the standard Audi drive select driving dynamics system to underscore the sonorous sound.
In the TT Roadster the high-tech petrol unit is initially combined with either front-wheel-drive and a six-speed manual gearbox or quattro all-wheel-drive and a six-speed S tronic twin-clutch transmission. The TTS Roadster, with standard quattro drive, also features a manual gearbox or the option of S tronic. The dual-clutch transmission shifts rapidly through the gears without any noticeable break in propulsive power and can be controlled by paddles on the steering wheel if desired. In efficiency mode in the Audi drive select system, the S tronic coasts when the driver takes his or her foot off the throttle pedal.
The quattro permanent all-wheel drive system has been fully redeveloped. During regular driving, its electrohydraulic multi-plate clutch optimally distributes the drive torque between the front and rear axle depending on driving conditions, road characteristics and driving style.
The new configuration elevates driving enjoyment and safety to a new level through electronic clutch management. More power is routed to the rear axle during more committed driving, literally propelling the new TT Roadster and the TTS Roadster into corners. Safe, controlled drifts are possible on low-friction surfaces.
Audi drive select with five modes
The third TT generation is the first to network permanent all-wheel-drive with the Audi drive select driving dynamics system, which in the UK is standard across the range. The driver can use this to influence engine characteristics and the operation of the steering by toggling between Comfort, Auto, Dynamic, Efficiency and Individual modes. Audi drive select can also be used to alter the operating parameters of a number of optional systems including the S tronic transmission and Audi magnetic ride (fitted as standard on the TTS Roadster).
Magnetic ride employs synthetic hydrocarbon oil containing microscopically small magnetic particles circulating within the damper pistons. When a voltage is applied to a coil, a magnetic field is generated in which the alignment of the particles changes so that they are perpendicular to the oil flow, thereby inhibiting its flow through the shock absorber channels.
The control unit continuously analyses the driving properties and the condition of the road. Depending on the setting in Audi drive select, it can favour comfort or tautness and composure depending on the driver’s preference. Targeted bracing of the individual wheels pins the Roadster tightly to the road, largely suppressing roll, making steering response even more rapid and reducing pitch during braking.
The chassis with which Audi magnetic ride works so seamlessly also reflects the technological expertise behind the new Audi TT. The front suspension is based on a MacPherson system, and integrates aluminium components which reduce the weight of the unsprung chassis masses. The four-link rear suspension can process the longitudinal and transverse forces separately.
New progressive steering system
A progressive steering system is another technical highlight and is fitted as standard to all versions – its rack is set up in such a way that the ratio becomes more direct as the steering wheel is turned, enabling the TT Roadster to be steered precisely with little movement of the steering wheel in urban traffic and on winding country roads. The highly efficient, electromechanically driven steering adapts its assistance to speed and forms the basis for the Audi active lane assist system which is standard for the TT Roadster 2.0 TFSI, and for the various park assist options.
Brakes that can be precisely metered and convey a taut pedal feel are located behind the large wheels. The vented front discs have a diameter of between 312 and 338 millimetres depending on the engine version. The TTS Roadster features newly developed, particularly lightweight aluminium fixed-caliper brakes on the front axle. Another innovation, the electromechanical parking brake, acts on the rear wheels regardless of engine version.
The Electronic Stabilisation Control (ESC), which can be switched off either partly or completely, perfectly complements the car’s agile handling. Wheel-selective torque control takes effect when cornering: Where necessary, it can distribute the drive torque from the front wheel on the inside of a bend to the front wheel on the outside of the bend (in the case of front‑wheel drive). With quattro drive, it can also perform this function on the rear wheels. The car turns very easily into the bend thanks to the difference in propulsive forces, which is helpful for the driver. Sports mode facilitates particularly dynamic driving, facilitating steering and control when drifting.
The two-seat interior of the new TT Roadster and the new TTS Roadster fits around the driver like a custom-made suit. It has an intimate and protective feel, particularly when the fabric top is closed, without ever being restrictive. The kerb clearance is high and the newly developed sport seats with integrated head restraints are mounted low. Together, they weigh five kilograms less than the seats in the previous TT Roadster. Super sports seats with integrated head restraints and more pronounced bolsters are available as an option (standard in the TTS Roadster), and these can also be supplemented with a head level heating system for optimal comfort during top-down driving in cooler conditions.
Audi virtual cockpit for all versions
Two specification levels – Sport and S line – will initially be offered in the UK for the TT Roadster. Both include the Audi virtual cockpit, which is based around a 12.3-inch, high resolution LCD display that completely fills the driver’s instrument binnacle and replaces the traditional analogue dials. Its brilliantly sharp images are courtesy of a powerful Tegra 30 graphics processor from Nvidia’s Tegra 3 series.
Drivers can choose between two display modes: In the classic view, the speedometer and rev counter are in the foreground; in “infotainment” mode the virtual instruments are smaller. The space that becomes free as a result provides ample room for other functions, such as the navigation map. At the lower edge of the Audi virtual cockpit, the displays for outside temperature, time and mileage are permanently visible. Warning or information symbols are also displayed there.
Sport models also come equipped with the Multi Media Interface with the MMI touch pad for fingertip data entry, navigation preparation, Audi Music Interface and Bluetooth connectivity, the Audi drive select adaptive dynamics system and keyless go. More comfort-oriented standard features include Alcantara and leather combination upholstery for the sports seats and manual air conditioning with controls thoughtfully positioned within the air vents themselves for space efficiency and convenience. Outside the cabin, 18-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels, sports suspension and xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lights all also feature as standard.
The TT Roadster S line upgrades to larger 19-inch alloy wheels with a five-arm star design, all-weather LED headlights and LED tail lights flanked by dynamic rear indicators with a directional sweeping function and S line body styling. It also offers particularly committed drivers the no cost option to swap to tauter S line sports suspension bringing a further 10mm reduction in ride height.
The interior offers a new palette of colours. There are three to choose from for both the TT and the TTS – black, rock grey and palomino brown. For the first time, customers can choose a second colour – rotor gray with contrasting stitching – in combination with S line specification, which until now has included an exclusively black interior finish. TTS buyers can also choose the sporty leather shade express red.
The cabin of the new TTS includes extended interior elements that add individually selectable colour accents to the trims of the S sport seats, the sides of the centre console and the rings of the air vents. For the TTS specifically, Audi designers have also developed an innovative technical laser texture for the wings of the dashboard. This texture has a honeycomb-like, slightly raised structure that gives it even more sporting appeal.
Numerous customisation options are also available, including upholstery in various grades of cloth, Alcantara and leather and three leather packages. The design selection admiral blue is a particular highlight, making an impression with matching leather colours, alternately contrasting stitching, dark aluminium, a coordinated paint finish and a special mesh floor mat.
High-speed in-car Internet
From the options list, even more of the remarkable Audi virtual cockpit’s potential can be unlocked by the Technology Package, which includes hard disk-based navigation mapping that can completely fill the 12.3-inch TFT monitor, and also beams the Internet to the car via Audi connect using the latest, high-speed LTE (Long Term Evolution) communication standard.
This brings features such as Google Maps, Google Street View, Audi traffic information online, price-graded refuelling locations in the vicinity and the latest news, flight and train information to streamline every journey. It also adds Audi music stream and access to social media services such as Facebook and Twitter. For sound that is as attention-grabbing as the cabin’s visuals, a 680-watt, twelve-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system can be specified in addition.
The optional driver assistance systems are equally sophisticated. The Audi side assist system ensures safe lane changes with a radar measurement towards the rear, and the Audi active lane assist (standard on 2.0 TFSI engines) keeps the open-top two-seater in its lane with minor steering interventions. The park assist system with display of surroundings automatically pilots the car into and out of parking spaces. Traffic sign recognition is another optional system.
New Audi TT Roadster goes on air – The all-new Audi TT Roadster opens for order in the UK in mid-November priced from £31,955 OTR. The range includes Sport and S line models powered by 184PS TDI and 230PS TFSI engines, and the 310PS TTS Roadster – all feature an all-digital Audi virtual cockpit.
The all-new Audi TT Roadster – UK OTR pricing
| Version | Power | Transmissions | CO2 g/km |
ROTR |
| 2.0 TFSI Sport | 230PS | 6-speed manual | 140* | £32,045 |
| 2.0 TFSI quattro Sport | 230PS | 6-speed S tronic | 154* | £35,005 |
| 2.0 TDI ultra Sport | 184PS | 6-speed manual | 114* | £31,955 |
| Power | Transmissions | CO2 g/km |
ROTR | |
| 2.0 TFSI S line | 230PS | 6-speed manual | 140* | £34,595 |
| 2.0 TFSI quattro S line | 230PS | 6-speed S tronic | 154* | £37,555 |
| 2.0 TDI ultra S line | 184PS | 6-speed manual | 114* | £34,505 |
*The choice of wheel may affect fuel consumption figures and CO2 emissions and corresponding vehicle excise duty (VED) payable.