"Audi has expanded the TT range by offering a sportier and more luxurious version of the 2.0-litre turbocharged model under its 'S' performance guise. The new model is aptly named the TTS and is available in both Coupe and Roadster bodystyles, with prices beginning from $92,900 for the six-speed manual Coupe and going all the way up to $100,700 for the Roadster fitted with a six-speed dual-clutch S tronic transmission.
The S tronic is available as on option throughout the range and costs between $3,000 and $4,000 depending on the model. When equipped with the lightning-quick transmission, the TTS will cover the sprint from 0-100km/h in just 5.2 seconds, 0.2 seconds faster than the six-speed manual.
The recommended retail prices are calculated with a Luxury Car Tax (LCT) of 25%. Audi has announced it will cover the additional 8% of LCT should the legislation pass on or around 26 August 2008, and be applied retrospectively.
Ample power and wide torque band
Rather than using the 3.2-litre V6 found in the TT, the TTS uses an uprated version of the 2.0-litre TFSI engine with power tuned to 200kW - around 20kW more than a Porsche Boxster. Despite a turbocharger replacing increased engine displacement for power, the TT has a healthy 350Nm on tap across a wide-ranging 2,500 to 5,000 rpm band.
Its small displacement, combined with the car’s lightweight body - made from a combination of steel and aluminium – allows the TTS to enjoy a relatively frugal fuel consumption rate of just 8.0L/100km for the Coupe when partnered with the six-speed manual transmission. This increases to 8.2L/100km for the Roadster. Add the economical S tronic dual-clutch transmission and these figures drop down to 7.9L/100 km and 8.0L/100km respectively.
The TTS also comes with Audi's 'quattro' AWD system, making the car exceptionally stable in the twists. Additionally, Audi equips the TTS with a magnetic ride shock absorber system for active management of the suspension settings. Magnetic ride suspension features special shock absorbers filled with a fluid containing tiny magnetic particles. When an electric current is applied, these particles interlock and cause the fluid to harden. This in turn makes the shocks stiffer and improves the handling of the car, although the ride quality can be compromised.
The two-seater Roadster comes with an electro-hydraulic drive for the soft top, a power-operated wind deflector, plus a load-through facility for added practicality. The rear seats in the Coupe, meanwhile, have a split-folding design, allowing luggage capacity to be increased from 290L to 700L.
Updated interior with Nappa leather
Inside, passengers are treated with deep-set sports seats trimmed in silk Nappa leather upholstery. The grey background for the instruments, as well as the flat-bottomed three-spoke leather sports multifunction steering wheel add further styling touches. For mobile entertainment, there’s a Symphony sound system (MP3 compatible) complete with six-stack CD player and an auxiliary input.
While the TTS represents an enticing purchase, rumours of a high-performance ‘RS’ version of the TT in the works may just keep customers away from Audi dealerships yet. The new model, currently going by the name TT-RS, has been spotted testing at Germany’s Nurburgring circuit ahead of an expected global launch date early next year. Audi Australia is yet to confirm if the new high-performance TT is headed for Australia but if it does expect to see the car in local showrooms before the end of next year. "
source: http://www.carcentral.com.au/2008080525 ... dster.html
