8 February 2011
In the decade since its original debut the TT has become an iconic car, but we wonder if that's based on the merits Audi originally had in mind.
Despite drawing inspiration from motorsport for its name and design, the original TT will sadly never be remembered for its dynamic driving potential. Instead it became globally revered as the 'it' car for Latté runs and cruising the high street.
With the latest model however, Audi has staunched up the image with more aggressive styling, a bespoke spaceframe chassis and dynamics that leave the driver in no doubt of the TT's abilities on the road. It's a huge improvement.
But the boffins in Ingolstadt also left room in the engineering for a 'proper' sports car version, cue the TTS.
Available in coupe and convertible (roadster) body styles, it replaces the 3.2 V6 Quattro TT in New Zealand and ups the ante even further utilising more power, enhanced handling and subtle exterior changes to really drive the TT's athletic prowess home.
Audi New Zealand believe the extra muscle will offset the $109,500 start price and expect TTS variants will make up around 40% of the TT's total sales. The outgoing V6 accounts for 25%, despite a lower price point. A Roadster version adds $5000.
Styling-wise the TTS benefits from 19" wheels tucked under a body shell that sits 10mm closer to the ground and distinctive LED lighting further help distinguish the 'S' model.
Inside there's some subtle TTS touches like brushed aluminium trimming, sport seats and upgraded upholstery, otherwise specification remains the same as the rest of the TT range.
It's taken the best from the V6 Quattro, being the excellent all-wheel drive system and combined it with the powerful, fuel efficient 2.0 litre turbo engine from the base model and tweaked the output to an impressive 200kW @ 6000 with 350Nm of torque from 2500 rpm. It's response to throttle is crisp and pleasingly potent
At the heart of the punchy 2.0 litre engine is a larger turbo boosting 1.2 bar (17.6 psi), this ensures torque is always at the ready. It's mated well to the tried and true six-speed S-Tronic (formerly known as DSG) dual clutch transmission Audi enthusiasts know and love.
The gear and final drive ratios have been enhanced for performance over the standard 2.0 litre and can be instantaneously selected via flappy paddles behind the flat bottomed steering wheel or left in automatic mode.
Audi claim 0-100km/h is achieved in just 5.2 seconds for the coupe, 5.4 seconds for the roadster while fuel economy of just 8.0 L/100km is quoted for either configuration. But the high performing turbo TTS is reliant on 98 octane fuel which isn't always available in New Zealand's more remote service stations
Audi's Magnetic Ride Control (MRC) system is standard. It uses electrical current to magnetically charge the shock absorber's iron-infused fluid, altering its viscosity.
It's a clever system, notably sharpening up the handling by resisting roll through the corners. One could argue that, when combined with those 19" low profile tyres and the reduction in ride height, the 'sport' mode firms the ride excessively for the kiwi backroad. But hey, this is the 'enthusiast's' TT, is it not?
If you're really worried about spilling your Mocha, the MRC's standard setup is fine, soaking up most lumps without any real compromise in road holding.
Coupled with Audi's famed Quattro all wheel drive, TTS is an agile yet surefooted driver's car.
Sure, some will suggest the $21,600 difference over the conventional TT is hard to justify for "a few sporty tweaks", after all just think how many Soy Chai Lattés that could buy.
If you enjoy driving though, it'll only take a few minutes behind the wheel to know you've brought the TTS for all the right reasons.