If any car has evoked the word "cute" more often than the Audi TT, I can't name it. In fact, the TT has actually been a nerd of sports cars--self consciously unintimidating while also lacking the grit of, say, a Porsche Boxster or a Honda S2000. Maybe it was cute. But it was also wimpy.
As it reaches its 10th birthday, Audi has finally bestowed on the, well, charming roadster the sports car credentials it has lacked.
The TTS, to be unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit next week, tweaks the 2.0-liter four cylinder turbocharged powertrain to produce 272 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. Peak torque is available between sweet places of 2500 and 5000 rpm on the dial. In other words, it should provide the right kind of giddyap for charging onto freeway onramps and cutting through serpentine backroad twisties.
To handle the extra boost pressure, Audi reconfigured the engine block, cylinder head, pistons, connecting roads and turbocharger. The TTS now flies from 0 to 62 mph in 5.4 seconds for the coupe and 5.6 seconds for the roadster, which puts it on a par with the Honda and the Porsche.
The US version gets only the S-tronic dual-clutch gearbox.
The TTS' suspension uses Audi's adaptive magnetic dampening system, coupled to 18-inch wheels (19-inch versions are available). Audi also adds a second sport level to the car's electronic stability system. A dream come true? Look for pricing to range in the $60,000 ballpark. Honda's roadster costs more than $20,000 less and can reach 60 mph just as fast.
Sources: Audi, Automotive Week
