2008 Audi TTS

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 272 bhp. This intense power propels the TTS Coupe to 60 mph from a standstill in just 5 seconds and on to a governor-limited top speed of 155. 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 272 bhp, it is its peak torque of
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 29.375 mpg in the Coupe when partnered by the six-speed manual transmission, while the figure for the roadster averages 28.659 mpg. These figures are improved 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 60 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 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 3,075.45 lbs, which equates to a power-to-weight ratio of 11.24 lbs/bhp.

Powerful Looks

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 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.