Thursday, April 28, 2011

2011 Audi TTS Coupe Review

Bold, aggressive styling sends a clear message of performance and dynamic handling, while a complement of turbocharged engines delivers class-leading power and efficiency.
Inside, occupants are treated to an interior built with the same high quality materials found in the A8 flagship. In 2011, the Audi TT receives a boost in output, to 211 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. As before, the Audi TTS boasts a 265 hp version of the 2.0 TFSI® engine alongside a sharper suspension.
The 2011 Audi TT retains the muscular proportions of its predecessors but benefits from a redesigned fascia dominated by Audi’s characteristic Singleframe® grille. A more aggressive front bumper is fitted with a high-gloss black lattice on the Audi TT, and larger, lower intakes that increase airflow to the engine.


Horizontal chrome cross braces adorn the trapezoidal grille on the Audi TTS, while new honeycomb-style air intakes flank the sides. The fog lights on the Audi TT are mounted in a set of chrome rings, and high-intensity headlights are standard on the Audi TT quattro® Coupe, Audi TT quattro Roadster, TTS quattro Coupe and TTS quattro Roadster. All models feature 12 LEDs at the lower edge of the headlamps to serve as daytime running lights.
Viewed in profile, the Audi TT conveys a sense of poise and speed, with large fender arches housing stylish wheel options providing a powerful posture. In coupe form, a long, arching roofline epitomizes the classic profile of the Audi TT, while short overhangs in the front and rear lend a sporting, well-balanced stance.
The rear of the 2011 Audi TT is a classic coupe design. The roofline seamlessly blends into the rear deck, giving the TT an athletic appearance when viewed from behind. Integrated taillights follow the TT subtle bodyline and incorporate a third LED tail lamp, while floating reflectors add visual depth to the rear end.
When equipped with the 2.0 TFSI, larger dual tailpipes flank a flat black diffuser, while an electronically controlled spoiler deploys at 75 mph to improve downforce.

The exterior upgrades to both the Audi TT Coupe and TT Roadster add a total of 0.79 inches, increasing the overall length to 13.74 feet. The 8.1 foot wheelbase remains unchanged, as does the width of just more than six feet (6.04) and the height of 4.44 feet for the Coupe and 4.45 feet for the Roadster.
Four new colors have been added to the Audi TT range in 2011: Dakota Gray, Oolong Gray, Scuba Blue, Volcano Red and Misano Red pearl effect.
The Interior Dynamic and comfortable
A driver-oriented cockpit dominates the interior of the TT with large, easy-to-read gauges and a tri-spoke, flat-bottom steering wheel wrapped in fine-grain leather. The standard, 10-way adjustable front sport seats provide large, supportive bolsters and are standard with leather and Alcantara® upholstery for the TT and Silk Nappa leather for the TTS. The coupe delivers a 2+2 seating arrangement with both storage and seating areas behind the front seats.
For the 2011 model year, Audi designers have added new aluminum-optic elements on the steering wheel, center console and mirron controls. High-gloss black trim accents the rings, rotary light switch.
The TT and TTS models offer up to five interior colors choices with leather specially treated to reduce thermal heating by as much as 20 degrees Celsius (68 degrees F) when parked in the sun.
The 2011 TT also benefits from a driver information system that relays important details, including gear selection, fuel consumption, a trip meter, infotainment and navigation instructions. A lap timer is added on TTS models, and all TT models have Bluetooth® hands free capability and Sirius satellite radio.
Despite the TT Coupe and TT Roadster’s sports car dimensions, interior size is maximized for everyday utility. On the 2+2 Coupe, both rear seats can be folded down to expand trunk space from 10.31 to 24.72 cubic feet, while the Roadster’s 8.83 cubic feet remain the same whether the top is fixed or folded down.
The Engines | Efficient power
The Audi TT Coupe and TT Roadster are powered by a revised 2.0-liter TFSI engine for the 2011 model year. The inline-four puts out 211 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, which is available between 1,600 and 4,200 rpm. Complete with the Audi valvelift system, direct fuel injection, two balance shafts and a high compression ratio of 9.6:1, the reworked engine replaces the outgoing 2.0-liter and 3.2-liter FSI® V6, improving both fuel efficiency and performance.
Fitted with a six-speed manual transmission, the TT Coupe accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds before reaching a top speed of 130 mph.
The Audi TTS Coupe and TTS Roadster come with a more potent version of the same 2.0 TFSI engine, producing an impressive 265 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The extra power helps the TTS accelerate to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds and a top speed of 155 mph. An advanced suite of technological advancements, such as Audi valvelift system and direct-injection, help the 2.0 TFSI maintain respectable fuel economy. Both the TTS Coupe and TTS Roadster return the same 31 mpg highway as the TT.
S tronic Transmission The definition of sport
The advanced Audi S tronic dual-clutch transmission is standard on the Audi TT and the Audi TTS. Gear changes happen in just 0.2 seconds, resulting in a near uninterrupted transfer of power to the quattro all-wheel drive system. The driver may choose gears manually via precise-actuating paddle shifters, or by a simple bump of the console-mounted shifter.
Safety | An unwavering commitment
The Audi TT has a rigid aluminum and steel body structure that weighs as little as 454 pounds on the TT Coupe. The low weight contributes to the world-class handling of the TT, and Audi space frame construction results in a stiff shell to protect occupants. Crumple zones in the front and rear help direct collision energy down and away from the cabin. The TT also incorporates standard front, head and seat-mounted side impact airbags for the driver and the passenger, as well as intelligent, pre-tensioning seat belts.
Coupe and Convertible Tailored to fit
The 2011 Audi TT is available in four iterations: the TT Coupe, TT Roadster, TTS Coupe and TTS Roadster.
In coupe form, the TT comes standard with a 211 hp 2.0 TFSI engine, lightning-fast S tronic dual-clutch transmission, and quattro all-wheel drive. Standard equipment includes a sport suspension, ESP, ABS, ASR and Audi hill hold assist. Heated external mirrors and windshield washer nozzles prepare the TT for cold weather. The TT Coupe also includes a retractable spoiler, 18-inch, five-arm Dynamic Design wheels.
Audi magnetic ride – standard on the TTS – is optional on the TT, complete with “Normal” and “Sport” modes that have been re-engineered to increase driving enjoyment. This technology is further enhanced by the new “Sport” button program that modifies the steering servo boost to increase driver communication, while simultaneously opening a baffle in the exhaust to deliver a more aggressive engine note.
Inside, a multifunction steering wheel greets the driver, as do front sports seats equipped with 10-way power adjustment and four-way lumbar support. Automatic air conditioning and a storage package with a folding compartment under the passenger seat also are standard. Audi concert radio 9-speaker stereo system with SIRIUS satellite radio and MP3 and CD capability provides entertainment, and a driver information system is nestled in the instrument cluster. Cruise control, HomeLink® and Bluetooth hands free make the TT a leader in convenience options, as do a central locking system and power windows with one-touch up/down feature.
The TT roadster offers the same impressive level of equipment but brings a classic soft top to the mix for open-air excitement. Constructed of lightweight aluminum and steel, the top is constructed in three layers and incorporates a large glass rear window. An insulating layer between the exterior material and the headliner helps the TT Roadster maintain a quiet road-going experience with the top up as well as manage the temperature inside the cabin. The top can retract in a quick 12 seconds and can be closed while driving at speeds up to 30 mph, thereby eliminating the need to stop.
Performance-oriented buyers may opt for the TTS Coupe and TTS Roadster, available in Premium Plus and Prestige models. Both cars are precision tuned and benefit from a 265 hp version of the 2.0 TFSI engine, a quick-shifting S tronic dual-clutch transmission and quattro all-wheel drive. The extra power sharpens the reflexes of the TTS Coupe, resulting in a remarkable 4.9-second 0-60 mph time, with a top speed electronically limited to 155 mph. The TTS Roadster does not sacrifice performance with the addition of a soft top, managing a 5.1 second 0-60 mph time. TTS models also enjoy exterior design differences, including unique front and rear fascias. For 2011, new 19-inch tri-spoke, five-segment wheels wrapped in summer tires are standard on all TTS models.