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Audi Takes The Wraps Off Of The New 2008 TTS
Built for fun at the wheel
Audi is taking the wraps off a new sports car model. In early summer, the top model of the TT line, the TTS, will be appearing at dealers in both Coupe and Roadster body versions. Its two-liter TFSI engine develops an awesome 200 kW (272 hp) that catapults the Coupe with S tronic dual-clutch transmission from 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in just 5.2 seconds and on up to a governed top speed of 250 km/h (155.34 mph).
Designed to appeal towards a particularly young and dynamic clientele, the TTS represents Audi's Vorsprung durch Technik in its very latest form. This sports car owes its superior performance to a whole raft of innovative concepts. quattro permanent all-wheel drive translates its sheer power efficiently into locomotion, and the Audi magnetic ride shock absorber system guarantees precise handling. The optional high-tech S tronic transmission can take charge of power transmission as well, shifting faster than even a highly skilled driver. The TTS Coupe starts at € 44,900 and the Roadster at € 47,750.
The two-liter TFSI: the perfect sport engine
The TFSI engine in the TTS takes the two gasoline direct injection and turbocharging technologies from Audi and blends them to form a perfect partnership for a sports car. It is not only the 200 kW (272 hp) of output that makes the TFSI so scintillating, there's its hefty pulling power too – the maximum torque of 350 Nm (258.15 lb-ft) is constantly on tap from 2,500 up to 5,000 rpm.
Compared to the engine it was derived from, the two-liter power unit has been fundamentally reengineered and uprated to ready it for operation in the TTS. Thanks to its excellent efficiency, the sporty-sounding TFSI has an average fuel consumption of just 8.0 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers (29.40 mpg) in the Coupe when partnered by the six-speed manual transmission, while the figure for the Roadster averages 8.2 l/100 km (28.68 mpg). The optional S tronic dual-clutch transmission brings these figures down to 7.9 l/100 km (29.77 mpg) and 8.0 l/100 km (29.40 mpg) respectively.
S tronic, which operates with six speeds and two clutches, changes gear at high load and engine speed in a fraction of a second. This, coupled with its dynamic starting performance, knocks two-tenths of a second off the sprint to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) for both the Coupe and Roadster. Virtually loss-free transfer of power to the road is the task of the standard-specification quattro permanent all-wheel drive, which enables the TTS to accelerate sooner and more reliably than its challengers. At the heart of this system is a hydraulic multi-plate clutch, which now works faster than ever thanks to a new pressure reservoir.
Audi magnetic ride: high-tech damping
The TTS rolls off the production line equipped with yet another high-tech module – the Audi magnetic ride adaptive damping system. Circulating inside its damper pistons is a special fluid containing minute magnetic particles. When electrical voltage is applied, the fluid's flow properties change, altering the damping characteristics as well. The driver can choose between two mapped characteristics – Normal and Sport. Normal mode is designed for a well-balanced, comfortable ride, whereas in the Sport plane the TTS harnesses all of the potential of its sport suspension – which lowers the body by 10 millimeters (0.39 in) – to deliver uncompromisingly crisp handling.
The front suspension is made of aluminum, thereby reducing the unsprung masses. The efficient technology behind the responsive electromechanical steering notably reduces fuel consumption and the four-link rear suspension handles longitudinal and transverse forces separately, making a big contribution to its dynamic impression. The sports car is safely brought to a standstill by the high-performance braking system with its large 17-inch disks. Audi has devised a second, sporty level for the ESP stabilization program which enables controlled drifting.
One of the factors behind the supreme performance of the TTS is the hybrid construction of its body. Steel is used only at the rear end, while the front and center sections of the body are built from lightweight aluminum.
ASF (Audi Space Frame) technology guarantees superb rigidity and safety by optimizing axle load distribution and reducing overall weight. The manual version of the Coupe weighs in at just 1,395 kilograms (3075.42 lb), equating to a power-to-weight ratio of 5.1 kilograms per hp (11.24 lb/hp).
It is clear at first glance that the Audi TTS is a dynamic top model within the TT line. The standard-fit 18-inch aluminum wheels are a highlight of the special 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 background for the instruments as well as the leather multifunction steering wheel add further styling touches. For mobile entertainment, there is an audio system complete with CD player.
The 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 have a split-folding design, allowing luggage capacity to be increased from 290 to 700 liters (10.24 – 24.71 cubic ft).
Audi has reached a special milestone with the TTS: It was ten years ago that the TT Coupe first took to the road, swiftly acquiring the status of a design icon. The TT has been increasing in popularity ever since, in both hard-top and open-top form. It has now reached new heights with the TTS.