Audi TT-S: Big Power, Big Style

Motoring Channel Staff - 11/January/2008

Detroit, America — The 2008 Detroit Motor Show was home to numerous concept cars, prototypes and various futuristic designs, but there will also be plenty of hot machinery that's almost ready to drive.

One such vehicle was Audi's new V12 turbo diesel 2-door sports car, the R8 TDI, but so was this little beauty, the TT-S.

The Audi TT-S will be released in both coupe and convertible versions, where the 'S' in TT-S stands for sports. 

Simply put, this new model is a much faster, more powerful version of the 4-cylinder Audi TT, and will rival the BMW Z4 M Coupe and Convertible. 

It will feature an AWD system with 6-speed transmissions and will be most powerful TT yet.

The new TT-S models will be powered by Audi's 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol engines, but unlike the standard TT sports cars these engines output far more power, being based on the Audi S3's highly tuned and modified version of the engine.

Peak power of the new Audi TT-S will be 200kW (286hp), up from 147kW (197hp). The Editor reviewed the 147kW Audi TT last year and praised its ability to accelerate, so the new models are likely to be quite spectacular.

With torque rising from 280Nm in the standard TT to 350Nm, the new TT-S is not slow, able to trounce the zero to 100km/h sprint in just 5.2 seconds in the dual-clutch-equipped coupe. Fitted with the 6-speed manual, the sprint takes 5.4 seconds, and the convertible adds another two tenths (0.2) of a second to both those times.

Like most Audi's, top will be electronically limited to 250km/h (155mph).

According to the German luxury car maker, the new range-topping sports coupes were "Designed to appeal to a young and dynamic clientele" while representing the brand's Vorsprung durch Technik or advancement through technology business philosophy.

With larger wheels and Audi's magnetic ride system as standard on both coupe and convertible TT-S models, grip and handling characteristics are expected to improve.

Two suspension modes are available at the touch of a button: standard mode which is the default 'comfy' mode with a compliant ride, and sport mode, which lowers the car by 10mm and increases the damping rates for improved cornering response. 

Audi has also developed an added sports ESP (electronic stability control) system that it says "enables controlled drifting". 

Further improving the new TT-S's performance is it's overall weight - just 1395kg for the manual coupe which is considered very light for a modern German sports car.

Distinguishing the new TT-S from previous models are a range of visual updates, which include high-tech LED running lights which can also seen on the new Audi S5.

As well as the new headlight design, the Audi TT-S models will benefit from remodeled front aprons which add a sportier, more aggressive appearance to the front of the cars thanks to a 'sectioned' grille design. Slightly sportier side skirts are also present.

Similar to Audi's other 'S' models, the mirrors are finished in a different colour (brushed nickel) to signify the performance upgrades and the cars will ride on 18-inch wheels. At the rear of the car a new quad exhaust system signifies the boosted power output, along with new badging.

The new TT-S will be shown for the first time publicly at the '08 Detroit Motor Show and is expected to begin sales in Europe from half-way through 2008.

The TT-S coupe is priced at €44,900 and the convertible version at €47,750. Prices have not yet been confirmed for the Australian models, but expect prices of beyond $100,000.

Audi will begin importing the TT-S into Australia mid-way through the year, but power and torque levels are likely to be reduced due to the hot Australian climate.

Related Articles:
- Audi A3 Cabriolet (2008)
- Audi RS 6 (2008)
- Audi S3 (Road Test)
- Audi Metroproject quattro Concept (2009)
- Audi Cross Cabriolet quattro Concept (2007)
- Audi A4 (2008)
- Audi TT Coupe (Road Test)
- Audi RS 4 (Road Test)
- Audi S8 (Road Test)
- Audi A5 (2007)
- Audi S4 (Road Test)
- Audi R8 (2007)
- Audi A6 (Road Test)
- Audi A8 (Road Test)
- Audi Q7 V12 (2007)