A hotter TT?

Audi is gearing up its TT coupe and roadster models to issue a top-end challenge to the usual suspects.

Porsche’s Boxster/Cayman duo, BMW’s 3.0-litre Z4 coupe and convertible, as well as the Mercedes-Benz SLK 350 coupe-convertible are all in the firing line.

The hotter TTs -- including this one caught by our assiduous spy photographers at Carparazzi -- are likely to be badged TTS and are expected to use a rejigged version of the direct injection turbo 2.0-litre TFSI four-cylinder engine that currently powers the three-door hatchback S3.

With subtle modifications including a slightly more aggressive full-frame grille treatment, extended side sills, alloy-effect mirrors, identifying badges and meatier alloy wheels, the TTS is expected to produce around 210 kW -- an increase of 30 kW or so over the S3 -- and deliver power to the ground via Audi’s on-demand 4WD quattro system driving through either a six-speed manual transmission or the highly efficient sequential dual-clutch DSG manual-auto gearbox.

If the TTS comes to Australia and if the price differentials between today’s A3 and S3 models are any guide, it would be reasonable to expect a price tag $15,000 or so above the current coupe and roadster TFSI TT models - which could bring the hot Audi in below Porsche and Benz, and on par with its BMW competition.

-- with Carparazzi

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