Audi announces pricing for hot TTS

Audi's 200kW TTS Coupe and Roadster quattros are now officially on sale Down Under.

The hot TTS models come with Audi's on-demand quattro all-wheel drive system as standard, while also offering the choice of six-speed manual, or dual-clutch six-speed S tronic sequential transmission.

Launched yesterday to the local media at Phillip Island, the new all-wheel-drive TT range toppers arrive with a price leap over the base, front-drive TT equivalents of $22,800 or $24,000 -- depending on configuration. As noted above, both Coupe and Roadster versions are offered in manual and S tronic dual clutch transmission variants, priced from $92,900 for the six-speed manual Coupe.

The price increase over the S tronic-only V6-engined TT quattros is $7100 (Coupe) and $8400 (Roadster).

With 200kW and 350Nm at its disposal, the TTS not only out powers the 184kW/320Nm V6 but also features added equipment. Rolling on arch-filling 18-inch TTS-specific wheels, it comes with Audi's magnetic ride damping system as standard, as well as the de rigueur body kit and a toothy, bespoke S line grille, flanked by new bi-Xenon headlights that are complimented by LED daytime running lights.

Under the bonnet, the TTS uses a powered-up version of the same 2.0-litre turbo four that's fitted to a raft of Volkswagen Group vehicles. In the TTS it features a strengthened block and engine internals plus turbocharger, intercooler and fuel system upgrades.

Inside it's all luxe with Audi's MP3 compatible, 140-Watt six-CD Symphony sound system, contoured sports seats trimmed in Silk Nappa leather and TTS-specific grey-background instruments behind a flat-bottom, three-spoke multifunction leather-rim steering wheel. The 2+2 Coupe version makes the best of its luggage carrying possibilities with a splitfold rear seat. Audi claims a total load capacity of no less than 700 litres.

The two-seat, soft-top TTS Roadster gets an electro-hydraulic roof, along with a wind deflector to keep the interior as cosy as possible with the top down, while a load-through skiport facility is the first in a Roadster. Audi says its quick-stowing (12sec) Z-fold cloth roof makes best use of the boot space too. Up or down there's 250 litres at your disposal.

The TTS models are the fastest mass produced TTs yet. Audi says the 1395kg S tronic Coupe will sprint from zero to 100km/h in a slick 5.2 seconds, with the manual version only slightly in arrears at 5.4 seconds. The Roadsters are 0.2sec slower -- thanks to their extra weight no doubt.

Official figures quote fuel consumption at 7.9 and 8.0 l/100km respectively for S tronic Coupe and Roadster versions, with manual transmission versions claiming 8.0 l/100km (Coupe) and 8.2 l/100km (Roadster).

On the test loop through Gippsland and around Phillip Island GP Circuit's sweeping 4.45km, the TTS proved a step above its humbler brethren with strong midrange punch and better overall balance than V6-engined models. The all-wheel drive version has managed to retain the nimble feel we loved in the standard four-cylinder TT (more here).
 
Audi has priced the TTS at the 25 per cent luxury car tax rate and has promised to absorb retrospective increases applying from the beginning of July if the proposed eight per cent hike is approved by the senate sub committee in late August.

Recommended retail prices Audi TTS
TTS Coupe six-speed manual $92,900
TTS Coupe S tronic $96,500
TTS Roadster six-speed manual $97,100
TTS Roadster S tronic $100,700

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