Audi TT brings the roof down

Audi whipped the covers off its second-generation TT some months ago, and now comes the inevitable convertible version.

The German prestige marque hasn't deviated too far from the original formula as the newcomer retains the basic proportions of its predecessor, not to mention a canvas roof -- rather than the ever-more-popular folding steel lid.

Audi claims this is so because the soft top fits in with the "philosophy of puristic open-top motoring", but the real reasons have more to do with the fact that a canvas roof brings discernible weight (and cost) savings over a folding hardtop. The company also points out (with some validity) that a canvas roof also makes for a lower centre of gravity, which aids stability and makes for better cornering characteristics.

Another benefit of a soft top over a folding steel roof is that that eliminates the need for an aircraft carrier-sized bootlid and ugly shutlines.

The TT's cloth hood features steel and aluminium reinforcements and a large glass rear window, says Audi.

Due here in mid-2007, the TT Roadster will be offered with the choice of V6 and turbo four-cylinder power, the former coming standard with Audi's trademark quattro all-wheel-drive system.

The 3.2-litre V6 pumps out a chunky 184kW, which is around 16kW shy of BMW's 3.0-litre Z4, while the 2.0-litre turbo four (the same unit that propels the VW Golf GTI) ekes out a none-too-shabby 147kW.

Both model variants can be ordered with the excellent S tronic dual-clutch sequential gearbox as an alternative to the standard six-speed manual unit.

Audi makes bold claims of the TT Roadster's dynamic capabilities, especially when equipped with the optional 'magnetic ride' system, which enables the driver to dial up sporty suspension settings or a more comfort-oriented mode.

The official images indicate the TT has lost little (if anything) from a visual perspective when compared with its hard-hatted brother. In fact, it might even be a sharper looker, especially with the roof in retracted mode.

In the interests of providing more cabin space and better crashworthiness, the new TT has undergone a growth spurt. It's now 137mm longer, 78mm wider and 8mm taller than before, while its wheelbase has stretched 46mm.

Yet, weight has been kept down by fabricating the body using 58 per cent aluminium and 42 per cent steel. Result? The 2.0 TFSI model tips the scales at a none-too-portly 1295 kilograms when unladen.

To ensure that TT Roadster doesn't serve up nose-heavy understeering characteristics,  the steel components are located principally at the rear of the body to balance weight distribution over front and rear axles.

Practicality shouldn't be dismal either, as boot space has grown from 210 to 250 litres -- quite reasonable for a convertible.