Top shelf TT

A new flagship for Audi's TT range will arrive in Australia during the second half of this year.

Fitted with a high-performance version of the 2.0-litre TFSI engine, the TTS (more here) will be available in both coupe and roadster body styles and will trump the V6 model's 184kW output.

In other markets, the TTS will develop 200kW of power, but this will be whittled back to 196kW to allow for Australia's hotter climes. Audi has recorded a time of 5.2 seconds for the 0-100km/h drag, which has been attained with the cold-climate engine, producing 350Nm of torque across a range of engine speeds from 2500 to 5000rpm. Top speed is limited to 250km/h.

In spite of its performance, the TTS engine -- a strengthened version of the standard 147kW unit -- returns fuel consumption figures of 8.0L/100km (Coupe) and 8.2L/100km (Roadster) with the standard six-speed manual transmission.

The TTS will offer either that standard six-speed manual transmission or the S Tronic option, Audi's version of the Volkswagen DSG box. Both fuel consumption and acceleration are slightly improved in cars with the S Tronic dual-clutch transmission.

The quattro all-wheel drive system balances torque from front to rear through a hydraulic multi-plate clutch system. In the TTS, the system has been upgraded with a new pressure reservoir, to reduce the interval between gear changes.

Audi has designed the TTS to be constructed from a combination of aluminium, for the front and centre sections, and steel at the rear. Also using the company's space frame method of construction, the TTS weighs 1395kg in manual Coupe trim, which aids the car's performance.

245/40 tyres are fitted to the 18-inch alloy wheels in a five-spoke design, complementing the wider and deeper door sills.

Features specified for Australian market models will include Magnetic Ride, xenon headlights, daytime running lights and the S cosmetic pack. Audi will announce Australian pricing closer to its local launch.

To comment on this article click here