(from Audi press release)
2011 Audi TT Coupe
Dynamic design, enthralling performance and exemplary efficiency – the
Audi TT Coupe and the TT Roadster are now more attractive than ever. The
design of the lightweight bodies made primarily of aluminum and the
interior have been revised with great attention to detail, while new
technologies lower the fuel consumption of the compact sports car. New to
the lineup is a powerful and highly efficient four cylinder: The 2.0 TFSI
develops 155 kW (211 hp), but is content with an average fuel consumption
of just 6.6 liters per 100 kilometers (35.64 US mpg).
Exterior design
The second generation TT Coupe and the TT Roadster have made a name for
themselves as design icons, similar to their predecessors. Awards such as the
2007 “World Design Car of the Year” document this status. A brawny, broad
foundation, powerful shoulders and a flat roofline – the two compact sports cars
have fascinatingly masculine lines. Their dynamic appearance is now even more
expressive than ever.
The most obvious feature at the front of the car is the powerful bumper, which
frames the larger air inlets with three-dimensional, sharply drawn out edges. The
fog lights are set in chrome rings. Also sporting a new look are the lattice of the
single-frame grille in high-gloss black and the optional xenon plus headlights.
Twelve white LEDs arranged in a straight line at the lower edge of the headlights
serve as the daytime running lights. These together with the wings in the
headlight body are classic Audi design features.
The tubular, apparently floating reflectors of the tail lights add visual depth to the
rear end of the car. The large tailpipes of the exhaust system – the 2.0 TFSI
features a dual exhaust – and the larger, flat black diffuser set additional accents.
A spoiler that extends at 120 km/h (74.56 mph) improves downforce.
The upgrades to the TT Coupe and the TT Roadster have added two centimeters
(0.79 in) to both cars, which now measure 4,187 millimeters (13.74 ft) in length.
The width of 1,842 millimeters (6.04 ft) and the height of 1,352 millimeters
(4.44 ft) and 1,357 millimeters (4.45 ft) for the Coupe and Roadster, respectively,
remain unchanged. The wheelbase measures 2,468 millimeters (8.10 ft). Four
new metallic colors have been added to the TT color range: Scuba Blue, Oolong
Gray, Volcano Red and Dakota Gray. Daytona Gray, pearl effect is also available
with the S line package.
Body
A key factor for the groundbreaking efficiency and excellent driving dynamics of
the TT is the body, which features hybrid Audi Space Frame technology (ASF).
Lightweight aluminum is used at the front of the car back to the B-pillar, with steel
panels used at the rear. This mix enabled the development engineers to balance
the axial loads perfectly and keep the total weight extremely low – prime
parameters for dynamic performance.
The TT 1.8 TFSI weighs a mere 1,240 kg (2,733.73 lb), a good 100 kilograms
(220.46 lbs) less than its closest competitor. The body of the Coupés weighs only
206 kilograms (454.15 lb), which breaks down to 140 kilograms (308.65 lb) of
aluminum (68 percent) and 66 kilograms (145.51 lb) of steel (32 percent). The
specific reinforcements in the TT Roadster – steel bulkhead, strongly ribbed sills,
A-pillar and windshield frame – result in a 58 to 42 percent split of the two
materials.
The ASF bodies of the TT are not only extremely lightweight, they are also very
strong and low-vibration, providing the foundation for sporty and precise
handling, the quiet ride and the high passive safety. A package of finely tuned
retention systems protects the passengers in the event of a crash. The classic
cloth top of the TT Roadster is a perfect complement to Audi’s lightweight
construction principle. It contributes to a low center of gravity, fits ideally into the
design line and takes up little space when folded.
Audi offers the soft top in two variants. The manual version features a central
latch for opening and closing the top. An electrohydraulic drive opens the optional
fully-automatic top in just 12 seconds, even while driving at speeds up to 50 km/h
(31.07 mph). An additional acoustic mat further improves the already excellent
acoustics and thermal insulation.
Interior
The interior of the TT features a sporty design, dynamic elegance and generous
amounts of space. The standard sport seats are mounted low and offer a high
level of lateral support. The steering wheel is flattened at the bottom. The five
round air vents and the arched cowl over the round-dial instruments exude the
spirit characteristic of the TT. The ergonomics are logical and the fit and finish is
uncompromisingly precise – just like always with Audi. When the ignition is
turned, the dials of the speedometer and tachometer briefly run up to the limit
before returning to zero.
The designers have added additional gloss to the fine interior. New aluminum-
look applications shine on the steering wheel, the center console and in the door
liner. Elegant accents are provided by rings, frames and strips in high-gloss
black. The aluminum strip above the glove box door is now brushed gray. There
are three new interior colors from which to choose – nougat brown, titanium gray
and garnet red. The leather seat covers are specially treated to reduce thermal
heating by as much as 20 degrees Celsius (68° F) when the TT is parked in the
sun.
The TT Coupe and the TT Roadster are sports cars with a high degree of
everyday utility. The backs of both rear seats fold down in the 2+2-seater Coupé,
expanding the trunk space beneath the long lid from 292 to 700 liters (10.31 –
24.72 cubic ft). The Roadster, which offers 250 liters (8.83 cubic ft) of storage
space whether the top is up or down, can also be supplied with the option of a
load-through facility.
Drivetrain
Three four-cylinder engines with turbocharging and direct fuel injection are
available for both the TT Coupe and the TT Roadster. The two TFSI gasoline
engines and the TDI combine sporty performance with groundbreaking efficiency
– their fuel consumption figures have been reduced by up to 14 percent. All three
engines are coupled with a recuperation system that recovers energy during
braking and coasting phases.
New to the lineup is the 2.0 TFSI with 155 kW (211 hp), which replaces the
2.0 TFSI with 147 kW (200 hp) and the 3.2. With a manual transmission, the two-
liter engine accelerates the Coupe from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 6.1
seconds on its way to a top speed of 245 km/h (152.24 mph). Audi also offers the
2.0 TFSI with an optional drivetrain featuring the six-speed S tronic and quattro
permanent all-wheel drive. The spring from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) takes
only 5.6 s in this configuration.
The Audi valvelift system AVS in the new 2.0 TFSI increases power, torque and
efficiency. Equipped with a manual transmission, the TT 2.0 TFSI consumes only
6.6 liters of fuel per 100 km (35.64 US mpg) in the European test cycle. CO2
emissions are an exemplary 154 grams/km (247.84 g/mile). The best value
posted by a competitor is 199 g/km (320.26 g/mile). Fuel consumption has
improved by 1.1 liters/100 km over the previous model.
The 2.0 TFSI is a winner par excellence, having been named “Engine of the
Year” five years in a row by an international jury. Its technology package
combines high output with impressive pulling power. A constant 350 Nm
(258.15 lb-ft) of torque are available between 1,600 and 4,200 rpm. The long-
stroke engine, which is extremely cultivated thanks to two balance shafts, has
been painstakingly optimized for minimal friction.
The Audi valvelift system adjusts the lift of the exhaust valves in two stages
depending on need. This reduces flushing losses in the combustion chamber and
also ensures that the optimal flow of the exhaust gas is directed to the
turbocharger, which in turn ensures that torque is developed quickly.
The combination of turbocharging and direct fuel injection also reduces the
combustion chamber temperatures and the resulting tendency to knock. This
allows a high compression ratio of 9.6:1, which improves efficiency.
The TT engine lineup includes two other four-cylinder engines besides the new
2.0 TFSI. The 1.8 TFSI, available with a six-speed manual transmission and
front-wheel drive, delivers 118 kW (160 hp) and 250 Nm of torque (184.39 lb-ft),
the latter between 1,500 and 4,500 rpm. It launches the Coupe from a standing
start to 100 km/h in 7.2 seconds, with a top speed of 226 km/h (140.43 mph). It
consumes just 6.4 liters of fuel per 100 km (36.75 US mpg) on average, which
corresponds to only 149 grams of CO2/km (239.79 g/mile).
The TT 2.0 TDI remains the only sports car with a diesel engine in its segment,
and its efficiency clearly sets the standard. The TT Coupe consumes just 5.3
liters of fuel per 100 km (44.38 US mpg), which corresponds to only 139 grams of
CO2/km (223.70 g/mile). With 125 kW (170 hp) and 350 Nm (258.15 lb-ft) of
torque – the latter available between 1,750 and 2,500 rpm – the standard sprint
takes 7.5 seconds and acceleration continues until a top speed of 226 km/h
(140.43 mph) is reached. The two-liter TDI is mated to a manual transmission
and quattro all-wheel drive.
A precisely shifting six-speed manual transmission transfers power to the wheels
regardless of the engine. Audi also offers the S tronic dual clutch transmission as
an option for the new 2.0 TFSI. This transmission switches between its six gears
with virtually no interruption to the supply of power. The high-tech gearbox shifts
extremely quickly and comfortably, either fully automatically or manually as the
driver desires. Manual shifts can be made using the optional paddles on the
steering wheel.
The quattro permanent all-wheel drive system is available as an option for the
2.0 TFSI with the S tronic; it comes standard with the 2.0 TDI. The hydraulic
multi-plate clutch, which is mounted on the rear axle in the interest of weight
distribution, is electronically controlled. During normal driving, it sends most of the
engine’s power to the front wheels, but can quickly transfer up to 100 percent to
the rear wheels, if necessary.
The quattro drive provides substantially greater stability, traction and driving
enjoyment, and is another unique selling point of the Audi TT in its class.
Chassis
The front suspension features McPherson struts, with aluminum components
used to keep the weight of the unsprung masses low. The power steering is
direct, sensitive and thanks to its electromechanical drive, highly efficient. The
trailing arms of the four-link rear suspension are relatively soft in the interest of
comfort. The connections to the three transverse links per wheel, on the other
hand, are rigid in order to direct lateral forces into the body with precision.
Available as an option with all variants of the TT is the electronically controlled
Audi magnetic ride shock absorber system, another high-tech feature that
underscores the unique character of the compact sports car. A fluid containing
tiny magnetic particles circulates through the dampers. When a voltage is applied
to the magnetic field, the behavior of the particles changes and thus the damping
behavior of the fluid changes. A computer fed with input from a bundle of sensors
controls the adaptive damping.
The driver can choose between two base characteristics, which are now even
more clearly differentiated. In “Normal” mode, the movements of the TT Coupe
and the TT Roadster are balanced – equally agile and comfortable. In “Sport”
mode, high damping forces largely suppress body roll. The TT is tautly connected
to the road, and its setup is highly dynamic.
Another option is available in addition to Audi magnetic ride – the Sport button.
The driver can use it to adjust the characteristic of the gas pedal (with manual
transmissions), the amount of servo boost for the steering and the engine sound
in two stages.
The range of wheels has also been reworked, and now features 14 variants. The
TT 1.8 TFSI, the 2.0 TDI and the 2.0 TFSI roll off the assembly line on 17-inch
aluminum wheels with size 245/55 tires.
Winter wheels are available in three sizes; the range of summer wheels extends
all the way up to 9 J x 19 with size 255/35 tires. Mounted behind the large wheels
are powerful brakes with large-diameter discs. The front discs are internally
ventilated.
Equipment and trim
All versions of the TT Coupe and TT Roadster come with a rich array of standard
equipment. Among the highlights are the “chorus” audio system, a driver
information system and – in the TT Coupe– an automatic climate control system.
Two navigation systems, a universal cellular phone preparation and the sonorous
Bose Surround Sound system are available as options. The optional xenon plus
headlights can be combined with a cornering light function.
The onboard computer with efficiency program comes standard in the TT. It
displays all of the consumption-relevant data on the central display, and gives the
driver tips for efficient driving. The gear-change indicator indicates the proper
gear. Another function provides information on which vehicle systems, such as
the climate control system, are consuming energy and how that effects fuel
consumption.
Customizing fans will find a rich selection available in Color & Trim. It begins with
the optional leather upholstery and includes four leather packages, an application
package and two S line packages. The S line exterior package focuses on design
modifications in the area of the bumpers, the air inlets and the diffuser.
The S line sport package features a black interior with many fine details in such
places as the steering wheel, the seat covers and the applications. 18-inch
wheels and body lowered by 10 millimeters (0.39 in) make the handling even
more dynamic.
The updated TT Coupe and the TT Roadster will debut on the German market
this summer with only minimal changes in price. The 1.8 TFSI will be available
from €30,200.