2016 AUDI TT ROADSTER

Audi’s TT Roadster has been our teams favorite   since we first attended the Launch of the first TT Coupe and Roadster models in 1998. The newest model is the third generation delivered to North America. This new model has no common or shared parts with previous TT’s.   The design we have known for years could change for Audi’s chief of design Wolfgang Egger has moved to another design position.

We have had the pleasure to drive both coupe and roadster models numerous times since the introduction.  Quattro always.  Today the AUDI TT and Volkswagen share a platform known as MQB(think Mk7 Golf, but with a shorter wheelbase). The wheelbase is longer than the current TT’s by 1.5 inches, though overall body length shrinks by four-hundredths of an inch because of the shorter overhangs. The floor has been lowered by 0.4 inch, the magnetic drive damping system is optimized to further reduce roll, and the all-wheel-drive system has been re-engineered with a control unit on the rear clutch.

The TT Roadster had the excellent 2.0 liter turbo four.  Mated to the six-speed dual-clutch it drives like a dream. The new EA888 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4 engine, similar to that found in the Audi A3 2.0T/S3,

The Audi TT Coupe and Roadster  engine delivers 220 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque for a 0-60 time of 5.3 seconds (Coupe) and 5.6 seconds (Roadster). If you want more power look at the competition. If you wish a manual transmission look at BMW’s models. Only in Europe can you get the manual transmission on the TT models.

The TT Roadster is 164.7 inches in length. The TT Roadster weighs 3,186 pounds. The TT’s turning circle is 34.78 feet in part thanks to the electromechanical speed sensitive power steering (with progressive steering feature).

Torsional stiffness has been improved by 25 percent, and the car is 50 pounds lighter than its predecessor. Here’s a brief rundown of some of the items that have resulted in those savings: Aluminum doors save 38 pounds, new seat structures save 11 pounds, new brakes shave off 11 pounds, using aluminum in the electrical system rather than copper saves six pounds, the engine is eight pounds lighter than its predecessor, wheels are six pounds lighter, the exhaust manifold shaves off five pounds, the Quattro all-wheel-drive system is three pounds lighter than the previous unit, and new materials used in the floor save two pounds.

A new Quattro® all-wheel-drive system varies torque delivery percentage front to rear by measuring the coefficient of traction at all four wheels via 150 readings every 10 milliseconds, and for the first time can be controlled through the Audi drive select system. When in dynamic mode, the Quattro® system has a rear-wheel power bias. This automatically determines how to adjust torque depending on the mode and steering angle of the TT.

The TT Roadster we drove had low profile tires that worked well on the back roads of New York State.  Others journalist have stated the low profile tires give a rougher ride.  Perhaps, but with the tires I felt secure in every corner and driving challenge I encountered.

The all-new and innovative virtual cockpit with an entirely digital instrument cluster, revolutionizes the way the driver interacts with the vehicle. The interface is visible even in direct sunlight. Sharp 3D imagery with turn-by-turn navigation also comes in handy at night on dark, winding or unfamiliar roads. I  fell in love with it the first minute I was behind the wheel.

The cockpit’s “classic” view includes the tachometer and speedometer on each side, with a section for mapping and infotainment in the center. Fuel, temperature and other important vehicle information run along the top and bottom of the display.

The virtual cockpit replaces traditional gauges and interfaces for a customizable cockpit that combines the functions of a central MMI® system with a traditional instrument cluster in one unique, 12.3-inch TFT display with superb 3D graphics and brilliant clarity.

At the heart of the virtual cockpit is a Nvidia Tegra 3 system-on-a-chip, they state is the world's first quad-core mobile processor. This chip was designed for performance and rendering video at up to 60 frames per second and in 24-bit color.

Thanks to the chip, the cockpit screen is fast and responsive. The Tegra 3's processing power even allows for some unique touches, such as a 3D map view that lets you see the real-world contour of the roadway and landscape ahead of you.

The Tesla Model S also uses a similar chipset to the  Nvidia's Tegra 3 chip to drive a massive 17-inch touchscreen that works just like a fast smartphone.

Audi TT’s  virtual cockpit's control mechanisms are  knobs and buttons used to navigate through the interface, as well as voice search. Audi placed controls on the steering wheel for easy access while driving, but it also included a second set of controls on the center console for someone in the passenger seat to use, too.

Audi connect® on the TT offers the latest MIB-2 infotainment features, including 4G LTE Wi-Fi® hotspot connectivity for passenger devices, streaming audio, social networking, external voice recognition, over-the-air map updates, and INRIX XD® Traffic. The roadster has voice control system including safety belt microphones.

CarPlay and Android Auto, Apple and Google's respective automotive connectivity technologies will make the Audi TT models even better.  We heard that Audi's General Manager of Communications, Mark Dahncke stated at a Audi Launch for the TT that the virtual cockpit will support CarPlay beginning with the next-generation Audi Q7. Android Auto support will arrive at the same time as well. It should be in the TT’s then as well as the new A4. I hope the Virtual Cockpit will eventually be available on more of the vehicles.

The available Bang & Olufsen® 680 watt surround sound system with 12 speakers offers almost true-to-life sound reproduction is a great option.

The TT and TTS also support SiriusXM satellite radio. You can upload your music over the car's built-in hard drive if you like, or play music off your phone via Bluetooth. 4G LTE and Wi-Fi connectivity also mean you aren't stuck listening only to music you downloaded onto your phone - just pop open the Pandora or Spotify  and other apps to select the best music.

Now available for the TT are full LED headlights, as standard equipment.

Audi magnetic ride on the TTS allows drivers to choose a driving experience to suit the current conditions and their personal preference.

Safety feature are what you would expect from Audi.  The roll bars on the Roadster are impressive. 

New digital HVAC controls eliminate the need for a conventional dash console and integrate fan speed, air vent selection and temperature directly into the center of the three central vents, and the respective heated seat controls.

The TT Roadster features a broader and flatter Singleframe® grille and sharp contours across the hood where the Audi rings are now prominently positioned, centrally mounted, round exhaust tailpipes and electric rear spoiler. Both the exterior and interior are all Audi. Beautiful design and exquisite workmanship.

Expect to pay $43,000 to nearly $50,000 for a loaded 2016 Audi TT Roadster.

BRUCE HUBBARD

BONNIE LYNCH

BRADLEY HUBBARD

JB WELKER

AUTO ADVISOR GROUP