2008 Audi TT Roadster

Audi today unveiled the roadster version of its all-new TT sports car. As with its coupe counterpart, the 3.2-litre V6 power unit generates 250 horsepower and is coupled to the quattro drive system as standard. A 2.0 TFSI engine blends turbocharging with direct injection technology and delivers 200 horsepower to the front wheels. Both model variants can be ordered with the innovative S tronic dual-clutch gearbox as an alternative to the standard six-speed manual shift.

Audi says it made a conscious decision to keep a manually operated cloth roof for the new TT Roadster. The soft top concept "fits in perfectly with the philosophy of puristic open-top motoring and also offers a number of benefits over a folding steel hard top," the automaker said. Audi says the new roof keeps weight to a minimum and lowers the center of gravity.

To achieve a desirable weight balance, steel components are located principally at the rear of the body - the bulkhead behind the passenger compartment, for example, is made from steel. The side sills consist of extruded aluminium sections containing numerous reinforcing ribs. The A-pillars have been strengthened too and a high-strength steel tube integrated into the frame of the windscreen. Torsional strength has been more than doubled, making for a stiffer and more responsive ride. Gallery after the jump...