2013 Audi TT Roadster

http://cdn4.leftlanenews.com/photos/cars/audi/thumbnails5.0/audi-tt-roadster-29_318.jpg
http://cdn4.leftlanenews.com/photos/cars/audi/thumbnails5.0/audi-tt-roadster-10_318.jpg

Following the introduction of the redesigned TT Coupe, Audi unleashed the latest TT Roadster, featuring a complete new exterior, interior, chassis, and powertrain. Like its hardtop counterpart, the roadster is larger than its predecessor -- about five inches longer, three inches wider.

One of the most noticeable changes is the addition of Audi's new corporate face based around aggressive headlights coupled with a large grille. Inside, the TT Roadster upholds Audi's reputation for finely crafted cabins with a simple yet elegant dashboard and high-quality materials throughout.

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.

The TT Roadster was once available with a choice of a four- or a six-cylinder engine, but now the model has been simplified to come with just a 2.0 TFSI engine that is rated at 211 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Coupled with the six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (a six-speed manual is no longer available) and quattro all-wheel drive, the TT Roadster can sprint from a stop to 60 in 5.6 seconds.

Fuel economy is rated at 22 city and 31 highway miles per gallon.

For those who live in hotter climates and are afraid of hot leather, fear not. The latest TT Roadster features optional Nappa leather that is heat resistant, and the automaker says it can lower the surface temperature compared to normal leather by as much as 68 degrees Fahrenheit.

The high-tech Audi magnetic ride damper system is available as an option. In this system, tiny magnetic particles circulate in the oil inside the shock absorbers. When a voltage is applied to them, they alter the damping characteristics within milliseconds.

This adaptive system simultaneously ensures high levels of ride comfort and thoroughly sporty dynamism, according to the specific driving scenario and the preferences of the driver.

Trim Level Breakdown
Audi offers the TT Roadster in two trim levels: 2.0T Premium Plus and 2.0T Prestige.

The 2.0T Premium Plus comes standard with power-adjustable leather/alcantara sports seats, a 140-watt sound system with Sirius XM radio, single-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth smartphone connectivity, Xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights, a leather-wrapped, flat-bottom multifunction steering wheel with paddle shifters 18-inch alloy wheels.

The 2.0T adds to or upgrades those features with heated Nappa leather sports seats, a 12-speaker, 255-watt Bose sound system, a navigation system with real-time traffic updates, a six-disc CD changer and an ultrasonic rear parking assist system.

Occupant Safety
Every TT model is outfitted with dual front, side and knee airbags along with traction and stability control systems and electronic brake-pressure distribution.

Key Competitors
While there are many other two-door convertibles available at the same price as the TT Roadster, the Audi is something of a unique proposition as a luxurious, style-conscious 2+2 without overt sporting pretensions. The Ford Mustang GT Convertible provides far higher levels of power and handling but can't match the TT's interior sophistication, while the Infiniti G37 Convertible the slightly ungainly-looking BMW 1-Series Convertible are closer matches but are still more athletic.

Similar Cars

left
right

LeftLane

Register

  • LeftLane

    Copyright © 2005 - 2012 MNM Media, LLC.
    All rights reserved.