Now on its second generation -- which was first unveiled for the 2008 model year and since updated for the latest model year -- the TTS is a sporty luxury coupe that slots in between the standard TT and the hotter TT RS.
Visually, the latest TTS Coupe maintains the same general look of its predecessor while adding sharper character lines and Audi's current corporate grille. Compared with the normal Coupe, the TTS model is differentiated by a unique body kit and a more aggressive lower front fascia. The interior upholds Audi's reputation for finely crafted cabins with a simple yet elegant dashboard and high-quality materials throughout.
The TTS produces 265 horsepower at 6,000 rpm from a tuned version of VW's venerable 2.0-liter turbo inline-four with direct fuel injection. Torque plateaus at 258 lb-ft from 2,500 to 5,000 rpm, and the gains were attained thanks to a new engine block, cylinder head, pistons and connecting rods.
The engine handily out-muscles the standard turbo's 200 horsepower and 207 lb-ft numbers, and the previously optional 3.2-liter V6's 250 horsepower and 236 lb-ft.
The exclusive dancing partners of that powerplant include Audi's revised all-wheel drive system and a six-speed dual-clutch gearbox the automaker calls S-Tronic. Audi promises performance will be brisk, claiming sprint from a standstill to 60mph will take just 4.9 seconds. Top speed, as seems to be the common practice in German-made vehicles, is artificially limited to 155mph.
Trim Level Breakdown
The TTS Coupe can be had with a choice of two trim levels: Premium Plus and Prestige.
The TTS Premium Plus comes standard with power-adjustable Nappa leather sports seats, a leather-wrapped, flat-bottom multifunction sport steering wheel with paddle shifters, Bluetooth smartphone connectivity, xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights and 19-inch alloy wheels.
The TTS Prestige adds to those features with a navigation system with real-time traffic updates, a 12-speaker, 255-watt Bose audio system, a six-disc CD changer and an ultrasonic rear parking 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
The TTS faces competition from performance-minded rivals like the Chevrolet Corvette as well as more laid-back machines like the BMW 3-Series Coupe and Mercedes C-Class Coupe.