Audi sharpens TT S sportscar
BY JUSTIN HILLIARD | 11th Jan 2019
AUDI has detailed the lightly facelifted versions of its third-generation TT S Coupe and Roadster, which could enter Australian showrooms in the second quarter this year as quicker alternatives to the base sportscar.
The TT S is still motivated by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, but its maximum torque has been boosted to 400Nm from 2000 to 5300rpm for the 225kW European-market model.
However, Australia is unlikely to receive this engine tune due its ‘hot weather’ designation from the German brand’s parent company, Volkswagen Group.
For reference, the pre-facelift Australian-market TT S develops 210kW at 6200rpm and 380Nm from 1800 to 5200rpm, while the entry-level TT produces 169kW/370Nm.
Nonetheless, straight-line performance will be aided by the TT S’ new seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, which has closer ratios for its lower gears than its predecessor’s six-speed unit, while the wide ratio of its highest gear improves fuel economy.
With its engine and transmission upgrades, the European-market TT S has shaved a tenth of a second off its sprint from standstill to 100km/h, at 4.5 seconds in Coupe form and 4.8s in Roadster guise. A similar improvement is expected for Australian examples.
Top speed for either body style continues to be electronically limited to 250km/h, while a petrol particulate filter has been added to comply with the recently introduced Worldwide harmonised Light vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) fuel economy and emissions regulation.
Audi’s full-time quattro all-wheel-drive system remains standard alongside variable-ratio steering and multi-link rear suspension with magnetic dampers.
Styling changes up front extend to the bumper’s new horizontal blade that turns up at its ends to from vertical funnels that are as tall as the upright side air intakes, while a full-length splitter punctuates the look.
The side profile features heavily contoured skirts, while the rear end gains vertical air outlets below its tail-lights and a wider diffuser design with quad exhaust tailpipes.
A special-edition Competition grade will be available in Europe – and possibly Australia – adding a laminated Audi logo to the side skirts, red brake callipers, privacy glass (Coupe only), a fixed rear wing spoiler and a high-gloss black finish for its 20-inch alloy wheels and other exterior trim elements.
Inside, exclusive trim elements and leather upholstery with contrasting stitching feature alongside an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel and gear selector, carbon-fibre inlays and red air-vent inserts.
Two new paintworks options – Pulse Orange and Turbo Blue – have been added to the TT S’ colour palette, while its 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster now features an additional sports function, as first seen in the facelifted regular TT.
According to Audi Australia, pricing and specification for the TT S will be announced closer to its launch. The Coupe and Roadster are currently priced from $101,855, and $105,001 before on-road costs respectively.
Sales of the TT took a significant hit last year, with 187 examples sold – a 25.8 per cent decrease over the 252 deliveries made during 2017.
Playing in the $80,000-plus sportscar segment that shrunk by 28.7 per cent, the TT was the seventh best-selling model, trailing Mercedes-Benz’s C-Class (1520 units) and E-Class (751) Coupe and Cabriolet, and BMW’s 4 Series Coupe and Convertible (645), among others.
