First look: Audi tweaks TT

AUDI has used the weekend’s Leipzig motor show in Germany to reveal a facelifted version of its TT sportscar, featuring subtle styling updates, a new engine and a new Sport suspension setting.

Said to mark the 30th anniversary of Audi’s quattro all-wheel-drive system, the midlife makeover for Audi’s second-generation TT coupe and roadster will go on sale in Europe mid-year, before arriving here in late 2010.

The 2011 model year TT is differentiated by the addition of Audi’s now-obligatory LED daytime running lights, chrome-ringed foglights, an S Line high-gloss black single-frame grille and a new S Line front bumper with larger air intakes and sharper surface creases. At the rear, there are new tail-light reflectors and a wider rear diffuser panel.

The changes add 20mm of overall length to both coupe and convertible models, which are now available in four extra metallic paint colours: Scuba blue, Oolong grey, Volcano red and Dakota grey.

While the revised TT cabin also gains aluminium and gloss black inserts for the steering wheel, centre console and door trims, as well as three new interior colour treatments (Nougat brown, Titanium grey and Garnet red, the biggest changes lie under the TT’s sleek bonnet.

Replacing both the TT’s current 2.0-litre TFSI turbocharged direct-injection four-cylinder petrol engine and its 3.2-litre FSI direct-injection petrol V6 is a new 2.0 TFSI turbo-four that increases peak power by 8kW to 155kW and maximum torque by 70Nm to 350Nm (between 1600 and 4200rpm) via the addition of the Audi Valve-lift System (AVS).

Audi Australia has confirmed the upgraded TT 2.0 TFSI, which also comes with dual exhaust outlets, will be available here.

The substantial performance increase pushes the 2011 TT 2.0 TFSI quattro S-tronic to 100km/h in a claimed 5.6 seconds (a second quicker than before). Efficiency improvements are equally impressive, with average fuel consumption falling by more than one litre per 100km, from 7.7 to 6.6L/100km, in manual coupe guise.

The long-stroke, twin-balance shaft 2.0 TFSI engine runs 9.6:1 compression and accelerates the manual coupe to 100km/h in a claimed 6.1 seconds on its way to a top speed of 245km/h, yet is claimed to produce CO2 emissions of just 154g/km – far out-performing its most efficient rival at 199g/km.

Audi says it has also developed a new version of parent company Volkswagen’s lauded DSG dual-clutch automated manual transmission (R-tronic in Audi-speak) for the range-topping TT RS, which will continue with a 250kW/450Nm 2.5-litre inline five-cylinder turbo engine offering 0-100km/h acceleration in 4.4 seconds in the S-tronic coupe.

Although there are no mechanical changes to the (200kW/350Nm 2.0 TFSI) TTS, at the other end of the TT spectrum the 1.8 TFSI and 2.0 TDI models gain the ability to regenerate power under brakes and while coasting.

The front-drive 1.8 TFSI continues to deliver 118kW, 250Nm, 0-100km/h sprinting in 7.2 seconds and average fuel consumption of 6.4L/100km, while the segment-unique quattro-only 2.0 TDI still offers 125kW/350Nm, 0-100km/h in 7.5 seconds and 5.3L/100km fuel economy.

Chassis-wise, upgraded TT models fitted with Magnetic Ride Control gain a Sports mode that employs a stiffer setting within Audi’s variable suspension damping system, as well as sharpening throttle response, increasing steering weight and enhancing the “sportiness” of its exhaust note.

Finally, a new range of 14 wheel options is available across the TT line-up in Europe, with the 1.8 TFSI, 2.0 TFSI and 2.0 TDI all now offering 17-inch alloys with 245/55 tyres, while the S Line package continues to comprise a black interior, a 10mm-lower ride height and 18-inch wheels similar to the TTS and TT RS.