Audi is taking the wraps off a new sports car - the Audi TTS, therntop of the TT model line. It will be coming to dealer showrooms in thernearly summer. Under its hood lies a two-liter TFSI high-performancernengine delivering a mighty 200 kW (272 hp). This intense power propelsrnthe TTS Coupe to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) from a standstill in just 5.2rnseconds and on to a governor-limited top speed of 250 km/h (155.34rnmph). The Audi TTS is available as both a 2 + 2-seater coupe and as arnroadster.

Designed to appeal to a young and dynamic clientele,rnthe TTS represents the Audi brand's Vorsprung durch Technikrn("advancement through technology") in its very latest form. The TFSIrnengine in the TTS takes the two Audi technologies of gasoline directrninjection and turbocharging and blends them to form a perfectrnpartnership. Aside from its output of 200 kW (272 hp), it is its peakrntorque of 350 Nm (258.15 lb-ft), which is constantly on tap betweenrn2,500 and 5,000 rpm, that makes the compact and lightweightrnfour-cylinder unit so impressive.

Compared to the engine it wasrnderived from, the two-liter power unit has been reengineered andrnstrengthened in a number of key areas to ready it for operation in thernTTS. Thanks to its excellent efficiency, the sporty-sounding TFSI hasrnan average fuel consumption of just 8.0 liters of fuel per 100rnkilometers (29.375 mpg) in the Coupe when partnered by the six-speedrnmanual transmission, while the figure for the roadster averages 8.2rnl/100 km (28.659 mpg). These figures are improved by 0.1 and 0.2 l/100rnkm (by 0.372 and 0.716 mpg), respectively, if the optional S tronicrndual-clutch transmission is fitted.

The TTS rolls off thernproduction line equipped with yet another high-tech module - the Audirnmagnetic ride adaptive damping system. This gives the driver the choicernof two characteristic settings: "Standard" mode is designed for arnwellbalanced, comfortable ride, whereas in the "Sport" setting the TTSrnharnesses all of the potential of its sports suspension - which lowersrnthe body by 10 millimeters (0.39 in.) - to deliver uncompromisinglyrndynamic handling. Its front suspension is mainly made of aluminum,rnwhile the efficient technology of the precision electromechanicalrnsteering also helps to improve fuel consumption considerably. Thernsports car is safely brought to a standstill by the high-performancernbraking system with its 17-inch discs.

Yet another factor in thernsupreme performance of the TTS is the hybrid construction of its body.rnSteel is used at the rear end, while the front and center sections ofrnthe body are built from lightweight aluminum. ASF (Audi Space Frame)rntechnology optimizes axle load distribution and reduces the overallrnweight. The manual Coupe weighs just 1,395 kilograms (3,075.45 lbs),rnwhich equates to a power-to-weight ratio of 5.1 kg/hp (11.24 lbs/hp).

Powerful looks: 18-inch wheels plus new headlights

ThernAudi TTS instantly stands out as the dynamic flagship of the TT modelrnline. The standard 18-inch aluminum wheels are a highlight of thernexterior design, as are the headlights, comprising newly designedrnbi-xenon units with LED daytime running lights. Inside, passengers arernwelcomed by deep-set sports seats trimmed in a mixture of leather andrnAlcantara, with Silk Nappa leather seat upholstery in four differentrncolor combinations available as an option. The gray instrument panel asrnwell as the multifunctional steering wheel add further styling touches.

ThernAudi TTS Roadster comes with an electrohydraulic drive for the softrntop, a power wind deflector, plus, for added practicality, arnload-through facility. The rear seats in the Coupe have a split-foldingrndesign, allowing luggage capacity to be increased from 290 to 700rnliters (10.24 to 24.72 cubic ft.). The hard-top TTS is priced at 44,900rneuros and the convertible version at 47,750 euros.

The unveilingrnof the TTS also marks something of an anniversary for Audi: It was 10rnyears ago that the TT Coupe first took to the road, swiftly acquiringrnthe status of design icon. And the TT has stayed firmly in the fastrnlane ever since.

The Drivetrain

The TFSIrnengine fitted in the TTS summons its power from a displacement of 1984rncc, and blends two separate Audi technologies - gasoline directrninjection and turbocharging - to form a partnership that is perfect forrna sports car. It is with good reason that an international jury ofrnmotoring journalists has crowned the two-liter four-cylinder power unitrn"Engine of the Year" three times in succession since 2005.

It isrnnot only the 200 kW (272 hp) of output that makes the TFSI sornscintillating, there's its hefty pulling power too - the maximum torquernof 350 Nm (258.15 lb-ft) is constantly on tap from 2,500 up to 5,000rnrpm. The Coupe with manual transmission takes just 5.4 seconds to racernfrom zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph), while a mere 4.4 seconds arernrequired to speed up from 80 to 120 km/h (49.71 to 74.56 mph) in fourthrngear. The Roadster is almost as impressive, recording times of 5.6 andrn4.6 seconds respectively for the same two exercises. The electronicrnlimiter calls a halt to this outstanding propulsion at a speed of 250rnkm/h (155.34 mph) in both models.

Compared to the engine it wasrnderived from, the two-liter power unit has undergone extensivernreengineering and strengthening to ready it for operation in the TTS -rnoverhauled areas include the engine block, the cylinder head, thernpistons, the connecting rods and the turbocharger, which can build uprnas much as 1.2 bar of relative air pressure. The intake and exhaustrnsystems have undergone elaborate honing to allow the refinedrnfour-cylinder engine to both breathe freely and generate a powerful,rnresonant soundtrack. An optimized and highly efficient intercoolerrnlowers the temperature of the compressed air, producing a crucialrnincrease in the quantity of air supplied for combustion.

Thanksrnto its outstanding efficiency, the TFSI has impressive fuel consumptionrnof 7.9 liters per 100 km (29.747 mpg) in the Coupe when partnered byrnthe S tronic transmission, and just 8.0 l/100 km (29.375 mpg) in thernRoadster. The two-liter engine is extremely light, weighing in at 153rnkilograms (337.31 lbs). This has considerable benefits for the overallrnweight of the TTS as well as for the axle load distribution and,rnconsequently, for the vehicle's handling.

High-tech gearshifting: S tronic

Transmissionrnof the engine's power is handled as standard in the TTS by a manualrnsix-speed gearshift with a light-weight magnesium housing. As anrnalternative, customers can opt for S tronic, which operates using sixrngears and two clutches positioned one behind the other. At high enginernloads and rev speeds, it is capable of shifting in just two-tenths of arnsecond. As a result of this high-speed shift work and its dynamicrnstart-off capabilities, the dual-clutch transmission from Audi shaves arnwhole two-tenths off the time taken for the sprint from zero to 100rnkm/h (62.14 mph) in both the Coupe and the Roadster.

S tronic,rnwhich likewise boasts excellent efficiency, also allows the driver tornshift gears manually using the one-touch lever or by means of paddlesrnon the steering wheel, just like in a racing car. There is also arnchoice of two automatic operating modes: N for "Normal" and S forrn"Sport." The clutches also have an adaptive design, enabling thernstart-off characteristics to be varied - whereas caution is exercisedrnon slippery surfaces, full power can be unleashed at the driver'srncommand when there is firm grip.

The standard-specificationrnquattro permanent all-wheel drive ensures loss-free transfer of thernengine's power to the road. With drive power being delivered to allrnfour wheels, the TTS is able to accelerate quicker and more safely thanrnits rivals, delivering dynamism coupled with supreme stability underrnall conditions.

At the heart of the quattro system is anrnelectronically controlled and hydraulically operated multi-platernclutch, which now works even faster than ever thanks to a new pressurernreservoir. If required, all of the drive force can be redirected fromrnthe front to the rear wheels within a matter of milliseconds. To makernallowance for the high torques produced by the TFSI engine in the TTS,rnthe drive train has been reinforced as required.

The Chassis

Audirnhas opted for a McPherson front suspension with lower triangularrnwishbones for the TTS. The suspension is largely made of aluminum,rnthereby reducing the unsprung masses. With a view to increasingrnrigidity, the subframe is bolted to the body at six points. Thernsensitive, high-precision power steering is driven electromechanically,rna technology that improves fuel consumption by 0.2 liters per 100 kmrn(0.716 mpg). The characteristics of the steering's power assistancernhave been adapted to reflect the dynamic nature of the TTS.

Thernfour-link rear suspension offers considerable benefits for vehiclernhandling, as it is capable of dealing with the longitudinal and lateralrnforces separately from one another. All of the links are made fromrnhigh-strength grades of steel, while modified bearings emphasize therntaut feel of the TTS. The coil springs and shock absorbers are fittedrnseparately from one another, meaning that they take up little space.

ThernTTS comes standard with 18-inch cast aluminum wheels that sport thernfivearm parallel-spoke S design and are shod with 245/40-size tires.rnFurther wheel variants are optionally available, including a newrn19-inch cast aluminum wheel designed by quattro GmbH. The exceptionallyrndynamic top-of-the-line TT model comes equipped with a high-performancernbraking system. Large disks are fitted front and rear, with the frontrndisks being internally ventilated too. Inside the black-paintedrncalipers, which bear the TTS emblem at the front, are the sport brakernpads. Audi has devised a second, sporty level for the ESP stabilizationrnprogram which enables controlled drifting.

Audi magnetic ride - crisp and versatile

ThernTTS rolls off the production line equipped with yet another high-techrnsolution — the Audi magnetic ride adaptive suspension system.rnCirculating inside the damper pistons is a special fluid containingrnminute magnetic particles. When an electrical voltage is applied, thernoil's flow properties change the characteristics of the suspension.

Audirnmagnetic ride works adaptively, meaning that it adjusts automaticallyrnto suit the prevailing conditions. The driver can select one of twornsuspension settings. In "Normal" mode, when oil viscosity is high, thernTTS offers a well-balanced, comfortable ride. In the "Sport" setting,rnmeaning low viscosity, the TTS harnesses all of the potential of itsrnsports suspension - which lowers the body by 10 millimeters (0.39 in.)rn- to deliver uncompromisingly dynamic handling.

The Audirngenerates non-stop fun at the wheel as it speeds around corners like arngo-cart with absolute crispness and precision, seemingly glued to thernroad. Any body roll is suppressed from the moment the vehicle starts tornturn. The steering becomes more responsive and direct, and selectivernbracing of the wheels makes the self-steering more neutral.

The Body

Thernsuperior performance of the TTS can be partly attributed to therntechnology of its bodywork, whose hybrid construction combines tworndifferent types of materials. Steel is used at the rear end, while thernfront and center sections of the body are built from lightweightrnaluminum.

Audi first developed this principle, known as the AudirnSpace Frame (ASF), in the early 1990s, triggering a revolution in bodyrnmanufacturing. Extruded sections, pressure die-castings andrnload-bearing aluminum panels together form a light, rigid and extremelyrnsafe structure. On the Coupe, the side sections and the roof are laserrnwelded together, producing a precision seamless joint — another clearrnindication of how Audi strives for perfection when building its cars.

Thernconstruction of the TTS has the added major benefit of optimizingrndistribution of the axle loads and reducing the vehicle's total weight.rnThe Coupe's body weighs a mere 206 kilograms (454.15 lbs), of which 140rnkg (308.65 lbs) is aluminum and 66 kg (145.51 lbs) steel. In the casernof the TTS Roadster, whose body incorporates special reinforcements,rnthe figure is 251 kilograms (553.36 lbs). All in all, the manualrnversion of the Coupe weighs in at just 1,395 kilograms (3,075.45 lbs),rnequating to a power-to-weight ratio of 5.1 kilograms (11.24 lbs) perrnhp. The Roadster's weight of 1,455 kilograms (3,207.73 lbs), meanwhile,rncorresponds to a ratio of 5.4 kg/hp (11.90 lbs/hp).

The Audi TTSrninstantly stands out as the dynamic flagship of the TT model line. Onernof the design highlights is undoubtedly the headlights - newly designedrnbixenon units featuring a horizontal strip of white LEDs that serve asrndaytime running lights. The single-frame grill in a platinum grayrnfinish is embellished with slender chrome strips, while large airrnintakes in the restyled front apron add to the striking look.

Whenrnviewed in profile, it is not only the large 18-inch wheels that standrnout; the widened, deeper door sills are equally eye-catching. Arnmuscular rear bumper, a gray-colored diffusor trim, plus two sets ofrntwin tailpipes protruding from the left and the right inject thernvehicle's tail with a sporty character all of its own. The spoiler onrnthe TTS extends automatically when the speed reaches 120 km/h (74.56rnmph) and retracts again when it drops back to 80 km/h (49.71 mph).

Bothrnthe Coupe and the Roadster measure 4,198 millimeters (13.77 ft) longrnand 1,842 mm (6.04 ft) wide; the hard-top TTS is 1,345 mm (4.41 ft) inrnheight, its open-top counterpart 1,350 mm (4.43 ft). The Roadsterrnfeatures an electrohydraulically operated soft top which opens andrncloses in twelve seconds, even on the move at speeds below 50 km/hrn(31.07 mph). The soft top incorporates a large glass rear window andrnfolds in a "Z" shape. Neither a tonneau cover nor a cover flap isrnneeded. Extra matting between the headlining and the outer skinrnimproves insulation, and an electrically extending/retracting windrndeflector shields the occupants' necks from drafts when the hood isrndown.

The Interior

Awaiting the passengersrninside are deep-set sports seats featuring seat heating and heightrnadjustment. They come as standard with leather/Alcantara seat covers inrneither black or black and silver, plus silver-colored contrastrnstitching. The sports seats are optionally available in Silk Napparnleather upholstery. There is also the option of the Impulse leatherrnpackage, comprising black trim with silver stitching in the Coupe orrnchennai brown trim with espresso-colored contrast stitching in thernRoadster.

The cockpit in the TTS is molded around the driver likerna sleek-fitting suit. Its clean-cut, sporty design and uncompromisingrnquality of construction is another Audi trademark. Instruments with arngray background and white needles, metal pedals, aluminum trim panels,rnplus a multifunctional leather sports steering wheel with a rim that'srnflattened at the bottom add further styling touches.

The driverrninformation system with its new, high-resolution white displayrnconcentrates all important information where it can be clearly seen byrnthe driver, and includes a timer function that is able to record laprntimes on race tracks. Mobile entertainment out on the road comes in thernform of the chorus audio system with CD player.

As well as beingrngreat fun to drive, the new sports car from Audi boasts a host ofrncredentials that make it eminently suitable for day-to-day use. ThernRoadster is available with an optional load-through facility completernwith removable ski bag for added practicality. The trunk has a capacityrnof 250 liters (8.83 cubic ft). The rear seats in the Coupe have arnsplit-folding design, allowing luggage capacity to be increased fromrn290 to 700 liters (10.24 to 24.72 cubic ft.).

The Features

Salesrnof the TTS will begin in the early summer. The Coupe is priced atrn44,900 euros and the Roadster at 47,750 euros. The TT line's dynamicrntop model comes generously equipped. Its list of features includesrnquattro permanent allwheel drive, the Audi magnetic ride adaptivernsuspension system, 18-inch aluminum wheels, xenon plus headlights withrnLED daytime running lights, plus - on the Roadster - the fullyrnautomatic soft top including power wind deflector.

The interiorrnis dominated by the multifunctional leather sports steering wheel. Thernextended aluminum styling and heated sports seats with theirrnleather/Alcantara upholstery are further highlights. An automatic airrnconditioning system and Isofix child seat mountings on the frontrnpassenger seat are designed to enhance both comfort and safety.

Thernlist of optional extras includes two navigation systems, a Bose soundrnsystem, an iPod port, an LED interior lighting package, electricallyrnadjustable seats, as well as the Audi adaptive light dynamic corneringrnlight system. The S tronic dualclutch transmission is an Audirntechnology that remains unmatched by anything the competition has tornoffer.