Audi opens up on TT and TTS Roadster ahead of Parisian premiere

The compact two-seater Audi TT has just gained a new Roadster variant, which will be formally introduced at the forthcoming Paris Motor Show. The new TT Roadster combines the dynamic ride of a sports car with the driving experience of an open‑top two‑seater.

The new TT Roadster measures 4,177mm long, sits 1,832mm wide and stands 1,355mm tall with a wheelbase of 2,505mm. Its drag coefficient is only 0.30 - with the top closed - a figure which Audi claims to be the top amongst the compact sports car segment.

With parts made from magnesium, aluminium, steel and plastic, the soft-top of the TT Roadster weighs just 39kg - 3kg lighter than its predecessor. Depending on frequency, the noise level in the interior has been reduced by up to 6dB compared with the predecessor.

The electrically controlled soft-top extends or retracts in a brisk 10 seconds, at speeds of up to around 50km/h. When the top is stowed in the aluminium tray, it does not eat into the 280-litre luggage compartment.

The power units of the Roadster models mirror the Coupe versions with three turbocharged four-cylinder engines, a TDI and a TFSI, with power outputs between 184bhp and 310bhp. The 2.0 TFSI in the TTS Roadster produces 310bhp and 380Nm of torque - to complete the century sprint in 4.9 seconds and on its way to an electronically governed top speed of 250km/h. The 2.0 TFSI channels its output to a manual six-speed transmission or an optionally available six-speed S tronic.

The quattro permanent all-wheel drive has been fully redeveloped and is optionally available in combination with the 2.0 TFSI engine in the TT Roadster. More power is routed to the rear axle during sporty driving, and the third generation Audi TT is the first in which the permanent all‑wheel drive is integrated into the dynamic handling system Audi drive select.

Audi deems the interior fits around the driver like a custom tailored suit and offers S sport seats in the TT Roadster as an option for enhanced adjustable bolsters. In Germany, sales of the new TT Roadster will begin with the Paris Motor Show in October 2014, with the TTS Roadster to follow at the start of 2015.