- What We Know
- Positioned as the top model in the TT lineup, the 2009 Audi TTS will go on sale in November in either coupe or convertible form.
Its 272 hp comes courtesy of a high-boost version of the company's familiar turbocharged direct-injection 2.0-liter inline-4 engine. The little mill also pumps out 258 pound-feet of torque between 2,500 rpm and 5,000 rpm. According to Audi, this 2.0-liter features a revised engine block, cylinder heads, pistons and connecting rods.
Although European customers will have a choice of a manual or dual-clutch transmission, all U.S. models will use Audi's S tronic dual-clutch transmission. Audi reckons the U.S.-spec coupe will reach 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.2 seconds. Not a bad figure for a roughly 3,100-pound car with standard all-wheel drive.
Magnetic ride-control dampers are also standard for the TTS. Just like similar items seen on the Audi R8, Chevy Corvette and Ferrari 599, they can be set in either standard or sport mode. The latter not only stiffens up the damping rates, it lowers the body by nearly a half inch. With its standard 18-inch wheels and 245/40R18 tires with stiff sidewalls, the comfort setting is likely to get the most use. Upgraded brakes are also part of the package, and the setup includes larger rotors, sport-type brake pads and zippy black calipers.
Bringing it in line with other recently introduced Audi sporty cars, the TTS gets a string of LED daytime running lights under its main lights. The TTS's kit of body pieces and the satin-aluminum finish to the outside mirrors are also familiar from other S models.
- What Edmunds.com says
- Like the looks of the new TT but don't think it has enough performance? The TT-S should do the trick when it goes on sale later this year.
