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2015 Audi TT and TTS Roadster Revealed: Convertible in 10 Seconds

Right on schedule for the Paris Motor Show, Audi has finished its work on the all-new TT and TTS Roadster models. Both variants look very sporty and compact, though the changes to the powertrain options and design are almost non-existent.
2015 Audi TT and TTS Roadster 29 photos
Photo: Audi
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Their design is noticeably sportier than the outgoing model, especially on S line models. All TT Roadsters now get standard symmetrical duel exhaust tips that differentiate them from less sporty A3 models. The front end looks more masculine, thanks to an enlarged trapezoidal grille, sharp headlights and and a hint of R8 design. Of course, all of these features are identical to the TT Coupe.

Let's start with the obvious change between the Mk3 coupe which has just started being assembled a month ago and its new rag-top brother: the lack o a roof. Audi has engineered a new convertible top that's 3 kg (6.6 lbs) lighter than before by using more magnesium, aluminum and plastic. Unlike many modern convertibles that require you to be stationary, the TT Roadster can open and close the top in as little as 10 seconds at speeds of up to 50 km/h (31 mph).

Just like on older models, the passenger compartment has lost its relatively useless rear seats. The upside is that because the top folds over the space they would normally occupy, cargo space is a respectable 250 liters, 50 more than on the Mk2 TT Roadster. If the lack of rear seats worries you, know that Audi recently introduced an A3 Cabriolet mode based on the same platform as the TT and offering full seating for four people (not a 2+2, but a true 4-seater).

The benefits of using MQB architecture are immediately obvious when you look at the weight. The TT 2.0 TFSI Roadster now tips the scales at 1,320 kg (2,910 lbs), compared to the 1,358 kg (2.204 lbs) of the older model. And in case you're wondering just 15 kilograms (33 lbs) have been added over the coupe model.

Impressive performance and efficiency

The new TT Roadster is the smallest, lightest convertible Audi makes. No surprisingly, this has a huge impact on both performance and fuel consumption. Engine choices have remained identical to the TT Coupe and include three different 2-liter mills, some available with quattro, so not.

Regular TT Roadsters are offered with either a 2-liter TDI delivering 184 PS and 380 Nm (280.3 lb-ft), or a 2.0 TFSI rated at 230 PS and 370 Nm (272.9 lb-ft). The diesel option belongs to the new ultra family of fuel-sippers and claims a combined average of just 4.3 liters per 100 kilometers (54.7 US mpg), which equates to CO2 emissions of 114 grams of CO2 emissions per kilometer. The downside is you can only get it with a manual and front-wheel drive right now.

The TFSI is basically the same engine you get on a Golf GTI, but unlike a GTI, Audi lets you have it with optional quattro all-wheel drive. We don't have performance numbers for any of these engines yet, but we can tell you the flagship TTS Roadster packing 310 PS needs only 4.9 seconds to reach 100 km/h.

Prices for he TT Roadster will start at €37,900 for a 2.0 TFSI with FWD and a manual, only a few hundred euros more if you want the diesel. However, full details won't be available until the start of 2015.
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About the author: Mihnea Radu
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Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
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