Audi has revealed the all-new TT Roadster ahead of its public debut at the upcoming Paris motor show.
The third generation model’s hybrid aluminium and steel body sheathes a new chassis with upgraded quattro drive.
At 4,177 mm in length the two‑seater is 21 mm shorter than its predecessor. Its wheelbase, on the other hand, has grown by 37 mm to 2,505 mm, contributing to shorter overhangs. With a width of 1,832 mm, the new Roadster is 10 mm narrower than its predecessor, and at a height of 1,355 mm it is 3 mm lower.
Powered by two electric motors, the roof opens and closes in a claimed 10 seconds, and can do so at speeds of up to 31 mph. While opening, the top forms a Z shape as it folds flat into its aluminium tray, which doesn’t encroach on the 280 litre luggage compartment.
Compared with the coupe, Audi says the body of the Roadster has been modified in critical areas. The aluminium A‑pillars each conceal a second steel pillar in their interior, which in turn houses a solid steel tube. Internal steel ribbing also gives the aluminium sills increased strength. V‑shaped steel struts reinforce the zones underneath the engine compartment and the luggage compartment, and connect the axle carriers.
Power-wise, the new Roadster will launch with two turbocharged four-cylinder engines – a TDI and a TFSI – leaving the most powerful four-cylinder TFSI for the TTS Roadster.
Featuring 181 bhp and 280.3 lb‑ft of torque, the 2.0 TDI returns up to 65.7 mpg, which equates to CO2 emissions of 114 grams per kilometre. The 2.0 TFSI, meanwhile, produces 227 bhp and 272.9 lb‑ft of torque in the standard Roadster; in the TTS variant, output rises to 306 bhp and 280.3 lb‑ft.
The top model manages 0-62 mph in a claimed 4.9 seconds and goes on to an electronically governed top speed of 155 mph.
All of he engines meet the Euro 6 standard, and all are linked to a start-stop system as standard.
In the Roadster the petrol unit is initially combined with either front-wheel-drive and a six-speed manual gearbox or quattro all-wheel-drive and a six-speed S tronic twin-clutch transmission. The TTS, with standard quattro drive, also features a manual gearbox or the option of S tronic.
Audi says the quattro permanent all-wheel drive system has also been fully redeveloped.
Two specification levels – Sport and S line – will initially be offered in the UK. On the inside, both include the Audi ‘virtual cockpit’, which is based around a 12.3-inch LCD display that completely fills the driver’s instrument binnacle and replaces the traditional analogue dials.
The new convertible is set to arrive in the UK in time for spring 2015.
Source: Audi
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