Audi AG (AUDVF, Financial) has recently declared its intent to launch a convertible version of the next-generation TT at the 2014 Paris Motor Show scheduled to be held in October this year. The vehicle would be a redesigned version of the exciting predecessor currently rocking the streets. In the face of intense competition, Audi wants to make the luxury segment cost effective by making lighter models that are more efficient on fuel and offer the best features to its buyers. Let’s check out some of the details of the new model that have been unwrapped by the company before its formal launch. Here we go.
The upgraded convertible top
Most of the technical know-how is to match with that of the already-shown new TT coupe. Both the cars have the same types of engines, but there are also some distinct differences. The TT Roadster’s fabric roof is equipped with two electric motors that can open and close the top in 10 seconds, down from 12 seconds for the previous-generation model. The roof can be opened and closed even at a speed of 50 kph. The acoustic top is fitted as a standard and acts as a good thermal insulator and diverts external noise, especially in the frequency range of the airflow.
Depending on the air frequency, the noise level of the interior can be reduced by up to 6 dB, compared to its predecessor.
Advocating the concept of open top driving
The new TT Roadster combines the dynamic ride of a sports car with the driving experience of a two-seater with an open top. The basis of this comprises struts in the underbody and body which considerably improve both the torsional rigidity and the ride comfort.
The new model looks sporty, compact and is around 21 millimeters long, shorter than its predecessor. The new roadster is 10 millimeters narrower than its earlier model. Its drag co-efficient is only 0.30 with the top closed – number one in the compact sports car segment. This provides Audi the combination of distinctive design and excellent aerodynamics in the upcoming model.
Intelligent body make
The body of the TT Roadster represents a new evolution of the Audi Space Frame (ASF) based on the modular transverse matrix (MQB) of Volkswagen. The passenger compartment and all other outer skin and attachment parts are made of the classic semi-finished aluminium products cast node, extruded profile and sheet metal.
With the 2.0 TFSI and manual transmission modes, the unladen weight of the model stands at 1,320 kilograms. The Audi engineers have further improved the crash safety feature through intelligent use of composite concept in the TT Roadster.
Compared with the Coupe, the body has been modified – First, the aluminium A pillars each conceal a second steel pillar in their interior, which in turn houses a solid steel tube. V-shaped steel struts reinforce the zones underneath the engine compartment and the luggage compartment and connect the axle carriers.
Powerful and efficient powertrain
The new model is being launched with two turbocharged four-cylinder engines, a TDI and a TFSI. The model would have power outputs between 135 KW and 228 KW; this clearly surpasses the respective predecessor engines.
As the model is built on the MQB platform, all engines are being mounted at the same place – their installation location does pose several advantages with regard to packaging. A start-stop system is present as a standard. As with all engines in the new model variants, the two-liter diesel engine meets the Euro 6 standards. It averages just 4.3 litres of fuel per 100 kilometers (54.7 US mpg), which equates to 114 grams of CO2 emission per kilometer – the best figure in the segment.
Model exhibits all-wheel drive
The Quattro permanent all-wheel drive has been completely redeveloped; it is optionally available in combination with the 2.0 TFSI engine in the TT Roadster and is fitted as standard on the TTS Roadster.
Driving comfort and safety are combined in the model with electric clutch management. This generation of the TT will first have the permanent all-wheel drive feature integrated into the dynamic handling system Audi drive select.
Last word
While the demand for compact cars is shrinking, Audi looks slated to grow further in this segment after the launch of the new TT Roadster which is more than just a small car – it will not only sport a trimmer body line but also will come retrofitted with a handful of sporty features that will make the car slimmer yet powerful enough to be categorised as an amateur sports car. No official word on pricing is yet out, but a starting figure of 31,000 GBP to 32,000 GBP is expected. We have to wait until early 2015 to see the model on the city roads and only then will Audi begin to build its sales expectations on this revamped model.
