In this case, ‘S’ could mean a multitude of things for the TTS, in my book it’s a tie between ‘Super Special Edition’ and ‘Serious Street Cred’. Okay maybe more on the latter.
Yup, you read that correctly, and no your eyes are not deceiving you. This TT comes with serious performance right out of the box, which goes to show just how serious Audi wants you to take its flagship variant, the TTS. No longer just a looker, the German car manufacturer has packed a whopping 272 horses into its 2.0-litre turbocharged engine and set its sights on the likes of the Merc SLK350, Beemer’s Z4 3.0 and (*shudder) even Posh’s Boxster/Cayman combo!
Braggin’ Rights
Instantly distinguishable from the original’s finely drawn lines, the second generation TT sports a more focused appearance which should look more appropriate when fully kitted.
Audi’s TTS gains a staggering amount of additional exterior trim to further accentuate its performance capabilities from the standard TT. Most noticeable would be the front spoiler and a rear aero-diffuser, plus side-skirts and special 18-inch cast aluminum alloy rims. The Audi also sports quad-exhaust pipes, LED daytime running lights as well as aluminum encased side mirrors, a trademark of Audi’s S cars.
Personally I like how Audi has successfully integrated the various bits to separate the TTS from its lesser siblings without going overboard and looking too aftermarket. On our streets, the TTS resembles a smaller, milder version of the R8 – something I’m sure that Audi wants everyone to know of its lineage.
Jump into the cabin and you’ll find familiar TT architecture albeit with a couple of S-type features, such as gray-faced instrument panels with white numerals and a couple of TTS and Quattro badges. The similarities continue as you get Audi’s signature understated design, adorned with stunning materials and impeccable build quality.
For front row passengers the TTS offers one of nicest automotive places to rest your posterior, although the same can’t be said for the rear bench which is at best accommodative to infants and small pets.
What Lies Beneath
Beneath the TTS's hood is a retuned ‘souped-up’ version of the Volkswagen Group's immensely popular 2.0-liter TFSI engine. Turbocharged with direct fuel injection, the engine pumps out 272hp at 6,000 rpm, while a mind numbing 350Nm of torque available from 2,500 to 5,000 rpm should ensure you leave most vehicles in the dust when at the lights. Audi has gone a step further by strengthening the engine block, cylinder head, connecting rods and pistons to withstand the power increase.
On paper, the TTS is pretty similar to the TT 3.2 V6's 250hp and 320Nm of torque, but the way the former puts its power down onto the road is vastly different. Boost pressure starts to reach its 17.4-psi peak at around 2,500 rpm, at that point there's a sensational jab of thrust. The TTS surges forth rapidly and its stopwatch timings reflect that.
Aided by Quattro traction the coupe will rocket to 100km/h in just under 5 seconds and onwards to a top speed of 250km/h. The TTS delivers its thrust with a melodious bassy growl from its exhaust note that’s a joy to tune into especially with the windows down.
Furthering the TTS’ cause is Audi’s S-tronic dual-clutch gearbox. The dual-clutch is still the undisputed king of drivetrains with a crisp, mechanical connection between engine and wheels. The S-tronic also offers automatic operation in Drive and Sport modes, of if you prefer to it manually via paddle shifters mounted just behind the steering wheel. Most drivers will probably leave it in Drive as the S-tronic is so smooth the point it feels too good to be true! With the TTS, the S-tronic gets even quicker gearchanges which further sweetens the experience.
Keeping Rooted
As with previous TT outings, the standard suspension setup continues with its front MacPherson struts and four-link rear suspension, however ride height has been lowered 10mm. But most importantly, the TTS is Audi’s first car to get the highly acclaimed Magnetorheological dampers.
This allows the driver to choose between Standard and Sport settings for damping action (electric voltage changes the characteristics of the special damping fluid with its magnetic particles that are suspended within the damper. In Sports mode, the dampers adjust for a far more aggressive calibration, the ride is firmed up considerably and the result is a TT that’s ready for the tracks or spirited driving anytime!
Weighing at just 1.4 tonnes the TTS seems like a lightweight for a proper sports coupe, but what it lacks in bulk the car makes up for it with a drive that’s light, agile and responsive in a way that no TT can match. The electrically boosted rack-and-pinion steering also deserves special mention as the way it connects its driver to the front wheels is like no other car I’ve driven in recent memory, extremely precise yet without becoming too clinical. The brakes have also been upgraded and feature the characteristic S-line of calipers, rotors and sport-rated brake pads for a firm and positive feel with lots of bite.
As a whole the TTS feels like its been built with lots of attention and precision, the traction benefits offered by Audi’s Quattro powertrain are a force to be reckoned with, especially in the wet.
My Sentiments Exactly…
Can the TTS be considered a good and proper sports car? I seriously think so, as no car (or sports car for that matter) I’ve test driven recently brought a bigger grin to my mug than this Audi. It’s definitely a good drive and extremely entertaining. And at $225,000 the TTS is a tempting proposition. It looks incredible, packs a timeless well sort-out interior and will be a nice car to own. Finally, Audi has heeded the calls TT drivers the world over by giving its TT a shot of much needed testosterone. The poster boy of coupes has the brawns to match!
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