The Audi TT comes in two body styles, coupe and convertible, while the high performance TTS is available only as a coupe. All trims come standard with a 2.0L 4-cylinder turbocharged engine and a 6-speed dual clutch gearbox, sending power to all four wheels. In the standard TT and TT convertible, this engine makes 220 hp along with 258 foot-pounds of torque. In the TTS, the engine has been retuned for performance, with a higher compression ratio and modified internals to be good for 292 hp and 280 pound-feet of torque. Both convertible and coupe versions of the TT are capable of hitting sixty miles per hour in less than six seconds, while the TTS will make the same sprint to sixty in under five.
Despite impressive performance numbers, the TT is far from a bare bones performance car. Open the doors and drivers will find a stylish cabin covered in leather and Alcantara and complete with the latest technology. Audi has always prided itself on the interior of the TT and this latest generation proves that that commitment continues into the car's third generation.
The Audi TT offers extraordinary levels of standard equipment. Standard features include automatic climate control, an auto-dimming rear mirror, automatic windshield wipers, 12-way power adjustable heated front seats, ambient LED interior lighting, a 9-speaker sound system with Bluetooth integration and two USB input slots, a 12.3-inch screen that houses the speedometer and tachometer, automatic LED headlights, LED taillights and turn signals, rear parking sensors, dual exhaust pipes and 18-inch wheels.
Of course there are plenty of options available on the TT as well. An uprated Bang & Olufson stereo features 12-speakers and a 680-watt amplifier. A Technology Package adds power heated and folding side mirrors, a navigation system, a rearview camera and Audi connect. Nicer seats featuring Napa leather are also available at an added cost.
The Audi TT has been given a complete redesign for 2016. Now entering its third generation, the TT continues its tradition of combining jaw dropping styling with a fantastic interior, sporty performance and a surprisingly easy to live with chassis.
The Audi TT starts at just below $43,000 while the higher performance TTS starts at around $52,000. This allows the TTS to undercut higher priced rivals such as the Porsche Boxster and the Chevrolet Corvette, while still offering a cheaper base model that is faster and much more nicely equipped than the down-market Subaru BRZ or Scion FR-S. And while the TTS might be a half a step down from rivals like the Corvette in terms of absolute performance, it makes up for it by being a much more livable vehicle, equipping a better-appointed interior and achieving much better mileage. Furthermore, neither the Boxster nor the Corvette offer the kind of stability and all-weather assurance that comes with Audi's Quattro all-wheel drive system which is standard on the TT and TTS.