Audi has officially launched the convertible version of its all-new TT. The soft top will use the same, aluminium/steel Audi Space Frame construction with the open-air benefits of a fully automatic ‘hands-free’ fabric roof. The successor to the original TT Roadster, launched in the UK in 2000, opens for order in late November with prices starting from £26,915 OTR, and will arrive with its first UK customers next spring.

The new TT Roadster will use Audi's advanced hybrid Audi Space Frame (ASF) body shell blending 58 per cent aluminium and 42 per cent steel to minimise weight and allow full exploitation of the two petrol engines available at launch. Thanks to this the four-cylinder version weighs just 1,295kg unladen, and body rigidity has increased by a factor of 100 per cent.

To minimise impact on the weight savings made through the new construction technology, the new TT Roadster retains a cloth hood - electrohydraulically powered in both versions – which is both lighter than before through the use of a new steel and aluminium support framework, and even more insulating thanks to an additional layer of soundproofing.

Incorporating a heated glass rear window, the soft top opens or closes in just 12 seconds, and can now be operated at speeds of up to 30mph. It stows even more neatly and space efficiently than before thanks to a new Z-fold system which stacks the rigid front section of the roof on top of the cloth to form a cover, ensuring that the hood sits completely flush with the body and eliminating the need for a tonneau. Operation is now also completely ‘hands-free’, with no need to attach or detach the hood to or from the windscreen rail.

A powered mesh wind deflector is fitted as standard to UK TT Roadster models to streamline airflow through the cabin and minimise buffeting.



The new generation TT Roadster will be powered by either the 2.0-litre Turbo FSI petrol engine with 200PS or the 3.2-litre V6 petrol unit with 250PS. In common with the coupé, 2.0 T FSI versions are front-wheel-driven, and the 3.2-litre models distribute their power via Audi's quattro four-wheel-drive system. Six-speed manual transmission is a standard feature of both versions, with the S tronic twin-clutch automatic transmission (formerly known as DSG) available as a cost option.

The list of standard equipment for both versions is comprehensive. It includes powered roof and wind deflector operation, sports seats with leather and Alcantara mix upholstery for 2.0 TFSI versions or full leather for the V6, electronic climate control, a new generation MP3-compatible audio system with single CD player, an RS 4-style flat-bottomed leather-rimmed steering wheel and a Driver’s Information System (DIS).

In addition to full leather upholstery, V6 versions add front seat heating, an enhanced braking system, an exterior light styling pack and quattro four-wheel-drive. Alloy wheels are 17-inch Trapez design in the 2.0 TFSI or 18-inch 10-spoke design in the V6.



Story: Classic Driver
Photos: Audi