Prepare for spring with redesigned 2016 Audi TT
The official start of spring is in less than a week, and for some lucky individuals that might come with throwing the covers off their hibernating sports car. For those still shopping for some high-revving fun, the timing couldn’t be better, as Audi recently introduced the all-new third-generation 2016 Audi TT.
Available as a coupe or convertible, the redesigned TT is built on Volkswagen Group’s Modularer Querbaukasten (MQB) lightweight and compact modular platform, also utilized by the VW Golf and GTI. Plenty of high-strength hybrid steel and aluminum is used, keeping the weight down to a manageable 1,230 kilograms, about 45 kg less than before.
On the styling side, true to the car’s original spirit the TT features short overhangs and a planted stance for a sporting, road-hugging appearance. The headlights and front Singleframe grille have been sharpened and now look more menacing.
Audi’s much talked about Virtual Cockpit finds its way into the dashboard, a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster that replaces the usual physical speedometer, tachometer and other various gauges. The type of information shown can be changed, such as loading a Google Earth map that fills up the entire screen.
The driver isn’t the only one that gets to be entertained. Passengers have the option of connecting their mobile devices to the 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, while listening to the available Bang & Olufsen 680-watt, 12-speaker stereo.
Both the TT Coupe and Roadster comes with a 2.0-litre turbocharged TFSI engine making 220 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, providing 0-100 km/h times of 5.3 seconds for the former and 5.6 for the latter, mated to a six-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.
Audi Quattro all-wheel drive is standard, as is the Audi drive select system, which allows for the user to select from various defined dynamic settings. For example shift points, throttle response and steering may be altered to match the driving environment, as well as the front/rear drivetrain bias.
The 2016 Audi TT starts at $51,600.
