Audi has lopped the top off the third-generation TT Coupé to give us the least surprising follow-up model yet, the TT Roadster. Although we're not complaining, as it looks great and comes in hotter TTS format too.
Exterior
The new TT Roadster is 21mm shorter than the second-gen version but has a 37mm longer wheelbase, minimising the overhangs and giving it a sporty stance. It also has more structural bracing in the chassis and body, leading Audi to state that it has increased torsional rigidity and better ride comfort. The Roadster is very similar in design to the Coupé, so it has the same lights front and rear, plus the wide wheelarches and the four-ring logo on the bonnet - instead of in the 'Singleframe' grille. The aerodynamic coefficient of drag figure (Cd) is 0.30, claimed to be class-leading, and at speeds above 120km/h, a spoiler rises from the boot lid to reduce rear end lift.
The obvious difference here is the fabric roof, which all in weighs just 39kg - or 3kg lighter than the old car's apparatus. When folded, it does not impinge on the 280 litres of boot space and it can be raised and lowered in just 10 seconds, even when driving at up to 50km/h. The roof is good at both acoustic and thermal insulation, with noise levels up to 6dB quieter than in the preceding Roadster. Finally, the use of aluminium and high-strength steel in the construction keeps the TT Roadster's weight down to just 1,320kg (as a 2.0 TFSI manual).
Interior
Both the TT and TTS Roadsters have the 12.3-inch Audi 'virtual cockpit' screen where the instrument cluster usually resides, meaning the interior is hugely de-cluttered. The MMI interface has been reworked accordingly, while there will be plenty of infotainment and luxury options for the Roadster range. The sports seats in the car are 5kg less than the old items and the TTS gets fancier S-sport seats as standard (they're an option in the TT). Audi says the new TT offers a 'far more distinct and varied range of colours' than the second-gen car, which is nice. Inside, however, there are just three choices for the TT - black, Rock Grey and Palomino Brown, although S line buyers can opt for a two-tone option with Rotor Grey as a contrast. The TTS gets the extra option of an Express Red cabin.
Mechanicals
Two turbocharged four-cylinder engines are offered at first, both of 2.0-litre capacity, one diesel and one petrol. The latter TFSI unit comes in the higher output TTS variant too. The 2.0 TDI ultra makes 184hp, 380Nm and uses just 4.3 litres of fuel per 100km while emitting 114g/km CO2 in the process. The 2.0 TFSI engine for the TT has 230hp and 370Nm, while the TTS gets 310hp and 380Nm, meaning it can hit 100km/h from rest in just 4.9 seconds. Top speed is governed to 250km/h.
There'll be a choice of two six-speed transmissions, either a normal manual or a dual-clutch S tronic automatic. While the TDI car is front-wheel drive only, the TTS comes with quattro four-wheel drive and the TT TFSI can be specified as either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Audi promises the suspension and steering have been set up to deliver driving enjoyment and if the Coupé is anything to go by, we're hopeful this'll be the best open-top TT yet.
Anything else?
Sales of the TT Roadster begin at the Paris Motor Show next week, where the car will have its world debut. No Irish prices as yet. The TTS goes on sale in 2015, a little later than the normal TT.