Audi has deemed the Detroit auto show just the place to unveil its latest sporting creation -- or should we say "modification?" See, the Audi TTS isn't an entirely new car, but rather the creme de la creme of the TT sport coupe and convertible line. Yes, it will be available in both coupe and roadster forms, and to put things simply, transforms the already-willing TT into something even more fun to drive.
Audi's philosophy is "advancement through technology" and that's not something found lacking in the TTS. The engine is based on the highly-revered 2.0-liter, four-cylinder, turbocharged TSFI unit. Featuring direct injection, the powerplant contains a host of modifications over the standard motor (as installed the Volkswagen GTI, among other vehicles), including a beefier engine block, cylinder heads, and connecting rods. The turbocharger is new too - able to produce up to 1.2 bar of air pressure -- and intake and exhaust systems have been optimized for both increased performance and increased aural delight. A revised intercooler lowers the temperature of the intake charge to maximize the amount of air flowing into the engine.
The result is a whopping 72-horsepower and 51-lb-ft increase over the standard 2.0 TSFI unit, for a total of 272 horses and 258 lb-ft of torque. All that power is sent through Audi's Quattro four-wheel drive to each wheel, resulting in a 5.2 second 0 to 62 mph dash (the Roadster lags just 0.2 seconds behind due to its slightly less aerodynamic profile). Keep the throttle pegged and the TTS' computer will stop you at a top speed of 155 mph whether your roof goes down or not. The TTS will only be available in the U.S. with Audi's version of the dual-clutch DSG transmission, the S tronic. But fear not, Audi claims that transmission provides for faster acceleration times than the manual box that's standard in Europe.
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