You have to admit it: Audi continues to have the ability to surprise. There I was looking for a hotter Audi TT with 250 bhp, and along comes the Audi TTS with 270 bhp! That's enough to move the goal posts for two-liter sports cars. The Audi TTS is available as a coupe and convertible.
0-60 mph in 5.1 seconds with S tronic
The top speed is limited to 155 mph (250 km/h), but the acceleration is much improved – over one second faster to 60 mph than the heavier 3.2 liter TT. With the optional S tronic twin-clutch gearbox, the 0-60 mph time tumbles to a shade over 5.0 seconds, which is very quick.
To increase power output, Audi engineers looked into their turbo wizardry box and came up with a bigger turbo to generate more power, but still manages to give plenty of torque low down.
This stunning new version of Audi's direct injection turbo engine chucks out peak torque of 258 lb ft (350 Nm) at 2,500 rpm - 5,000 rpm, whereas the 200 bhp unit manages 207 lb ft (280 Nm) @ 1,800 rpm - 5,000 rpm.
That's an increase of 35 per cent, and the slightly narrower band of maximum torque is neither here nor there in a sporty car like this. Previous experience tells us this will be a super engine.
Manual or sequential box with quattro system
In standard form, the engine is coupled to a manual six-speed box, but there is the option of the S tronic twin-clutch sequential box, which has manual and auto options. It is controlled by two paddles at the steering wheel.
With this amount of power, the quattro four-wheel drive system is included as standard, ensuring plenty of traction.
Magneto-rheologic damping
Both the steering and suspension have been sharpened up, to match the sporty image, and the magneto-rheologic dampers are standard. These dampers can be controlled electronically to adjust damping forces in an instant to suit the conditions of the road, and how the car is being driven, combining firm control in all conditions with a fairly good ride.
Bigger brakes, 18-inch wheels
Brakes are enlarged, and the car rides on 18-inch wheels as standard with the option of 19-inch wheels, putting plenty of rubber onto the road.
To distinguish the TTS, it gets the LED strip running lights, as on the latest models like the A5, and there are deeper side skirts and at the back there is more of a diffuser with four exhaust pipes – a bit over the top perhaps.
