Autoblog

Review: 2009 Audi TTS is our Orange Crush... but only just a crush

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 11:55:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Audi, Reviews

2009 Audi TTS - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Audi TT is a highly entertaining package -- good looks, great personality, terrific cabin feel, solid handling and a good price. Yet with the TTS here and the TT-RS on the way (well, not for us Americans, but...), the TT becomes something like The Girl Next Door who you just found out has two hotter siblings. That doesn't mean you have to stop loving The Girl Next Door... but you're eyes may have a tendency to wander. Autoblog spent a week with the middle sister who was out to steal our hearts with an upgraded turbocharged engine, brilliant all-wheel drive and a flamboyant paint job. Follow the jump to find out if she kept our attention.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Audi TTS

Continue reading Review: 2009 Audi TTS is our Orange Crush... but only just a crush

Review: 2009 Audi TTS is our Orange Crush... but only just a crush originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Jul 2009 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Porsche considering Audi TTS engine for cheaper Boxster?

Chris Shunk — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 17:26:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Audi, Porsche

2010 Porsche Boxster - Click above for high-res image gallery

With sales slumping and money suddenly pretty tight, Porsche would no-doubt love to move more metal. Sure, the Stuttgart, Germany sports car maker has assured us that it will make money this year and next, but it wouldn't hurt to have a little insurance. According to Auto Motor & Sport, more sales could come from a cheaper yet more powerful Boxster. The site is reporting that Porsche is looking into the Audi TTS engine. At 272 hp and 258 lb-ft, the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine would eclipse Porsche's standard issue boxer engine by a useful 17 hp and 45 lb-ft of torque.

If the story from Auto Motor & Sport is to believed, the Audi-fied Boxster would be cheaper, too. The site is quoting a price that drops from €46,500 ($64,000 in US funds) down to €40,000 ($55,000). The only problem for Porsche purists is that the TTS engine isn't exactly a boxer engine. But the faithful got over the Cayenne (maybe), so we're sure an affordable Boxster that is lighter (we're guessing), more powerful, and cheaper will put their minds at ease.

Interestingly, the article also mentions anew a lower-priced roadster that would sit at the bottom of the Porsche food chain. The sub-Boxster Porsche would have to start somewhere around $40,000, and while it would almost surely boost Porsche sales, it could also cut into the brand's prestige if it isn't properly executed.

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Porsche Boxster S PDK

[Source: Auto Motor & Sport via Motor Authority]

Porsche considering Audi TTS engine for cheaper Boxster? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Jun 2009 17:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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One million Audi fans can't be wrong

Noah Joseph — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 10:59:00 EST

Filed under: Audi

2008 was a tough year, but apparently it wasn't equally as tough for everybody. Audi has now reported that it broke through the 1 million unit mark last year, selling more vehicles than it ever has before.

Total global sales in 2008 came to 1,003,400 vehicles - up 4.3% over last year - including 82,000 units in December. But while the American market has typically been a vital region for European premium marques especially, U.S. sales dropped 6.1% for Audi this year, and nearly 10% in December when U.S. sales accounted for less than 10% of the company's global sales. Ingolstadt attributes its sales success to the dozen new models it introduced last year, including the Q5 and A4 (seen above). Thanks to everyone who sent in the tip, and check out the press release after the jump.

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading One million Audi fans can't be wrong

One million Audi fans can't be wrong originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Jan 2009 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi gets official with TTS and TT TDI

John Neff — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 12:58:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Europe, Audi

Click either image for high-res galleries of Audi's two new TTs

Audi has gone ahead and released all it knows about the two newest versions of the TT. The first is the TTS, the most hotted-up version of Audi's sports car brandishing a 2.0L TFSI (turbo, direct-inject) four-cylinder that produces 272 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It features a magnetic ride adaptive damping system on its suspension, and 0-62 mph takes 5.2 seconds in the just-over 3,000 lbs. coupe thanks to a structure made predominantly from aluminum. An S tronic dual-clutch transmission is optional for snicking through gears quickly without the aid of your left foot, and quattro all-wheel-drive is, of course, standard. For those in Europe, the TTS Coupe starts at €44,900 and the Roadster version will go for €47,750. For us in the U.S., November 2008 is the ETA.

The second iteration of the TT may not be as quick as the TTS, but it's just as exciting. The TT TDI comes with the first application of a diesel engine in Audi's attractive sportster. Said engine is Audi's 2.0L four-cylinder diesel producing 170 hp that's backed by 258 pound-feet of torque. That makes the oil burning Audi good for a 7.5-second run to 62 mph while returning 44.38 mpg on the combined European cycle. Both Coupe and Roadster versions are available, though the Roadster is heavier and less frugal with the fuel as a result. They are much cheaper than the TTS, however, with prices starting at €34,850 for the Coupe and €35,900 for the drop top. There are no official plans to bring the TT TDI to the U.S. yet, but man do we wish there were.

Check out a couple new press releases from Audi after the break, as well as new high-res photography of both cars in the galleries below.

Gallery: Audi TT-S

Gallery: Audi TT 2.0 TDI

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Audi gets official with TTS and TT TDI

Audi gets official with TTS and TT TDI originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Apr 2008 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi prices TT-S for UK consumption

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 14:35:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Audi, UK

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Audi TTS Coupe and Roadster.

Not that it makes a huge bit of difference here in the States, but Audi released the pricing for its TTS Coupe and Roadster for our friends abroad and it gives us some indication about what we can expect to pay when the duo of hotted-up TTs make it Stateside. The coupe will come in at £33,380, while the drop-top version commands a slightly higher sticker, with a base price of £35,380. Both models find motivation from the turbocharged, 2.0-liter direct-injection four producing 272 hp and 265 lb.-ft. of torque. While a six-speed manual is standard, buyers can option up the TTS with the S-Tronic sequential dual-clutch gearbox for an additional £1,400.

Just for comparison, the base TT coupe, equipped with the 2.0T, in the UK starts around £25,000, while the 3.2-liter V6-equipped model crests the £30,000-mark. If these prices hold true for U.S. consumers, we should expect to see the TTS coupe go for around $44,000, with the Roadster getting up passed $46k.

Audi UK's full press release is available after the jump.

Gallery: Audi TT-S

Continue reading Audi prices TT-S for UK consumption

Audi prices TT-S for UK consumption originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Feb 2008 14:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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UPDATE: Audi TT-S images and official info

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 16:43:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Convertible, Coupe, Audi

Click above for high-res pics of the Audi TT-S coupe and cabrio.

After a series of leaks over the last few days, Audi has finally seen fit to release a bevy of images and the official press release for its Detroit-bound TT-S coupe and convertible. As a refresher, the TT-S finds motivation through a 2.0-liter TFSI inline four producing 268 hp and 258 lb.-ft. of torque. The coupe can do the deed to 60 in 5.4 seconds, while the roadster takes an additional .2 seconds to make the sprint. If you upgrade to the S-tronic dual-clutch gearbox, you can hack off an additional .2 seconds from the 0-60 time with the help of Quattro. Naturally, Audi has tweaked the suspension and upgraded the brakes, while Alcantara and aluminum finds its way onto the pedals and trim.

Live shots to follow in a few days. Stay tuned. Audi's full press release is posted after the jump.

Gallery: Audi TT-S

Continue reading UPDATE: Audi TT-S images and official info

UPDATE: Audi TT-S images and official info originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Jan 2008 16:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LEAKED! Audi TT-S breaks cover

John Neff — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 12:40:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Audi

click above for 20 more high-res images of the Audi TT-S

Spanish website Motorpasion somehow got its hands on 20 official-looking images of the soon-to-be-debuted Audi TT-S that some are guessing will be revealed next week at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show. They say it will be sporting a 272-hp version of Audi's 2.0 TFSI engine and be available as both a coupe and convertible. Other features include LED daytime running lights and brushed nickel sideview mirrors like on other S models (the S5, S6, S8, etc.), quad exhaust tips and special TT-S badging. In these pictures (sorry about the obnoxious watermarks) we can clearly make out a revised front fascia with larger air inlets, a sharp chin spoiler and more polished accents on the vertical elements of the grille. The wheels, which must be at least 18-inches in diameter, fill out the wheel wells with little room to spare.

Rumor has it that the TT-S will be the production car that Audi has promised to debut in Detroit next week, while the "something stunning" is pegged to be a version of the Audi R8 powered by V12 diesel TDI engine.

UPDATE: Official high-res images from Audi added to the gallery and press release after the jump.

[Source: Motorpasion]

Gallery: Audi TT-S

Continue reading LEAKED! Audi TT-S breaks cover

LEAKED! Audi TT-S breaks cover originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Jan 2008 12:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy shots: Audi TT-S

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 18:57:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Audi

The first generation TT offered two choices: coupe and convertible. And while that technically counts as two different versions, an enthusiast who actually plans on driving the car knows that that's really just one choice of car. Audi has loosed the variation machine on this second generation TT, however, doubling the possible selections, with coupe and convertible joined by TT-S and TT-RS flavors.

The TT-S is next on the catwalk, and shots have surfaced showing off the grille and goods, mainly in the form of a more brutish face boasting a serious chin spoiler, quad pipes out the rear, and the inclusion of LEDs under the headlamps. The 2-seater will get a 270-hp heart, with 258 lb-ft ready to churn. It will hold the road with -- and hopefully turn in better because of -- a stiffer suspension.

The RS-badged TT is claimed to get a 5-cylinder turbo with 308 horsepower. Make no mistake, we are card carrying fans of souped up Audi. But the TT 3.2 quattro with S-tronic has a base MSRP of $42,900, with the Roadster another $3,000 skyward. By the time Audi adds the premiums for the S and RS, the car will be playing around in Boxster/Cayman territory. We just hope the driving experience proves that's where the car belongs.

[Source: Motor Authority]

Spy shots: Audi TT-S originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Dec 2007 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit Preview: Audi has plans for big showing

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 08:26:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Convertible, Coupe, Supercars, Audi

The quad-ring obsessives over at Fourtitude have the inside scoop on what Audi plans to unveil in Detroit this January, and enthusiasts stand to benefit from a duo of performance products in the form of an R8 concept and what's likely to be the production version of the TT-S.

Audi's midship masterpiece has only been on the market a few months, but it's been all but confirmed that bigger things are on the way. The rendering above was supposedly released to a handful of lucky press outlets a few weeks back and it obviously foretells a future convertible variant of the R8. Rumors about a powerplant upgrade in the form of a V10 are also circulating, but we think its doubtful that Audi would blow it all on one show.

While the R8 convertible is pure motoring pr0n, the TT-S is proof that Audi is taking its performance offerings seriously. The exterior benefits from a number of S-line goodies originally spied at the 'Ring, while power is expected to come courtesy of the European S3's 265 HP 2.0-liter turbocharged four. The combination of a more aggressive suspension, larger brakes and upgraded rolling stock is sure to capitalize on the TT's already nimble chassis.

Head on over to Fourtitude for a rendering of the TT-S and to get an eyeful of the R8 cabrio concept.

[Source: Fourtitude]

Detroit Preview: Audi has plans for big showing originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Nov 2007 08:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Audi TT RS nearing final approval

Alex Nunez — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 07:55:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Europe, Audi

According to Britain's Autocar, the Audi TT RS is waiting for a nod from Audi brass. Here's hoping the suits start making like bobbleheads and greenlight the über TT soon. The skinny, according to Autocar, goes like this. The TT RS will be powered by a turbocharged version of the 2.5L 5-cylinder currently found under the hood of the VW Jetta. The high-po 5-banger will dish out a stiff 350 horsepower, a full 100 more than the current TT 3.2 quattro range-topper.

The mag speculates that the RS will be a coupe-only offering whose styling borrows elements from the extreme-looking TT Clubsport show car the automaker trotted out at the Wörthersee meet earlier this summer (gallery below). Autocar also spoke to an insider who claims to have heard the 2.5 turbo, and word is that the sound recalls that of the fabled capital-Q Quattro. If that's accurate and it sounds anything like this, it'll be a four-wheeled piece of Heaven on Earth. Expect a 5-second 0-60 sprint and a governed top end of 155 mph. Autocar also tells us to expect a TT S powered by a hopped-up version of the 2.0 TFSI motor making 261 horsepower. Please hurry, Audi.

[Source: Autocar]

Gallery: Audi TT clubsport quattro concept

REPORT: Audi TT RS nearing final approval originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Sep 2007 07:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Audi TT Roadster and TT-S

John Neff — Mon, 25 Sep 2006 15:59:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Audi

The new shape of the Audi TT is well known by now, but the boys and girls at Ingolstadt have delayed debuting the drop-top version until after the coupe has settled into the marketplace. Winding Road has posted pictures of a TT roadster out on a quiet drive that's been caught by the spy camera's eye, and we can see the soft canvas top Audi's going with in lieu of a retractable hard top. The coupe's silhouette is also clearly in tact.

Perhaps more interesting are the accompanying shots on Winding Road of the TT-S, or TT S-line as it may end being called. This high-po version of the TT is said to be powered by a version of the turbocharged 2.0-liter four from the Audi A3 developing about 180 horsepower. The larger tire and wheel combination on the TT-S also looks more appropriate for the car than the base rubber and fills out the fenders nicely. A DSG transmission will likely be offered, but we hope Audi addresses the mushy clutch and shifter of the A3's manual transmission before it enters the TT-S. They're also reporting the possibility of a TT-RS in the works, which would feature a 2.5-liter five-cylinder and generate upwards of 350 horsepower. Either way, the TT coupe won't be alone in showrooms for long.

[Source: Winding Road]

Spy Shots: Audi TT Roadster and TT-S originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Sep 2006 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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