Lid's lifted on newcomers

By Sam Hardy

15th October 2006

Thanks to our eagle-eyed spy photographer, this week's Auto Express magazine can bring you the best shot yet of the German company's forthcoming TT convertible, which will debut at next month's Los Angeles Motor Show.

Audi designers have opted to stay traditional: the new TT Roadster keeps the electric folding fabric hood of the current car, avoiding a more complex and expensive coupé-cabriolet metal roof.

Evolving the distinctive lines of the original TT, the fresh drop-top features a steeply curved profile, as on the outgoing machine. Look closely through the rear window and you can also make out the twin chrome roll-over hoops - another neat design feature which has been retained by the new car. Set to go on sale in March, the TT Roadster will be available with the same choice of engines as the tin-top. The entry-level front-wheel-drive 2.0-litre T-FSI delivers 197bhp, while the flagship four-wheel-drive 3.2 V6 quattro produces 250bhp.

But the TT Roadster isn't the only exciting newcomer which will be given its world-first unveiling in California. Aston Martin will be showing off the V8 Volante convertible, BMW is to reveal the all-new X5 off-roader (image), while Hyundai will also take the wraps off its mud-plugging Veracruz.

Mazda plans to display a show car that previews the forthcoming CX-5 compact SUV, which will be rivalled by VW's own Tiguan concept. And Nissan is set to unveil the Sentra SER - a Ford Mondeo-sized performance saloon.