Audi TT

TT Roadster springs into action

This is Audi's sensational TT Roadster - surely one of 2007's most desirable new cars - which will arrive in showrooms in March

Auto Express Car Reviews

Because the hood has a built-in tonneau cover, once folded the structure locks into place and lies flush with the TT’s bodywork. The A-pillar has been strengthened in order to improve rigidity.

By Sam Hardy

18th October 2006

Following our set of exclusive spyshots in Issue 931, Auto Express can now bring you the first official pictures of the new convertible, and reveal the full story behind the car which is set to go head-to-head with arch rival BMW's forthcoming 3-Series CC.


	Another significant upgrade is the addition of a standard-fit powered wind deflector, which rises behind the heads of occupants, reducing buffeting from the breeze at speed

Confirming our earlier reports, Audi has rejected the idea of a complex, heavy and expensive folding metal hood. Instead, the new TT Roadster keeps the cloth roof and glass rear window of the outgoing soft-top, although they're considerably improved with better sound insulation.

In addition, the cover is now fully electrically operated on both the flagship 3.2-litre quattro model and the 2.0-litre TFSI variant. As a result, the driver does not have to do any locking to or unlocking from the windscreen frame. It's quick, opening in only 12 seconds, and can be activated while the car's travelling at up to 35mph.

Another significant upgrade is the addition of a standard-fit powered wind deflector, which rises behind the heads of occupants, reducing buffeting from the breeze at speed, while making the TT Roadster much more refined when the roof is folded away.

As you can see from these pictures, Audi's stylists have done a superb job turning the TT Coupé into a convertible. With no large metal roof to stow behind the seats, the rear is as sporty and overhangs as short as on the hard-top.

The engineers have chosen to keep the neat chrome rollover hoops that were such a signature design of the previous model, while the latest TT's new flip-up boot spoiler has also been included. Together with the reshaped nose, simple flanks and curvy rear, these touches make the Roadster one of the best-looking cabrios around.

It's equally stylish on the inside, featuring the same high-quality cabin as the Coupé, except with two seats rather than four to accommodate the folding roof mechanism. Inside, the Roadster shares the tin-top's leather-trimmed, flat-bottomed steering wheel and other equipment including climate control, an MP3-compatible sound system and full hide upholstery.

Apart from a strengthened windscreen frame and A-pillar, along with reinforced aluminium sills, the Roadster is mechanically identical to the Coupé under the skin, so it's lighter than before. Options will include Audi's clever Magnetic Ride technology, which en-ables the handling characteristics to change in milliseconds to combine good ride comfort with sporty dynamics.

As with the Coupé, power will come from a choice of two engines - a 200bhp 2.0-litre turbocharged TFSI with front-wheel drive, and a flagship 250bhp 3.2 V6 linked to Audi's quattro four-wheel drive. Both have six-speed manual boxes, with Audi's twin clutch S tronic system as an option.

When the Roadster goes on sale in spring, the entry-level 2.0 will cost £26,875, while the range-topping 3.2 quattro will be priced at £31,535.