Audi TTS Cabriolet

This is Audi’s new TTS - the most powerful TT to date. Quattro is standard, helping to put 268bhp and 258lb ft safely to the ground, as well as helping the coupe claw to 62mph in just 5.2 seconds.

Using a tweaked version of the Audi S3 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, the TTS will run on to a limited top speed of 155mph, in coupe or cabrio form. Incidentally, the heavier drop-top takes 5.4 seconds to reach 62mph. These headline acceleratation figures are only possible when equipped with Audi’s S-tronic dual-clutch transmission; the six-speed manual adds two-tenths to the 0-62mph time for both bodystyles.

The 2.0-litre is a TFSI engine, meaning it features both direct injection and turbocharging, which helps the Coupe achieve 35.8mpg (a similarly powerful 3.0-litre BMW Z4 Coupe manages 32.5mpg).

The TTS also features magnetic dampers as standard, and the Sport mode lowers the car by 10mm. As with the regular TT, the front half is aluminium while the rear is steel in an effort to achieve a more equal weight distribution.

The coupe’s 1395kg weight is exactly the same as the BMW 3.0 Z4 Coupe's. Braking is by 17-inch discs up front which fit snugly inside the 18-inch wheels while the in-yer-face LED daytime running lights are new to the TT, and standard fit on the S.
The interior features part-leather, part-Alcantara seats, or if you’re willing to pay for it you can get full Nappa leather seen in our pictures. The TTS will reach the UK at the end of summer 2008. Expect a small premium over the prices for the Continent, where the coupe will cost £33,795 and the cabrio £35,935.

The TTS isn't the hardest TT, either. The Ingolstadt-based manufacturer is readying a TT RS with a turbocharged version of the 2.5-litre five-cylinder engine available in American Jettas. Expect the 350bhp TT to go hunting for the SLK55 AMG.