Car Information

Like other Audi S variants, the TTS builds on the TT luxury coupe and convertible foundation with more power, a sportier suspension and unique styling details. Normally, Audi fits a V6 to its top TT models, but for the TTS the company chose to stay with the base model's turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. This direct-injection mill has been modified with a larger turbo, a bigger intercooler and a variety of other bits to produce 265 horsepower. It's not a huge leap over the V6's 250 hp, but there's comparatively more torque (258 pound-feet from 2,500-5,000 rpm) and presumably less weight on the front wheels.

The TTS further sets itself apart from the rest with a retuned suspension that rides about 10mm lower, a quicker-responding version of the Quattro all-wheel-drive system and unique front and rear styling details. The TT's adjustable suspension damping system comes standard -- it's magnetic-based, just like on the Cadillac CTS-V and Corvette ZR1 -- and the brakes have been uprated to match the car's newfound power. Audi says a TTS coupe can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in an estimated 4.9 seconds, with the roadster just a couple tenths behind.

Overall, it's a pretty impressive upgrade over the regular TT. But a lot of the TTS's appeal is going to depend on what your expectations are. Largely due to a redesign of the standard TT last year, the TTS has the low-slung look and feel of a sports car but the personality of a luxury sport coupe. As such, cars like the Chevrolet Camaro, Ford Mustang GT, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, Nissan 370Z and Subaru Impreza WRX all deliver similar or better performance for significantly less money.

More likely, though, you'd also be looking at other luxury-branded vehicles like BMW's 1 Series or Z4 or Porsche's Boxster and Cayman. Certainly, the TTS has advantages in terms of styling, interior quality and utility. But as it's always been with the TT, the TTS can't quite match those other cars in terms of crisp handling, telepathic steering and pure driver satisfaction. Has the nine-year wait been worth it? Perhaps, but we wouldn't have minded waiting another year or two for something a bit more special.