Audi's New TT Roadster Is A Light, Stylish Drop-Top With Up To 306bhp

You’ve seen the new Audi TT, but now it’s time to say hello to its roadster brother. No surprises on the aesthetics front; it looks much like the TT coupe, which already isn’t hugely different on the outside to the old TT. Still, it’s a sharp-looking thing, and is also reasonably light, weighing in at 1320kg.

Like the coupe, it’s built on VW Group’s flexible MQB architecture, and is constructed from aluminium and steel. The folding fabric roof can be opened or closed in 10 seconds while driving at speeds of up to 31mph, and is available in black, grey or ‘Jive.’ The latter being another shade of grey, obviously.

From launch, you’ll get the same engine options currently seen in the TT coupe range. The base petrol model is powered by a 2.0-litre TFSI engine kicking out 227bhp and 273lb ft, while the range-topping TT S comes with a punchier 2.0-litre capable of 306bhp and 280lb ft. Should you be of an oil-burning persuasion, there’s a 2.0-litre TDi model which develops 181bhp and 280lb ft.

Each weighs around 90kg more than the equivalent coupe, so expect a small drop in performance: the TT S, for instance, will do 0-62mph in 4.9 seconds, two tenths down on the coupe. Still quick enough to put a lot of wind in your hair, in other words. The TT S comes with four-wheel drive as standard, while it’s optional on the lower-powered petrol. Audi’s S Tronic dual-clutch auto gearbox is optional on all cars, which have six-speed manual ‘boxes as standard.

No official word on pricing just yet, but a starting figure of around £31,000-£32,000 is expected. It’ll go on sale later this year, and will make its public debut at the upcoming Paris motor show.