First look: Audi's new TT flips its wig

AUDI has revealed its second-generation TT Roadster just a month after the coupe upon which it's based made its global public debut at the Paris motor show.

As with the new TT coupe that goes on sale here in November, the TT Roadster will offer the choice of two engines when it's released Down Under in mid-2007.

The entry-level front-drive TT Roadster 2.0 TFSI S tronic is powered by a direct-injection turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder that delivers 147kW/280Nm and, in Australia, will be mated exclusively to Audi's dual-clutch transmission.

Similarly, the TT Roadster 3.2 V6 S tronic quattro is motivated by a 184kW/320Nm 3.2-litre V6, mated exclusive to an all-wheel drivetrain and the same DSG auto.

Unsurprisingly, the redesigned TT Roadster features the same front-end sculpting as its hard-top donor vehicle, but adds a retractable fabric roof.

Audi claims it offers a number of advantages over a folding metal roof, led by lower weight and a lower centre of gravity. The cloth hood features steel and aluminium reinforcements, a larger glass rear window and will be available in either black or dark grey.

The 3.2 quattro's standard electrohydraulic opening system, however, will be optional on the 2.0 TFSI. It opens the roof at the push of a button in 12 seconds and can be operated at speeds of up to 50km/h. Over the TFSI's roof, Audi says it "incorporates an additional layer of soundproofing beneath the black headliner for even better acoustic and thermal insulation".

Compared with the original, the new TT Roadster is 137mm longer at 4178mm, 78mm wider at 1842mm and 8mm higher at 1358mm. The wheelbase is 46mm longer at 2468mm, while the 2.0 TFSI's drag co-efficient is 0.32Cd with the roof up. As with the coupe, an electric spoiler rises out of the boot lid at speeds above 120km/h.

Like the coupe, Audi says the TT Roadster body is "built on the principles of Audi Space Frame (ASF) technology" and is made from 58 per cent aluminium and 42 percent steel. The 2.0 TFSI weighs just 1295kg.

Specific to the TT Roadster are high-strength steel rollover bars, extruded aluminium side sills and steel-reinforced A-pillars and windscreen frames. two-stage front, head and thorax airbags will be standard.

Inside, there's 29mm more shoulder width, leading Audi to claim increases in head and elbow room.

A flat-bottomed leather-wrapped steering wheel will be standard, but only the 3.2 gets Alcantara/leather trim as standard.

Luggage space expands from 210 to 250 litres in both front-drive and quattro variants.

The 2.0 TFSI S tronic is claimed to sprint to 100km/h in 6.5 seconds (just one-tenth slower than the coupe) on its way to a 237km/h top speed. Claimed (EU) average fuel consumption is 7.8L/100km.

The 3.2 quattro completes the 0-100km/h dash in a claimed 5.9 seconds (two-tenths slower than the coupe), on its way to a 250km/h top speed. Claimed (EU) average fuel consumption is 9.5L/100km.

TT Roadster features the same MacPherson front and four-link rear suspension as the coupe and while the 2.0 TFSI rides on 16-inch alloys, the 3.2 quattro gets 17-inch items. Run-flat tyres will be optional in Europe.

Electronic stability control will be standard across the TT Roadster range and adaptive Xenon headlights will be standard on the 3.2. Audi says its optional Magnetic Ride Control adaptive damping system will be unique in the roadster segment.

Expect the DSG-only TT Roadster 2.0 TFSI to be priced on the high side of the similarly-engined TT coupe, which will be available for $68,900 as a manual guise and for $72,500 in S tronic guise. Similarly, the TT Roadster 3.2 quattro will priced upstream of the TT coupe 3.2 s tronic ($88,900).