- The new 2.0 TFSI engine in the 2011 TT makes 208 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque.
- Expect both the TT coupe and roadster to hit 60 mph in less than 5.6 seconds.
- The 2011 Audi TT will arrive at U.S. dealers in early 2011.
INGOLSTADT, Germany — The Audi TT coupe and roadster are getting a modest makeover inside and out for 2011, and a new 208-horsepower 2.0 TFSI engine is among the highlights. Look for these new TT 2.0T models at U.S. dealers in early 2011.
The new turbocharged and direct-injected, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine is good for 208 hp and 258 pound-feet of torque from 1,600-4,200 rpm in the 2011 Audi TT. Compare this with 197 hp and 207 lb-ft on the 2010 TT coupe and roadster. The big upgrade on the new engine is a two-stage variable exhaust-valve lift.
In the U.S., the new 2.0 TFSI will come only with Audi's S tronic six-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission (with steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles optional) and the Quattro all-wheel-drive system. Audi claims that 0-60-mph acceleration will take less than 5.6 seconds. Top speed is 152 mph.
The company estimates combined fuel economy at 36 mpg on the European test cycle; expect the U.S. EPA rating to be significantly lower than that — the current TT has a 21 mpg city/29 mpg highway/24 mpg combined rating.
Exterior alterations on the 2001 Audi TT include a revised front bumper with a new grille, larger air intakes, LED running lights, chrome-ringed foglights and new xenon headlights (with an optional adaptive cornering function). In back, you'll find revised taillights, larger exhaust tips and an enlarged black diffuser. When you pass 74 mph, a modest spoiler deploys from the rear deck to provide additional downforce.
Both the coupe and roadster are 0.8 inch longer for 2011, but dimensions otherwise are unchanged.
The exterior palette features four new metallic colors: Scuba Blue, Oolong Gray, Volcano Red and Dakota Gray. New interior color choices include Nougat Brown, Titanium Gray and Garnet Red.
Note that the new 2.0 TFSI engine is the only engine for U.S.-market TT models; the 3.2-liter V6 isn't coming back and the 2.0 TDI diesel isn't part of the product plan, either.
The more potent Audi TTS coupe and roadster get all the same cosmetic revisions, but will retain their current 265-hp , 2.0-liter turbo-4. The 2011 TTS models arrive in the U.S. this fall. The even more muscular TT RS, with its 335-hp turbocharged five-cylinder power plant, is still a no-go for the U.S. market.
Inside Line says: It's a pretty good day when even the base Audi TT goes to 60 mph in well under 6 seconds. — Paul Lienert, Correspondent
Add A Comment »
k55 says:
09:41 AM, 08/09/2010
uq35 says:
06:13 PM, 04/07/2010
Wow...so which self respecting driver is going to pay 50K for a 208hp car with no manual transmission and a siloutte of a VW beetle? Think Ill take my money over to BMW, the Z4 is looking pretty good.
Uq- the TT starts at about 38k not 50k. The TTS is around 50k .208HP is not the point .....but 258 ft lbs of torque is . I drive a manual trans but the market for such is shrinking very fast in the USA and even though another writer mentioned "choice" well they can only accomodate to a certain extent especially if it not financially and economically feasible to do so. . Sihlouette of a VW Beetle ? Hardly . I see more Porsche 911 (TT Coupe) than VW Beetle. You really are stretching that one.
joemt says:
06:36 PM, 04/13/2010
@ billymay: While Audi/VW manuals don't enjoy the same rep as BMW's or Honda's, 'better' is certainly subjective (compared to an Audi/VW AT or other MTs). That's not the point. This is a matter of choice for me. BMW has the most comprehensive availability of manual trannies across its lineup while Audi holds the middle ground and MB offers little IMO to the enthusiast. Few Mercedes are available in the U.S. with manuals and AMG has hot engines but soulless cars.
Ferrari may be losing its mojo, but it's the end of the world as we know it when Porsche takes the same path.
As I said before, I realize economics come into play. I just hope some of the marketing and executive weenies in Herndon, VA are listening and come up with a campaign for the MT-intimated American public. Why can BMW successfully offer a MT in all engines across the 1-, 3-, 5- and 6-series as well as M lineup and Z4 without equal challenge from Audi?
billymay says:
03:47 PM, 04/13/2010
@joemt: Yes, the manual gearbox is available in Europe, but not because it's better. The Europeans also tend to get the diesel and lower performance configurations of Audis, Mercs, BMWs, etc. The cars shipped overseas (for us) tend to be higher spec cars. I don't believe even Ferrari offers a manual gearbox on its sports car (458 Italia).
I get the whole "three pedals for driving involvement" argument, and love the older cars for it. But on the Audi TT -- which isn't a sports car anyway, more a sports coupe -- a manual 'box would be a big money loser over here, and would reduce performance at the same time.
joemt says:
08:18 AM, 04/13/2010
@ kidplatinum: Good point. The 2.0T is not only available in the A5 with a manual; it is also found in the A4 (and has been for much longer). To confound things, the A3 can be had with both but not with AWD! The '10 Passat only comes with an AT and a manual can only be had in the base CC and Eos.
The 2.5 engine with MT option is available in the 2-door Golf, but not the 4-door. Wacky.
The new S4 features the 'V6T' (AKA 3.0 TFSI). While one can buy it with a manual, the S5 cabriolet has the same engine but only the AT. Same knock against the A6. Granted, it has been awhile since an A6 could be had in the U.S. with a manual, but it would be nice to see the 5-series get some competition.
The 4.2 FSI V8 engine was in the previous gen S4 (AT or MT) and is currently in the A6 (AT only), A8 (AT only) and R8 (AT or MT). The A8 gets a free pass, but the A6. One can buy a V8 5-series with a manual.
The 5.2 FSI engine is found in the S6 (AT only) and R8 (AT or MT). If I had my druthers, no Audi 'S' or 'RS' model would be available only with an AT.
Some of this may come down to economics, but it doesn't mean I have to like it. VW's strategy is especially frustrating when the manual models are available in Europe.
kidplatinum says:
01:52 PM, 04/12/2010
I believe that the A5 is being offered with a 2.0T Quattro six speed manual transmission, no? I would believe that more options would probably promote more selling points as they could appeal to those of us who want a manual.
I personally like the manual transmission for the ability to upgrade to aftermarket parts that allow for major tuning. Also a few driving styles that manuals are needed/more suited for.
As an owner of a 2008 VW R32 used for daily driving...the DSG is okay but I like the manual in my BMW much better.
If it (six speed manual) is already in the A5...why not just offer it in the TT?
...but what do I know?
tbone85 says:
04:07 PM, 04/10/2010
"The only practical reason for a manual gearbox at this point is ego or nostalgia "
DSG and automatics have surpassed manuals in fuel mileage. DSG can also perform better than manuals if programmed effectively.
However, along with the driving involvement issue previously raised, manual transmissions are simpler, at least $1k less expensive up front, and are less expensive to repair/replace.
DSG theoretically can be strong in reliability, and should be less expensive than automatics to repair. However, t will probably be another 5-8 years before we understand how reliability compares between between DSG and manuals.
joemt says:
04:42 PM, 04/08/2010
@ billymay: Um, 'ego or nostalgia' are not practical reasons.
Anyhow, no previous poster said that they were better shifters than the Audi computers. Speaking for myself, I don't care if the DSG is faster; give me the more engaging experience of 3 pedals. In my book, it isn't a 'sports car' if it cannot be equipped with a MT.
The article suggests that the TT can be had in Europe with a MT. Our gripes are legitimate.
Rather than continuing, I refer you to Karl Brauer's post on March 30 to capture my sentiments (http://blogs.edmunds.com/karl/2010/03/karl-on-cars-top-10-modern-automotive-conveniences-i-hate.html).
billymay says:
03:19 PM, 04/08/2010
Lots of posts missing the point. The DSG box blows away a manual gearbox. I have a manual gearbox in my Porsche, and anyone here who thinks he's a better shifter than the Audi computers is delusional. The only practical reason for a manual gearbox at this point is ego or nostalgia (I admit the latter, which is why I have the old Porsche.)
The TT is fantastic to cruise in (can be driven more or less like an automatic), can outgun anything else you're likely to encounter in normal driving, carries a huge amount of stuff, sips gas, and over the first 25,000 miles mine has been trouble-free. In Sport mode, your main concern is rear-ending the car in front of you.
If the torque figure quoted here is real, the base TT is going to be a beast.
Also, having owned a VW GTI, the Audi aluminum body puts it on another level. I think VW-Audi has used Audi's more advanced body structure as a key differentiator between the brands, and it's obvious when you drive them.
I wasn't keen on the first gen TT, but Audi nailed it with the redesign, and the 2011 improvements are icing on the cake.
@joemt: The TT in 2010 comes with Quattro, not fwd. My 2008 model had fwd, which frankly can't handle the torque. Probably the worst part of the car. Having since driven a Quattro, I was hugely impressed -- you just can't unstick the car. I'm ordering a 2011 when a build slot comes available.
joemt says:
11:11 AM, 04/08/2010
dear Mr. Lienert
To echo some of the previously expressed sentiments, it will be a much better day when Audi offers a non-FWD US TT with a manual transmission. I can't figure out Audi/VW USA's sloppy offering of MTs in its lineup.
agnh says:
10:27 AM, 04/08/2010
This is the only engine available? No real manual tranny? Shame on you, Audi.