The trip computer and the multimedia interface take some getting used to, though. Entry, and especially exit, are obviously not very graceful moments, as the car is low and interior space is scarce. The Boxster, SLK and Mazda MX-5 are no better in this regard.
As for exterior styling, the TTS is all muscle. Short overhangs, bulging fender flares, quad exhaust tips and a deployable rear wing that rises at highway speeds contribute to make the diminutive Audi a drop-dead-gorgeous number. Like it or not, it’s near impossible not to stare at this car when it crosses your path.
The 2010 TTS Roadster starts at $61,900, while our tester also included the Baseball leather ($2,900), the navigation system ($2,900) and the 19-inch alloy wheels ($1,000), for a grand total of $68,700 before freight and delivery.
Competition for the TTS includes the 300-hp, $66,500 Mercedes-Benz SLK350, the 300-hp, $63,900 BMW Z4 sDrive35i as well as the 310-hp, $70,600 Porsche Boxster S. They’re all more powerful than the Audi, but not as fuel-efficient, if that matters for you, of course. You can also check out the Nissan 370Z if you want a high-performance roadster but can’t spend more than 50 grand.
The 2011 is on sale as you read this, and only the TTS Coupé and Roadster will be offered in North America this coming year. Which kind of makes sense, since the regular TT’s 200 horses can’t match the base versions of its rivals mentioned above. The 360-hp TT RS will also cross the ocean next year.
As much as the Roadster is appealing for all five senses, I’d go for the Coupé instead; it’s got two extra seats (I've got kids) and a sloping roofline that looks better than the convertible top, although it’s a personal opinion. Either one will provide its owner with a lot of attention, great performance and handling as well as a rich cockpit to spend time in.
As for exterior styling, the TTS is all muscle. Short overhangs, bulging fender flares, quad exhaust tips and a deployable rear wing that rises at highway speeds contribute to make the diminutive Audi a drop-dead-gorgeous number. Like it or not, it’s near impossible not to stare at this car when it crosses your path.
The 2010 TTS Roadster starts at $61,900, while our tester also included the Baseball leather ($2,900), the navigation system ($2,900) and the 19-inch alloy wheels ($1,000), for a grand total of $68,700 before freight and delivery.
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| Only the TTS trim will be offered in North America for 2011; no more regular TT. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com) |
Competition for the TTS includes the 300-hp, $66,500 Mercedes-Benz SLK350, the 300-hp, $63,900 BMW Z4 sDrive35i as well as the 310-hp, $70,600 Porsche Boxster S. They’re all more powerful than the Audi, but not as fuel-efficient, if that matters for you, of course. You can also check out the Nissan 370Z if you want a high-performance roadster but can’t spend more than 50 grand.
The 2011 is on sale as you read this, and only the TTS Coupé and Roadster will be offered in North America this coming year. Which kind of makes sense, since the regular TT’s 200 horses can’t match the base versions of its rivals mentioned above. The 360-hp TT RS will also cross the ocean next year.
As much as the Roadster is appealing for all five senses, I’d go for the Coupé instead; it’s got two extra seats (I've got kids) and a sloping roofline that looks better than the convertible top, although it’s a personal opinion. Either one will provide its owner with a lot of attention, great performance and handling as well as a rich cockpit to spend time in.
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