2013 Audi TT

CHANGES FOR 2013:

-TT gets 10-spoke wheels, five double-spoke wheels for TTS

-Madras brown leather optional in TT and TTS Coupe

-Black baseball leather optional in TTS Roadster

-Upgraded two-tone leather optional in TT RS

Audi’s compact sport coupe started life as a style statement and now, seven years into its second generation, this VW Golf–based 2+2 still turns heads. The hotter TTS version covers ground very rapidly thanks to 265-hp version of VW’s ubiquitous 2.0L turbo four. Some turbo lag mars power delivery, but the six-speed S Tronic (née DSG) twin-clutch gearbox is a delight. The true stormer of the lot is the TTRS with its 360-hp 2.5L turbo five-pot and six-speed manual transmission. A buttoned down chassis and Haldex Quattro all-wheel-drive conspire to produce a driving experience that is the very definition of “hooked up”.

The TT loses it rears seats and a bit of speed with this fabric-topped Roadster version. The high beltline and low seating position create the feeling of sitting in a bathtub, but a lovely one nonetheless. High style and jewel-like build quality combine with good fuel economy, comfortable seats and all-weather traction to create a desirable cocktail of drop-top pleasure. The very swift TTS Roadster is a beautiful piece of haute voiture, but true sports car aficionados will go for the comparably priced Porsche Boxster with its uncanny balance and seductive mechanical involvement.

The TT Coupe kicks off in Premium trim, with 18-inch wheels, multifunction steering wheel with shift paddles, leather sport seats, brush aluminum trim, Xenon headlights, auto-dimming interior mirror with compass, automatic headlights and rain-sensing wipers, heated outside mirrors, heated windshield washer nozzles, single-CD stereo, Bluetooth and garage door opener.

S line Competition trim adds Nappa leather seating with grey stitching, black carpet and floor mats with grey piping, flat-bottom steering wheel, S line bumpers and exterior trim, 19-inch wheels, gloss black mirror housings and rear spoiler and black styling package.

TTS models also start out in Premium trim, with 19-inch wheels, hill-hold assist, driver information system with lap timer, headlight washers, aluminum outside mirror housings, Audi magnetic ride and lower ride height, silk Nappa leather seats and sport mode for throttle suspension and exhaust.

TT RS models get 10-way power seats with four-way lumbar, RS-specific 19-inch wheels, bumpers and exterior mirrors, upgraded brakes, fixed rear spoiler and aluminum door sills.

TT and TTS Roadster models feature similar standard features to Coupe models.