by Larry Lark, Herald Special Sections Writer
Life is good when you’re driving a convertible in the summer and the sun is shining.
Even better when that convertible happens to be a 2016 Audi TT Roadster 2.0T quattro S tronic.
And over-the-top when it coincides with a three-day weekend to Bavaria (I mean Leavenworth) and it includes a sans-top trip over Stevens Pass with the Mrs.
My tester featured an Ibis White coat of paint and black cloth top. It’s unmistakable profile was highlighted by short overhangs, broad wheel arches and a lean a muscular stance. Standard full LED headlamps exude modern sports car appeal, along with 19-inch, five-arm, forged alloy wheels, a snazzy grille, a rear spoiler deployed at the push of a button, and round exhaust tailpipes.
Only the people inside spoiled the view.
“The original Audi TT set a new standard for automotive design with its quintessentially clean Bauhaus lines,” said Scott Keogh, president, Audi of America. “The all-new TT combines incredible technology, performance and design that epitomizes our brand and sets a new standard all its own.”
Powered by a 2.0-liter TFSI engine that generates 220 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, the TT Roadster races from 0-60 in 5.6 seconds. The engine is mated to a six-speed S tronic transmission that provides quick, seamless shifts.
When passing lanes presented themselves, the TT responded. Quickly. Efficiently. Mere mortal vehicles passed by the wayside and into the rearview mirror in seconds. Better yet, the Roaster handled the curves like a glove, cutting corners and turns like a knife.
The TT is strictly a two-seater. There is a small cubbyhole that locks behind the driver and passenger with a small space behind that for outerwear, hats and the like. The trunk accommodated two overnight bags and little else. And, for those who care, the TT delivers 26-miles-per-gallon fuel economy in combined city/highway driving as estimated by the EPA.
The quattro all-wheel drive system was not needed, but was a nice security blanket and would obviously come in handy during Pacific Northwest autumns and winters.
Interior appointments were off the charts nice. We’re talking Nappa quilted stitch leather seats. A Bang & Olufsen sound system with 680 watts features 5.1 surround sound, a 14-channel amplifier and 12 loudspeakers provides a stunning sonic experience – even with air rushing past your ears. LED accent lighting surrounding the front door mounted speakers add to the interior ambiance after dark.
But more cool than any of that was the Audi’s virtual cockpit. An entirely digital instrument cluster, the virtual cockpit replaces traditional gauges and interfaces with a customizable driving experience. Unveiled at the 2015 Consumer Electronic Show, the virtual cockpit combines the functions of a conventional instrument cluster with a 12.3-inch 1440×540 pixel display with superb 3D graphics and brilliant clarity.
I’ve never seen better, more detailed, navigation graphics. And since it’s integrated into the instrument cluster, can be glanced at quickly with minimal time spent with eyes off the road.
This German wunderkind also features the most advanced version of Audi connect, including picture navigation, read-aloud news headlines, Facebook and Twitter alerts, access to more than 7,000 web radio stations, personalized RSS news feeds and more. Audi connect is powered by 4G LTE and includes an integrated Wi-Fi hotspot for passenger devices.
2016 Audi TT Roadster
Base Price: $46,400
As Tested: $54,125
Base price includes destination charge. Vehicles are provided by the manufacturer. Prices may vary at local dealerships.
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