For 2011, the Audi TT is offered in both a coupe and roadster body style, both of which are built on Audi's improved aluminum space frame chassis, which consists of 69% aluminum and 31% steel construction, making it both lightweight and incredibly stiff. On the outside, the TT receives several new styling updates that include a new front bumper and rear valance panel.
The biggest news for 2011 is the introduction of a new engine, which replaces the 201-horsepower 2.0L unit found in 2010 TT models. Known as the 2.0 TFSI, the new engine features the same displacement as the engine it replaces, but it's much more advanced, employing variable valve lift on the exhaust side to increase both horsepower and torque. All that, combined with direct fuel injection, gives the engine 211 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, all while boosting fuel economy slightly over last year's 21 mpg city and 29 mpg highway rating. The TTS sees no change to its version of the 2.0L engine, which makes 265 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque.
Front-wheel drive has been dropped from the 2011 lineup, with Audi's signature Quattro all-wheel-drive system now standard across the line. In addition to that, Audi's S-Tronic 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission is now the only available gearbox.
Both the TT and upscale TTS feature a healthy array of standard equipment, including a "Audi Concert" audio system, a driver information system and an automatic climate control system in the coupe.
Optional xenon plus headlamps are available with a cornering light function and both the TT and TTS are again available with Audi's S-line sport package, consisting of special design touches to the bumpers, air inlets and rear diffuser, special interior detailing, unique 18-inch wheels and a 10-mm lower ride height. Optional magnetic ride shocks can be switched between "normal" and "sport" modes and a sport button modifies steering boost and exhaust sound. Optional Nappa leather gains a new thermal resistance treatment that cuts down on seat temperature significantly when left in the sun.
Iconic Styling
Quattro All-wheel-drive
New More Powerful Turbocharged Engine
For 2011, Audi's TT gets a styling update, with all models now receiving the LED-fitted headlamps of 2010's TTS model, a more squared-off lower air intakes, a new rear valance panel with chrome exhaust tips and new aluminum accents on the interior. Other changes include new taillights and enlarged back diffuser and a spoiler that deploys once the car has passed 74 mph. The base TT's engine has been reworked and is now making 10 more horsepower and 51 more pound-feet of torque over 2010's numbers. Front-wheel drive and manual transmissions have been dropped from the line, as has the 3.2L V6 engine option, with Audi's Quattro all-wheel drive system and S-Tronic dual-clutch operated transmission now standard. Four new exterior colors are available: Scuba Blue, Oolong Gray, Volcano Red and Dakota Gray. New interior colors include Nougat Brown, Titanium Gray and Garnet Red.
Underneath its iconic easily recognizable exterior, the TT is based on Audi's sturdy passenger car platform with Quattro all-wheel-drive, making it a superb all-weather handler, yet it maintains good all around performance, with its turbocharged 2.0L engine pushing it to 60 mph in just 5.7 seconds--faster than both the Mercedes-Benz SLK 300 and the BMW Z4. It's an excellent choice for the sports car enthusiast who wants performance without having to sacrifice comfort and day to day usability.
