Car
March 16, 2015
Audi TTS Coupe | The Performance of a "Toned" TT (Part 2) - Audi TTS Coupe Test Drive
Audi TTS Coupe
The Power of a "Refined TT" (Part 2)
Beneath its subtly sporty exterior, the Audi TTS Coupe proved to be a robust performer, excelling not only in driving dynamics but also in environmental consciousness.
By Satoshi UbukataPhotos by Masayuki Arakawa
Comfortable ride, agile handling
With such an increase in engine power, one might worry if the car would be difficult to handle. However, settling into the sports seats and setting off, it quickly becomes clear that such concerns are unfounded.
Within a hundred meters, I was impressed by the TTS Coupe's comfortable ride. The secret lies in the "Audi magnetic ride" electronic damping system, standard on the TTS. While it features TTS-specific tuning, selecting "Normal" mode made the TTS, equipped with 245/40R18 tires, feel even more comfortable than the base model with 17-inch wheels.
Switching to "Sport" mode, however, noticeably reduced body roll on winding roads, further refining its agile handling.
The engine is also effortlessly powerful. Thanks to the S tronic dual-clutch transmission, a pioneer in its field, the TTS launches smoothly. While the large-diameter turbocharger might lead to a slight lack of responsiveness at lower RPMs, once past 3000 rpm, you're propelled forward as if by an unseen force, rapidly reaching the 6800 rpm redline.
The S tronic then executes a crisp upshift, delivering another moment of exhilarating performance. There's no harshness in this sequence of actions; the sheer smoothness is almost disarming.
The Reason for Choosing a Four-Cylinder
Naturally, the quattro all-wheel-drive system plays a significant role in managing all this power. Furthermore, the Haldex coupling that distributes torque to the rear wheels has been upgraded to the latest fourth generation in this TTS, with its rapid response, seemingly anticipating the driver's and car's movements, making sporty driving even more enjoyable.
Despite possessing such capabilities, checking the 10-15 mode fuel economy reveals an impressive 10.8 km/L. While rivals like the Porsche Cayman S (¥8.28 million), BMW Z4 Coupe 3.0si (¥5.78 million), and Mercedes-Benz SLK350 (¥7.43 million) rely on six-cylinder engines, Audi's deliberate choice of a four-cylinder likely reflects their commitment to fuel efficiency.
This might lead one to feel it's almost too much of an all-rounder, but that cool composure is quintessentially Audi. The TTS is a distillation of Audi's technology and allure.