Audi has shown the roadster versions of its new generation TT sports car prior to their world debut at the Paris Motor Show next week.
For a small premium over the TT coupe that has yet to be announced for the U.S., you lose the rear seat bench and gain a fabric top over your head that opens and closes in 10 seconds at speeds of up to around 50 km/h (31 mph).
The multi-layer top is available as standard in black, titanium gray and jive colors. Its frame is made from magnesium, aluminum, steel and plastic components, with Audi claiming that it’s around 3kg or 6.6 lb lighter than its predecessor at 39kg or 86 pounds.
Another plus is that it doesn’t encroach on the 280 liter (9.9 cu.ft) luggage compartment, which is 50 liters more than before, when tucked away in the aluminum tray behind the seats.
At 4,177mm (164.5 in.), the strictly two-seater model is 21mm (0.8in) shorter than its predecessor, but rides on a 37mm (1.5 in.) longer wheelbase. It’s also 10mm (0.4 in.) narrower at 1,832mm (72.1 in.) and has a height 1,355mm (53.4 in.) or 3mm (0.1 in.) less than before.
Audi will launch the TT Roadster in Europe with three turbocharged four-cylinder engines, including a diesel and two petrol units.
The 2.0-liter TDI Ultra diesel churns out 184PS (181hp) and 380Nm (280 lb-ft) for an average fuel consumption of 4.3l/100km (54.7US mpg or 65.7mpg UK), which equates to CO2 emissions of 114g/km.
The entry petrol engine is the 2.0-liter TFSI rated for 230PS (227hp) and 370Nm (273 lb-ft), while at the other end of the range is the TTS with a 2.0-liter TFSI petrol producing 310PS (306hp) and 380Nm (280 lb-ft) for a 0-100km/h (62mph) sprint in 4.9 sec and a limited top speed of 250km/h (150mph).
The gasoline lumps can be had with either a six-speed manual or a dual clutch six‑speed S tronic transmission.
The 2.0 TDI is exclusively front wheel drive, while the 2.0 TFSI is optionally available with quattro all-wheel drive and the TTS 2.0 TFSI comes fitted as standard with AWD.
In Germany, the new TT Roadster will go on sale right after the Paris show in October with prices starting from €37,900 for the TFSI. The TTS will follow in early 2015.