Audi TT Roadster

Audi have unveiled the new Audi TT Roadster and TTS Roadster, set to make their world premieres at the 2014 Paris Motor Show, just months after the coupe version of the new sports car made their debut at this year's Geneva Motor Show.

It looks pretty much exactly like how we expect it to look like - a soft top convertible version of the TT Coupe. Built on the Volkswagen Group's MQB platform, it measures 4,177 mm long, 1,832 mm wide and 1,355 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2,505 mm. This means while the new roadster is shorter than the car it replaces, the wheelbase is 37 mm longer. It's also narrower than its predecessor by 10mm.

With the soft top closed, drag coefficient is 0.30 Cd, which Audi claims tops the compact sports car segment. The soft top itself weighs 39 kg, which is 3 kg lighter than that of the outgoing TT Roadster.

Audi TT Roadster

When it opens, it folds into a Z shape and forms a flat package, which doesn't encroach into the 280 litre boot when it's stored. Two motors operate the roof in 10 seconds, at speeds of up to 50 km/h. A thick fleece layer on the inner headlining improves comfort, and interior noise level has been reduced by up to 6 dB.

The Roadster also has a spoiler that extends electrically from the boot lid at speeds of 120 km/h and above, to provide additional downforce on the rear axle.

Compared to the Coupe, the Roadster's body has been modified - the aluminium A pillars conceal a second steel pillar inside, which in turn houses a steel tube. Internal steel ribbing ensures the aluminum sills have high-strength properties. V-shaped steel struts reinforce the zones underneath the engine compartment and the luggage compartment, and connect the axle carriers.

Audi TTS Roadster

A solid wall consisting of two box profiles separates the interior from the luggage compartment, and replaces the bottom cross member found on the Coupé. The upper area of this wall houses the steel roll-over bars. Mounting plates seal the openings in the rear wall, which features through-loading as standard.

The Audi TT Roadster comes with two 2.0 litre turbocharged engines - a petrol TFSI and a diesel TDI. The 2.0 litre TFSI engine does 230 hp and 370 Nm, while the 2.0 TDI ultra does 184 hp and 380 Nm.

Audi TTS Roadster

The TTS Roadster has a more powerful 2.0 TFSI that produces 310 hp and 380 Nm, allowing the 100 km/h sprint to be done in 4.9 seconds. You have a choice of either a six-speed manual or a six-speed S tronic dual clutch gearbox. Of course, you can have it in either front wheel drive or quattro all wheel drive.

Other than the more powerful engine, the TTS ride height is dropped by 10 mm, thanks to the S line sports package and Audi magnetic ride.

Audi Malaysia sells the Audi TT Coupe here (new gen yet to be launched), but not the Roadster.