THE order books have opened for a new generation of Audi TT Roadsters which goes on sale this month.
With a range starting from just over £26,900 for the new 2.0 TFSI and reaching £31,535 for the four wheel drive 3.2 quattro, this is some car.
Like its coupé counterpart, the new TT Roadster is especially notable for its advanced hybrid Audi Space Frame body shell blending 58 per cent aluminium and 42 per cent steel to minimise weight and maximise dynamics to allow full exploitation of two powerful petrol engines.
The four-cylinder TT Roadster weighs just 1,295kg unladen, and body rigidity has increased by 120 per cent compared to the previous model.
To avoid negating the weight saving made possible by the new construction technology, the new TT Roadster retains a cloth hood which is electro-hydraulically powered in both versions.
A powered mesh wind deflector is also fitted as standard to streamline airflow through the cabin and minimise buffeting.
Incorporating a heated glass rear window, the new soft top is both lighter than before through the use of a new steel and aluminium support framework, and even more insulating thanks to an additional layer of soundproofing.
Operation is now almost fully automatic with no need to attach or detach the hood to or from the windscreen rail, and the full opening or closing process takes place in just 12 seconds, and can be carried out at speeds of up to 19mph.
The soft top also stows even more neatly and space efficiently than before thanks to a new Z-fold system which stacks the rigid front section of the roof on top of the cloth to form a cover that sits flush with the body and eliminates the need for a tonneau.
The new generation TT Roadster will be powered by either the two-litre Turbo FSI petrol engine with 200PS or the 3.2-litre V6 petrol unit with 250PS.
In common with the coupé, 2.0 T FSI versions are front-wheel-driven while the 3.2-litre models distribute their power via Audi's quattro four-wheel-drive system.
Six-speed manual transmission is a standard feature of both versions, with the S tronic twin-clutch automatic transmission, formerly known as DSG, available as an option costing £1,400.
Standard specification is good. Not only does it include the powered roof and wind deflector but also sports seats with leather and Alcantara mix upholstery for 2.0 TFSI versions or full leather for the V6, electronic climate control, a new generation MP3-compatible audio system with single CD player, an RS 4-style flat-bottomed leather-rimmed steering wheel and a Driver's Information System (DIS).
V6 versions also add front seat heating, an enhanced braking system, an exterior light styling pack and quattro four-wheel-drive. Alloy wheels are 17-inch on the 2.0 TFSI or 18-inch ten-spoke design in the V6.
On the road the new TT Roadster is the most refined convertible Audi has produced to date and a snug all-weather convertible.
The boot space is still good for a sporting two-seater and there are useful, though not generous places to store oddments infront, beside or behind the occupants.
The top range 3.2 V6 model with automatic box is extremely smooth, quiet and responsive with silken changes when left to its own devices or even in the manual mode. Steering and brakes are finely balanced and inspire confidence in their abilities.
The optional magnetised suspension system first fitted on the coupe is equally impressive on the roadster, giving the choice of a compliant ride or firmer feel in the sports setting.
The harder you drive the TT in this mode the more you appreciate its abilities, and when you are on badly maintained roads the system can be switched instantly to its normal softer mode.
The chassis of the new car is more rigid than the former series and there is no scuttle shake or unwelcome twisting when the hood is dropped.
Every Audi TT introduced has set a benchmark for the class in terms of style and residual value and there is no doubting the latest will do the same as well as bringing even greater sophistication to the soft-top sector.