2016 Audi TT
New for 2016
Entering its 3rd generation this year, the 2016 Audi TT gets a bundle of new upgrades, including Audi Virtual Cockpit; a minimalist, driver-focused cabin; a broader grille; a leaner stance; new HVAC controls; LED accent lighting, and more.
The Past Meets the Future
The Audi TT concept vehicle stunned the world when it debuted at the 1995 Frankfurt Auto Show, helping to establish Audi's place as a maker of finely designed automobiles. 2006 brought us the second generation of TT, which was more fun to drive than the original, but lacked some of its stylistic touches. This third generation, however, has found the overlap between "gorgeous sculpture" and "magnificent driving machine", resulting in the 2016 Audi TT.
Performance
This year's TT features a 2.0-liter engine capable of pumping out 220 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque when paired with an S tronic™ six-speed, dual-clutch transmission. Its gearbox is nice and precise, too, offering smooth gear shifts with a minimum of fuss.
Capable of 0-60 in 5.3 seconds for the coupe (and 5.6 seconds for the roadster), the 2016 TT has oomph, and you'll notice once you put pedal to the metal. But the TT isn't a sports car that makes you feel out of control. Far from it, in fact. The TT's chassis is so well-balanced that you'll feel oddly balletic as you take the curve, like a linebacker gracefully soaring over the head of the opposition. That comes partly from the aluminum alloy used in body panels, and partly from the TT's quattro® AWD, which brings power to the front or rear axle as needed.
Features
Stunning power comes equally equipped with exquisite design and advanced technology. Available as a 2x2 coupe ($42,900*) or a two-seater convertible ($46,400*) in a single trim each, the 2016 Audi TT features a wide variety of automotive innovations, including doing away with the center screen entirely and placing HVAC controls in the air vents.
Instead of a center screen, the 2016 TT uses Audi's MMI infotainment system, called the "Virtual Cockpit", which functions as a high-def touchscreen. Placed behind the wheel, the 12.3 inch display shows everything a driver needs to safely navigate the road in a way that improves on designs of the past. In Classic mode, the speedometer and rev counter are more prominent, while in Infotainment mode, the nav screen, music, and phone controls take center stage.
Other standard features include keyless start/stop/entry, ambient LED interior lighting, a tilt and telescopic steering wheel, auto-dimming interior rear view mirror with digital compass, heated front seats, split folding 50/50 rear seatbacks, HD Radio™, dual SD card slots, Bluetooth® wireless technology for streaming music and connection to mobile phones, MMI® radio plus with nine speakers, a single CD player with MP3 playback capability, and more.
A number of optional packages are also available for the 2016 TT, including the Technology package, which adds rear view camera, advanced navigation, and autonomous features like park assist and Audi side assist; Audi design selection, which adds a Slate Gray interior elements and extended leather package; and a Bang & Olufsen® sound system.
Design
On the outside, the 2016 TT sports sculptured sheet metal that simultaneously conveys refinement and power. The third-gen TT takes design cues from the original, such as its electric rear spoiler and its centrally mounted round exhaust pipe, but it's definitely a modern sports car. Its skeleton is made of high-strength and ultra-high-strength steel components, while it sports lightweight body panels made from aluminum.
Inside the vehicle, high quality and comfortable materials abound. The TT's cabin is uncluttered, with the Virtual Cockpit doing away with the need for a central display. HVAC controls are mounted in the three main air vents, allowing users to control fan speed, air vent selection, and temperature all from the same place. Heated seat controls are mounted in the side air vents, continuing the cabin's minimalist feel, and LED accent lighting surrounds the front door-mounted speakers, adding to the ambiance.
Safety
The 2016 TT comes standard with a number of safety features, including 4-wheel ABS, a remote anti-theft alarm system, emergency braking assist, stability control, traction control, tire pressure monitoring, an engine immobilizer, dusk-sensing headlamps, and more.
Going the extra mile safety-wise, Audi also offers a number of safety features in the available Technology package, such as a rear-view camera, a parking system that uses front and rear sensors to help park your vehicle for you, and Audi side assist, which alerts you if a vehicle is in your blind spot before you change lanes.
Verdict
Whether in coupe or roadster form, the 2016 Audi TT is the type of car that demands attention. It’s fun. It’s fast. And it's brimming with the very latest tech features. The sports coupe/roadster may not be the most practical car around, but it just might be the most exciting and fun to drive. And that serves as more than enough convincing for us.
For more information, or to schedule a test drive of this or any of our other Audi models, be sure to contact us online or visit Audi Silver Spring at 3151 Automobile Blvd, Silver Spring, MD 20904.
*Prices listed are the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price for the vehicle and options you chose. These prices do not include transportation, taxes, title, other options, dealer installation costs or other dealer charges. Dealers set actual prices.
Image Credit: Audi