The 2016 Audi Tt marked a significant step forward for the iconic sports car, blending its celebrated design heritage with cutting-edge technology and enhanced performance. This model year introduced a range of innovations, most notably the Audi virtual cockpit, setting new standards for in-car digital interfaces and driver-focused experiences. For automotive enthusiasts and potential owners alike, understanding the nuances of the 2016 Audi TT is crucial. This article delves into the key aspects of this remarkable vehicle, offering a comprehensive overview of its design, interior, technology, and performance capabilities.
The third-generation 2016 Audi TT proudly carries the torch of its predecessors, paying homage to the original model that revolutionized automotive design. It retains the signature short overhangs, broad wheel arches, and muscular stance that define the TT lineage, while incorporating modern design elements for a fresh and dynamic appeal. Standard full LED headlights not only enhance visibility but also contribute to the car’s contemporary sports car aesthetic. The Singleframe® grille is wider and flatter, adding to the assertive front fascia, complemented by sharp contours across the hood. At the rear, an electric spoiler and centrally mounted round exhaust tailpipes serve as a direct nod to the iconic first-generation TT, seamlessly blending heritage with modernity.
The body construction of the 2016 Audi TT is a testament to Audi’s engineering prowess. The front end and floor assembly utilize high-strength and ultra-high-strength steel components, ensuring structural integrity and safety. The superstructure, in contrast, is constructed from lightweight aluminum castings, extruded sections, and panels, contributing to the vehicle’s overall agility and fuel efficiency. This intelligent material mix optimizes both rigidity and weight reduction, crucial for a sports car’s performance dynamics.
For those seeking an elevated level of sportiness, the TTS variant of the 2016 Audi TT delivers distinctive design cues and performance enhancements. The TTS is visually differentiated by a unique front bumper, quad exhaust tips, and Alu-optic mirrors. Inside, standard S model-specific sport seats with pneumatic side bolsters provide enhanced support during spirited driving. The TTS also boasts larger 19-inch wheels and upgraded 13.3-inch front brakes with four-piston aluminum monobloc front calipers, signaling its performance-oriented nature. The inclusion of standard magnetic ride suspension further solidifies the TTS as a true performance car suitable for daily driving.
The 2016 Audi TT offers a diverse palette of 10 exterior colors, including two exclusive TTS shades: Daytona Gray and Sepang Blue, allowing for personalization and individual expression. Both TT and TTS models retain the iconic Alu-optic fuel cap with exposed bolts, a nostalgic touch reminiscent of the first-generation Audi TT, now updated with convenient capless refueling. For discerning enthusiasts, the limited-production Launch Edition TTS stands out with its exclusive Mythos Black exterior, Express Red Fine Nappa leather interior, unique 19-inch five-arm facet design forged wheels, Piano Black decorative inlays, and an extended leather package, limited to just 75 units.
Stepping inside the 2016 Audi TT, you are greeted by an interior that prioritizes clean design and driver-centric functionality. The innovative HVAC controls are seamlessly integrated into the three central vents, eliminating the need for a traditional dash console and decluttering the dashboard. Fan speed, air vent selection, and temperature adjustments are all intuitively controlled directly within these vents. Even the controls for the standard heated seats are discreetly incorporated into the side air vents, further minimizing buttons and switches and enhancing the minimalist aesthetic of the interior.
Audi offers an optional Bang & Olufsen® Sound System for the 2016 Audi TT, a premium audio experience featuring 680 watts of power, 5.1 Surround Sound, a 14-channel amplifier, and 12 strategically placed loudspeakers. This system transforms the cabin into a concert hall, delivering exceptional sound quality and immersion. Complementing the auditory experience, LED accent lighting surrounding the front door-mounted speakers adds a touch of ambiance to the interior, especially during nighttime driving.
The most groundbreaking technological feature of the 2016 Audi TT is undoubtedly the Audi virtual cockpit. This revolutionary system replaces conventional analog gauges with a fully digital instrument cluster, fundamentally changing how drivers interact with vehicle information. The virtual cockpit consolidates the functions of a central MMI® system and a traditional instrument cluster into a single, customizable 12.3-inch TFT display boasting a high resolution of 1440×540 pixels. The display delivers stunning 3D graphics and exceptional clarity, providing a wealth of information directly in the driver’s line of sight.
At the heart of the virtual cockpit’s processing power lies the NVIDIA® Tegra® 30 processor from the Tegra 3 series. This quad-core processor, operating at over one gigahertz, works in tandem with specialized 3D graphics software to perform billions of calculations per second. This processing capability enables the system to generate 60 frames per second, ensuring smooth and precise animation of the speedometer, rev counter, and navigation displays, eliminating any noticeable lag. The integration of Google Earth™ maps further enhances the navigation experience, displaying detailed satellite imagery directly within the virtual cockpit, with near-instantaneous rendering when zooming or selecting menu options.
The 2016 Audi TT also features an advanced iteration of Audi connect®, bringing a suite of online services to the vehicle. This includes picture navigation, read-aloud news headlines, Twitter® alerts, access to over 7,000 web radio stations, and personalized RSS news feeds. Powered by 4G LTE, Audi connect also offers an integrated Wi-Fi hotspot, allowing passengers to connect their devices. The redesigned MMI system streamlines data input with an MMI Touch pad and MMI navigation plus, incorporating voice control for compatible devices. In the TT Roadster, voice control is optimized through microphones integrated into the driver’s seatbelt.
The Audi virtual cockpit can be controlled via buttons on the multifunction steering wheel or through the MMI controls located in the center console, which includes the MMI touch pad integrated into the rotary dial. The TTS model features a unique virtual cockpit “sport” display mode, which emphasizes the tachometer and speedometer, positioning them prominently in the center of the display. This sport mode also incorporates a boost gauge and lap timer, catering to the performance-oriented driver. The optional Technology package further enhances the technological features, adding Audi MMI navigation plus, Audi connect® with online services, auto-dimming/power-folding heated exterior mirrors, parking system plus (front/rear acoustic sensors) with rearview camera, and Audi side assist.
Under the hood, the 2016 Audi TT Coupe and Roadster are powered by a 2.0L TFSI® engine producing 220 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain enables the TT Coupe to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 5.3 seconds, while the Roadster achieves it in 5.6 seconds. The higher-performance 2016 Audi TTS Coupe utilizes a more potent version of the 2.0L TFSI engine, delivering 292 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque, resulting in a 0-60 mph time of just 4.6 seconds.
All 2016 Audi TT models come standard with Audi drive select and quattro® permanent all-wheel drive, contributing to exceptional driving dynamics, excellent traction, and superior grip in various conditions. For the first time in the TT, Audi drive select allows drivers to adjust the quattro all-wheel drive system, along with shift points, throttle response, and steering characteristics. In the TTS, the standard magnetic ride suspension can also be adjusted through Audi drive select, offering dynamic, auto, comfort, and individual modes. The quattro system in the TT and TTS is specifically calibrated to continuously distribute power to the wheels with the most grip, with a rear-wheel bias in dynamic mode. The system’s sensors read data 150 times every 10 milliseconds to optimize power distribution, capable of shifting up to 100% of power to either the front or rear axle when necessary.
The 2016 Audi TT is available in coupe and roadster body styles, while the TTS is offered exclusively as a coupe. All TT models are equipped with quattro® all-wheel drive and a six-speed dual-clutch S tronic® transmission, providing seamless and rapid gear changes.
Standard features on the 2016 Audi TT include automatic climate control, auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass, MMI touch, Audi music interface with two USB ports and a 3.5mm aux-in, Audi drive select, Audi advanced key, Homelink®, heated 12-way power front sport seats (S sport seats with pneumatic side bolsters on TTS), leather/Alcantara® interior, LED interior lighting, 3-spoke flat-bottom multifunction steering wheel with shift paddles, 18” wheels on TT coupe and roadster (19” on TTS), rear acoustic parking sensors, LED taillights with dynamic turn signals, LED headlights, and a spare tire and tool kit.
Available features offer further customization, including 19” wheels with summer tires (standard on TTS), 18” wheels with all-season tires (TT coupe and roadster only), S sport seats with Fine Nappa leather and Diamond Stitching (including neck-level heating on the roadster), red brake calipers (TTS only), and a Bang & Olufsen Surround Sound system. The Technology package, Audi design selection package, and Launch Edition package provide pre-configured bundles of popular options for enhanced convenience and personalization.
In conclusion, the 2016 Audi TT represents a compelling blend of iconic design, innovative technology, and engaging performance. Its introduction of the virtual cockpit, combined with its refined driving dynamics and distinctive styling, solidifies its position as a leading sports car in its class. Whether in coupe or roadster form, or in the enhanced TTS guise, the 2016 Audi TT continues to captivate drivers with its unique character and driving experience.
