The 2016 Audi Tt marked a significant leap forward for the iconic sports car, blending its celebrated design heritage with cutting-edge technology and enhanced driving dynamics. This third-generation model not only paid homage to its predecessors but also set new benchmarks in in-car technology and driver-focused performance, solidifying the 2016 Audi TT as a true standout in its class. Arriving in dealerships in July 2015, the 2016 Audi TT promised a thrilling driving experience wrapped in a package of sophisticated design and innovation.
Design Evolution: A Modern Take on an Icon
The 2016 Audi TT design represents an evolution, respecting the original’s groundbreaking aesthetics while injecting modern sports car dynamism. It retains the signature short overhangs and broad wheel arches that defined the TT, but presents a more muscular and assertive stance.
Exterior Design
The front of the 2016 Audi TT immediately commands attention with standard full LED headlights and a broader, flatter Singleframe grille. Sharp contours across the hood accentuate its sporty character. At the rear, an electric spoiler and centrally mounted round exhaust tailpipes are design cues directly inspired by the first-generation TT, creating a link between past and present. These elements combined give the 2016 Audi TT a distinctive and modern road presence.
Body Structure
Audi engineered the 2016 Audi TT for optimal performance and safety. The front end and floor assembly utilize high-strength and ultra-high-strength steel components, ensuring robustness in critical areas. The superstructure, however, is constructed from lightweight aluminum castings, extruded sections, and panels, contributing to the car’s agility and efficiency.
The high-performance TTS variant of the 2016 Audi TT further distinguishes itself with unique design elements. These include a distinctive front bumper, quad exhaust tips, and Alu-optic mirrors. The TTS also boasts standard S model sport seats with pneumatic side bolsters for enhanced support during spirited driving, along with larger 19-inch wheels and upgraded 13.3-inch front brakes with four-piston aluminum monobloc front calipers. These enhancements visually and functionally set the TTS apart as the performance-oriented model within the 2016 Audi TT lineup. The 2016 Audi TT offered a palette of 10 color options, including exclusive TTS shades like Daytona Gray and Sepang Blue. Both TT and TTS models retain the iconic Alu-optic fuel cap with exposed bolts, a nod to the original TT, now updated with convenient capless refueling. For added exclusivity, the Launch Edition TTS was offered in a limited run of 75 units, featuring a Mythos Black exterior, Express Red Fine Nappa leather interior, unique 19-inch forged wheels, Piano Black inlays, and an extended leather package.
Interior Revolution: Driver-Focused and Tech-Forward
The interior of the 2016 Audi TT represents a significant departure from traditional layouts, prioritizing the driver and integrating technology seamlessly.
Cockpit Design
A key innovation in the 2016 Audi TT is the redesigned HVAC controls. By integrating fan speed, air vent selection, and temperature controls directly into the center of the three central vents, Audi eliminated the need for a conventional dash console. This uncluttered design philosophy extends to the heated seat controls, which are integrated into the side air vents, further minimizing buttons and switches in the cabin. For audiophiles, an available Bang & Olufsen Sound System with 680 watts, 5.1 Surround Sound, a 14-channel amplifier, and 12 loudspeakers creates an immersive audio experience. LED accent lighting around the front door speakers adds to the interior ambiance of the 2016 Audi TT.
Virtual Cockpit
The most groundbreaking technological feature of the 2016 Audi TT is the Audi virtual cockpit. This fully digital instrument cluster replaces traditional gauges with a customizable 12.3-inch TFT display, showcasing a resolution of 1440×540 pixels and stunning 3D graphics. The virtual cockpit consolidates information, combining the functionalities of a central MMI system and a conventional instrument cluster into a single, driver-centric interface.
Powering this advanced system is the NVIDIA Tegra 30 processor from the Tegra 3 series. This quad-core processor, operating at over one gigahertz, works in conjunction with specialized 3D graphics software to perform billions of calculations per second. It generates 60 frames per second, ensuring smooth and precise display of the speedometer, rev counter, and navigation. Google Earth maps can be displayed across the entire virtual cockpit, with quick rendering even when zooming or navigating menus. The 2016 Audi TT also features the latest Audi connect system, offering picture navigation, read-aloud news headlines, Twitter alerts, access to thousands of web radio stations, personalized RSS news feeds, and more. Audi connect is powered by 4G LTE and includes an integrated Wi-Fi hotspot. The redesigned MMI system includes an MMI Touch pad and MMI navigation plus with voice control. The virtual cockpit can be controlled via the multifunction steering wheel or the MMI controls in the center console, which integrates the MMI touch pad into the rotary dial. The TTS model adds a unique “sport” display mode in the virtual cockpit, emphasizing the tachometer and speedometer and including a boost gauge and lap timer. Selecting the Technology package for the 2016 Audi TT adds Audi MMI navigation plus, Audi connect with online services, auto-dimming/power-folding heated exterior mirrors, parking system plus with rearview camera, and Audi side assist.
Performance and Powertrain: Engine Specs and Driving Dynamics
The 2016 Audi TT and TTS models offer distinct powertrain options catering to different performance preferences.
Engine Options
The 2016 Audi TT Coupe and Roadster are powered by a 2.0L TFSI engine producing 220 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, enabling a 0-60 mph acceleration in 5.3 seconds for the coupe and 5.6 seconds for the roadster. The performance-tuned 2016 Audi TTS Coupe features a more powerful 2.0L TFSI engine, delivering 292 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in just 4.6 seconds. All 2016 Audi TT models come standard with Audi drive select and quattro permanent all-wheel drive, ensuring exceptional dynamics, traction, and grip.
Quattro and Audi Drive Select
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. In the TTS, the standard magnetic ride suspension can also be adjusted via Audi drive select modes (dynamic, auto, comfort, and individual). The quattro system in the 2016 Audi TT is specifically calibrated to optimize power distribution, with a rear-wheel bias in dynamic mode. It reads sensors 150 times every 10 milliseconds to adjust power, capable of sending up to 100% of power to either the front or rear axle as needed. The 2016 Audi TT is available in coupe and roadster forms, while the TTS is offered as a coupe only. All TT models feature standard quattro all-wheel drive paired with a six-speed dual-clutch S tronic transmission for quick and smooth gear changes.
Key Features and Packages
The 2016 Audi TT comes generously equipped with standard features and offers a range of optional packages for further customization.
Standard Features
Standard features on the 2016 Audi TT include auto 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 standard 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/car jack.
Available Features
Available features for the 2016 Audi TT include 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 roadster), red brake calipers (TTS only), and a Bang & Olufsen Surround Sound system.
Technology package
The Technology package adds Audi MMI navigation plus, auto-dimming/power-folding heated exterior mirrors, Audi connect with online services, parking system plus (front/rear acoustic sensors), rearview camera, and Audi side assist.
Audi design selection package
The Audi design selection package (TT Coupe, TT Roadster) offers Murillo Brown Fine Nappa leather, Slate Gray interior elements, Extended Leather package in Stone Gray, Aluminum Drift decorative inlays in anthracite, and S Sport seats with contrast diamond stitching in Steel Gray.
Launch Edition package
The Launch Edition package (TTS Coupe) includes a Mythos Black metallic exterior, Express Red Fine Nappa leather interior, 19″ 5-arm facet-design forged wheels, Bang & Olufsen Sound System, Piano black inlays, red brake calipers, Extended leather package, and the Technology package.
In conclusion, the 2016 Audi TT successfully blends iconic design with innovative technology and exhilarating performance. From its revolutionary virtual cockpit to its responsive powertrains and quattro all-wheel drive, the 2016 Audi TT reaffirms its position as a leading sports car, appealing to both enthusiasts and those seeking a stylish and technologically advanced driving experience.
