2023 Audi TTS: Celebrating the Final Edition of a Sports Car Icon

For a quarter of a century, the Audi TT has carved a unique niche in the sports car landscape. While the market for compact, premium sports cars has always been competitive, the TT consistently stood out with its distinctive design and blend of performance and everyday usability. As we bid farewell to this iconic model in its final year of production, we take one last exhilarating drive in the 2023 Audi Tts Coupe.

The Audi TT has always prioritized a balance between engaging driving dynamics and comfortable daily driving, setting it apart from some rivals focused purely on track performance. Fun and responsive, yet practical enough to serve as a daily driver or a spirited second car, the TT has offered a unique proposition for 25 years. Now, as Audi closes the curtain on the TT, we delve into what makes the 2023 Audi TTS a worthy final chapter.

The 2023 Audi TT range offers three enticing options, all built around a familiar yet potent core: a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine powering all four wheels via a responsive seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

The base 2023 Audi TT, available as both a Coupe and Roadster starting at $53,290, delivers a spirited 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Stepping up to the 2023 Audi TTS, the model highlighted here and priced from $62,995, boosts output to an impressive 288 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. Enthusiasts seeking even more power may recall the thrilling turbo-five-cylinder TT RS, but that variant concluded production after the 2022 model year.

2023 Audi TTS Coupe: Specifications

• Base Price: $62,995 (As-Tested: $65,790)
• Powertrain: 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, seven-speed dual-clutch
• Horsepower: 288 hp
• Torque: 288 lb-ft
• Layout: All-wheel-drive, two-door, four-passenger liftback coupe
• EPA-Rated Fuel Economy: 23/31/26 MPG (city/hwy/combined)
• Estimated 0–60 mph: 4.4 seconds
• Key Competitors: Porsche 718 Cayman, BMW 2 Series, Toyota Supra 2.0

Close-up of the 2023 Audi TT window showcasing its design details

Tim Stevens

The 2023 Audi TTS featured in this review is finished in Tango Red Metallic, a vibrant and eye-catching color that adds depth and a subtle shimmer. This is one of eight available exterior shades, and it complements the optional $2200 Competition Package beautifully. This package enhances the sporty aesthetic with blacked-out exterior elements, including mirror housings and rear wing, along with striking darkened 20-inch wheels. The blacked-out grille further refines the aggressive front fascia, giving it a more cohesive look.

While the assertive front end commands attention, it’s important not to overlook the TT’s iconic silhouette. The roofline, a signature element since 2008, remains instantly recognizable. Despite recent styling updates that some might argue have slightly diluted its original purity, the 2023 Audi TTS still maintains a design language built around clean, flowing lines. In a world increasingly dominated by bulky SUVs, the TT’s sleek and sporty profile remains undeniably appealing.

Detailed view of the 2023 Audi TT grille highlighting its aggressive styling

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Side three-quarter view of the 2023 Audi TT rear showcasing its sporty stance and lines

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The Tango Red exterior hue extends into the cabin of the 2023 Audi TTS, injecting a dose of sporty flair. Red accents highlight the center console, seat bolsters, and even the frames of the five prominent circular air vents that define the TT’s minimalist dashboard. Combined with red stitching and carbon fiber inlays, the interior strikes a balance between a race-inspired feel and comfortable ambiance.

Rear side angle of the 2023 Audi TT emphasizing its coupe shape and rear design

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Side view of the 2023 Audi TT showcasing its arching roofline and overall proportions

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Comfort is prioritized for front occupants in the 2023 Audi TTS. While technically a four-seater, the rear seats are best considered as extra storage space. Legroom is virtually non-existent, making them suitable only for the smallest passengers, and headroom is compromised by the sloping roofline. However, these rear seats do fold flat, expanding the cargo area and offering a surprisingly practical luggage shelf for weekend trips.

Close-up of the 2023 Audi TT interior seats highlighting the red accents and sporty design

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Interior close-up of the 2023 Audi TTS dashboard and gauges emphasizing the digital display

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The front seats are generously padded yet supportive, offering ample adjustability. The cockpit feels snug and driver-focused, with ample headroom and a microfiber-wrapped steering wheel that offers a wide range of adjustment. The small, plastic shift paddles are functional but could be improved with a more premium material.

Starting the 2023 Audi TTS doesn’t unleash a dramatic roar. The 2.0-liter turbo engine starts with a refined pop rather than a growl. In its default setting, the TTS remains relatively subdued until you engage Dynamic mode. This mode awakens a richer exhaust note and sharpens the driving experience. Dynamic mode optimizes engine and transmission response for maximum performance, holding gears longer and executing quicker shifts. Suspension damping also firms up, and the all-wheel-drive system shifts more torque to the rear wheels for enhanced agility.

Interior view of the 2023 Audi TT rear seats showing their limited legroom

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Rear hatch of the 2023 Audi TT open showcasing the cargo space

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Front view of the 2023 Audi TT emphasizing its aggressive front fascia and headlights

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Rear view of the 2023 Audi TT highlighting its taillights and rear diffuser

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Front three-quarter view of the 2023 Audi TT demonstrating its sporty and compact dimensions

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Even in Comfort mode, the suspension of the 2023 Audi TTS is firm, providing a connected feel to the road. However, it avoids harshness, remaining composed even over uneven surfaces. Engaging Dynamic mode noticeably firms up the steering, perhaps a bit too much for some drivers. The Individual mode allows for customization, enabling drivers to retain the sharper powertrain and suspension settings of Dynamic while dialing back the steering weight for a more balanced feel. While steering feedback isn’t the most communicative, response is consistently quick and precise across all driving modes.

Engine bay of the 2023 Audi TT showcasing the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine

Tim Stevens

The turbocharged engine of the 2023 Audi TTS, while potent, can exhibit slight turbo lag. Extracting 288 horsepower from a 2.0-liter engine necessitates nearly 20 psi of turbo boost, which takes a moment to build. This is further compounded by the transmission which, even in Dynamic mode, can be hesitant to downshift at times.

The solution for more immediate power delivery is to engage manual-shift mode by moving the shift lever to the right. Gear changes are then controlled via the steering wheel paddles. While there’s no clutch pedal, and therefore no full manual control, the system still offers a degree of engagement. The transmission will automatically upshift before hitting the rev limiter, preventing engine damage, but otherwise provides a responsive manual shifting experience.

Side profile of the 2023 Audi TT emphasizing its coupe silhouette and wheel design

Tim Stevens

The interior of the 2023 Audi TTS is clean and minimalist, largely due to the integration of most vehicle information and controls into the 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, known as Audi Virtual Cockpit. Unique to the TT and R8 in the Audi lineup, there is no central infotainment screen. The Virtual Cockpit was pioneering technology when introduced, and while the infotainment system now feels somewhat dated, it remains functional and user-friendly. Navigation through menus can be required for certain functions, but voice commands offer a convenient alternative for many tasks, allowing drivers to keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. Wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included for smartphone integration.

Close-up of the 2023 Audi TT steering wheel and Audi rings detail

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Interior view of the 2023 Audi TT shifter and center console

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Interior view of the 2023 Audi TT driver digital display showcasing vehicle information

Tim Stevens

While the 2023 Audi TTS might not possess the razor-sharp handling of a Porsche 718 Cayman, the chassis balance of a BMW 2 Series, or the lightweight agility of a Toyota GR86/Subaru BRZ, it possesses its own distinct charm as a sports car. Its handsome styling, comfortable ride, and all-weather confidence thanks to all-wheel drive make it a compelling package. Impressive fuel economy, achieving 31 mpg on the highway and an average of 27.5 mpg during a week of spirited driving, further enhances its appeal.

Unfortunately, the current market pressures facing sports cars, combined with the industry’s shift towards electric vehicles, have led to the TT’s discontinuation. Despite its enduring design and the legacy of its predecessors, the TT’s time has come to an end. What debuted as a groundbreaking design in 1998 will, sadly, conclude with a quiet farewell. However, a 25-year production run is a significant achievement for any model, especially a sports car, and the TT bows out with dignity, leaving behind a legacy that will be fondly remembered.

2023 Audi TTS Coupe: Summary

Price: $61,900 (Base) / $65,790 (As-Tested)

Highlights: Timeless and unique design, accessible and enjoyable performance, impressive fuel efficiency, striking and well-designed interior even after years.

Lowlights: Noticeable turbo lag, competitors offer a more overtly sporty feel, rear seats are essentially unusable.

Bottom Line: The 2023 Audi TTS is a stylish, spirited, and practical sports car that prioritizes enjoyable driving over outright thrills, marking a fitting end to the Audi TT legacy.

Low angle front three-quarter view of the 2023 Audi TT emphasizing its sporty stance