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 the third generation TT, showcasing a driver-focused interior and true sports-car capabilities that set new benchmarks in its class. Let’s delve into what makes the 2016 Audi TT a standout vehicle.
Design Evolution and Striking Aesthetics
The exterior of the 2016 Audi TT is a masterclass in evolutionary design. While paying homage to the groundbreaking original TT, this generation presents a more modern and assertive stance. The signature short overhangs, broad wheel arches, and muscular lines remain, but are sharpened for a contemporary appeal.
Alt text: Front three-quarter view of a 2016 Audi TT coupe in silver, showcasing its Singleframe grille and LED headlights.
Standard full LED headlights not only provide superior illumination but also enhance the TT’s modern sports car identity. The Singleframe grille is wider and flatter, contributing to a more aggressive front fascia. Sharp contours across the hood and the electric rear spoiler further refine the aerodynamic profile. A notable design cue returning from the first-generation TT is the centrally mounted round exhaust tailpipes, a subtle nod to its heritage.
The body construction of the 2016 TT is a testament to Audi’s engineering prowess. The front end and floor assembly utilize high-strength and ultra-high-strength steel components for rigidity and safety. The superstructure, however, is crafted from lightweight aluminum castings, extruded sections, and panels, optimizing the car’s weight and agility.
For those seeking even more aggressive styling and performance, the TTS model delivers. Distinctive design elements such as a unique front bumper, quad exhaust tips, and Alu-optic mirrors set the TTS apart. Inside, standard S model 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, further emphasizing its performance credentials. These S model enhancements, combined with a more powerful engine and standard magnetic ride suspension, solidify the TTS as a true performance machine suitable for daily driving.
The 2016 TT offered a palette of 10 different exterior colors, 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, another design link to the original TT, now updated with capless refueling for added convenience.
For the ultimate in exclusivity, Audi introduced the Launch Edition TTS. Limited to just 75 units, this special edition featured a Mythos Black exterior, a striking Express Red Fine Nappa leather interior, unique 19-inch five-arm facet design forged wheels, Piano Black decorative inlays, and an extended leather package that included a leather-wrapped airbag cap and instrument cluster hood.
Interior Revolution: Driver-Centric and Technologically Advanced
Stepping inside the 2016 Audi TT reveals a revolutionary interior design focused squarely on the driver. The traditional dashboard clutter is minimized, with Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) controls ingeniously integrated directly into the center of the three central air vents. Fan speed, air vent selection, and temperature adjustments are all controlled here, streamlining the dashboard and creating a clean, uncluttered aesthetic. Even the controls for the standard heated seats are integrated into the side air vents, further reducing the number of buttons and switches within the cabin.
Alt text: Interior view of a 2016 Audi TT, highlighting the Audi Virtual Cockpit digital instrument cluster displaying navigation maps.
For audiophiles, an available Bang & Olufsen Sound System delivers an immersive sonic experience. This system boasts 680 watts of power, 5.1 Surround Sound, a 14-channel amplifier, and 12 strategically placed loudspeakers. LED accent lighting around the front door-mounted speakers adds a touch of ambiance to the interior.
Pioneering Technology: The Audi Virtual Cockpit
The most groundbreaking feature of the 2016 Audi TT is undoubtedly the Audi virtual cockpit. This fully digital instrument cluster replaces traditional analog gauges with a customizable 12.3-inch TFT display. The virtual cockpit seamlessly integrates the functions of a central Multi Media Interface (MMI) system and a conventional instrument cluster into a single, high-resolution screen boasting 1440×540 pixels and stunning 3D graphics.
Powering this technological marvel is the NVIDIA® Tegra® 30 processor from the Tegra 3 series, marking its first automotive integration. This quad-core processor, running at over one gigahertz, works in concert with specialized 3D graphics software to perform over eight billion computing operations per second. The graphics processor generates 60 frames per second, ensuring smooth and precise rendering of the speedometer, tachometer, navigation maps, and other crucial driving information. Google Earth™ maps can be displayed across the entire virtual cockpit, with near-instantaneous rendering when zooming or navigating menus.
The 2016 Audi TT also features the most advanced version of Audi connect®, offering a suite of online services including picture navigation, read-aloud news headlines and Twitter® alerts, access to over 7,000 Web radio stations, and personalized Really Simple Syndication (RSS) news feeds. Audi connect is powered by 4G LTE and includes an integrated Wi-Fi hotspot for passenger devices.
A redesigned MMI system simplifies data entry with an MMI Touch pad and MMI navigation plus featuring voice control. In the TT Roadster, voice control is facilitated by microphones integrated into the driver’s seatbelt. The virtual cockpit can be controlled via buttons on the multifunction steering wheel or through the MMI controls on the center console, which includes the MMI touch pad integrated into the rotary dial. The TTS model features a unique “sport” display mode within the virtual cockpit, emphasizing the tachometer and speedometer and adding a boost gauge and lap timer for performance-oriented drivers.
The optional Technology package further enhances the technological offerings, 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.
Performance and Powertrain: Engaging Driving Dynamics
Under the hood, the 2016 Audi TT Coupe and Roadster are powered by a 2.0-liter TFSI® engine producing 220 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain enables a 0-60 mph acceleration time of 5.3 seconds for the Coupe and 5.6 seconds for the Roadster, delivering brisk and engaging performance. The performance-tuned Audi TTS Coupe elevates this further with a 2.0-liter TFSI engine producing 292 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in a mere 4.6 seconds.
All 2016 TT models come standard with Audi drive select and quattro® permanent all-wheel drive. Audi drive select allows drivers to tailor the car’s driving characteristics through different modes, adjusting parameters such as throttle response, steering feel, and shift points. In the 2016 TT, Audi drive select gains the ability to also adjust the quattro all-wheel drive system. The TTS model further expands customization with its standard magnetic ride suspension, which can be adjusted via dynamic, auto, comfort, and individual modes within Audi drive select.
Alt text: Diagram illustrating the Audi Quattro all-wheel drive system, highlighting power distribution to all four wheels.
The quattro system in the 2016 TT and TTS is specifically calibrated to optimize power distribution for maximum traction and dynamic handling. In dynamic mode, the system exhibits a rear-wheel bias, contributing to a more engaging driving experience. The system’s sensors read conditions 150 times every 10 milliseconds, enabling it to react instantaneously and shift up to 100% of power to either the front or rear axle as needed.
The 2016 Audi TT lineup includes Coupe and Roadster body styles for the TT, and a Coupe for the TTS. All TT models are equipped with quattro® all-wheel drive and a six-speed dual-clutch S tronic® transmission, providing rapid and smooth gear changes.
Standard and Available Features: Convenience and Customization
The 2016 Audi TT comes well-equipped with a range of standard features, including:
- Automatic climate control
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass
- MMI touch interface
- Audi music interface with dual USB ports and auxiliary input
- 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 upholstery
- LED interior lighting
- 3-spoke flat-bottom multifunction steering wheel with shift paddles
- 18-inch wheels on TT Coupe and Roadster (19-inch on TTS)
- Rear acoustic parking sensors
- LED taillights with dynamic turn signals
- LED headlights
- Spare tire and tool kit/car jack
Available features allow for further personalization and upgrades, such as:
- 19-inch wheels with summer tires (standard on TTS)
- 18-inch wheels with all-season tires (TT Coupe and Roadster only)
- S sport seats with Fine Nappa leather and Diamond Stitching (includes neck-level heating on Roadster)
- Red brake calipers (TTS only)
- Bang & Olufsen Surround Sound system
Audi also offered packages to streamline popular options, including the Technology package and Audi design selection package for TT models, and the exclusive Launch Edition package for the TTS.
Conclusion: The 2016 Audi TT – A Modern Icon Reimagined
The 2016 Audi TT successfully builds upon its iconic legacy, delivering a sports car that is both visually stunning and technologically advanced. With its driver-focused interior, groundbreaking virtual cockpit, and engaging performance, the 2016 Audi TT reasserts its position as a leader in the sports car segment, offering a compelling blend of style, innovation, and driving pleasure. For those seeking a compact sports car with a premium pedigree and cutting-edge technology, the 2016 Audi TT remains a highly desirable choice.
