Review: Audi 8J.I TTS Coupe (2008-10)

Overview

Released in August 2008, the Audi 8J Series I (8J.I) TTS Coupe was a two-door, four-seat coupe. Manufactured in Gyor, Hungary, the Audi TTS Coupe was powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine that was mated to either a six-speed manual or double clutch transmission (DCT, or Audi’s ‘S Tronic’). With the manual transmission, the TTS Coupe could accelerate from rest to 100 km/h in 5.4 seconds; with the DCT, this decreased to 5.2 seconds.

CDLB engine

The 8J TTS Coupe was powered by Audi’s CDLB engine which had a grey cast iron block, a cast aluminium alloy cylinder head, double overhead camshafts (roller chain and belt driven), variable intake camshaft over a range of 42 degrees, four valves per cylinder actuated by roller finger cam followers, a BorgWarner K04 turbocharger which provided peak boost pressure of 1.2 bar (17.4 psi), a variable intake manifold, direct injection (Audi’s ‘Fuel Stratified Injection’ or FSI) and a compression ratio of 9.8:1.

Audi 8J TTS Coupe specifications
Engine	Drive	Trans.	Peak power	Peak torque
2.0-litre CDLB turbo petrol I4	quattro	6sp man., 6sp DCT	200 kW at 6000 rpm	350 Nm at 2500-5000 rpm

Comparison with TT Coupe

Based on the Audi 8J TT Coupe , the TTS Coupe had a greater emphasis on performance and, in addition to its high-output engine, was fitted with a magnetic ride control system which provided adaptive damping and selectable ‘Normal’ and ‘Sport’ modes. Visually, the TTS Coupe was distinguished by its redesigned front mask with larger air intakes, extended side sills, rear diffuser and quad exhaust pipes.

Dimensions and suspension

The Audi TTS Coupe was 4198 mm long, 1842 mm wide, 1343 mm tall and had a 2467 mm long wheelbase. Furthermore, the TTS Coupe had MacPherson strut front suspension with transverse links and four-link independent rear suspension.

quattro

The Audi TTS Coupe was fitted with a fourth-generation Haldex all-wheel drive system. In normal conditions, 90 per cent of the engine’s torque was directed to the front wheels. Unlike earlier systems, however, the fourth generation Haldex system could pro-actively engage the multi-plate clutch via a feeder pump when a loss of traction was anticipated, thereby transferring torque to the rear wheels before traction was lost. Previously, a difference in front and rear axle speeds – caused by wheelspin – was required to engage all-wheel drive.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Audi 8J TTS Coupe included dual front airbags, front side airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

Brakes

The Audi TTS was fitted 340 mm front and 310 mm rear ventilated disc brakes.

Features

Standard features for the Audi 8J TTS Coupe included 18-inch alloy wheels with 245/40 ZR18 high performance tyres, a six speaker stereo with a six-disc CD player, auxiliary inputs and MP3-compatibility, climate control air conditioning, Silk Nappa leather upholstery, power adjustable front seats, Bluetooth connectivity, bi-xenon headlights with washers, daytime running lights, front fog lights, rain-sensing wipers, split and folding rear seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote central locking, power windows and heated mirrors, tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment, courtesy lamps, a trip computer and an immobiliser.