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

Overview

Released in August 2008, the Audi 8J Series I (8J.I) TTS Roadster was a two-door convertible with a soft-top roof. Manufactured in Gyor, Hungary, the Audi TTS Roadster 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’).

CDLB engine

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

Comparison with TT Roadster

Based on the Audi 8J TT Roadster , the TTS Roadster 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 Roadster 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 Roadster was 4198 mm long, 1842 mm wide, 1343 mm tall and had a 2467 mm long wheelbase. Furthermore, the TTS Roadster had MacPherson strut front suspension with transverse links and four-link independent rear suspension.

quattro

The Audi TTS Roadster 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 TTS Roadster included dual front airbags, front side airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control, automatically deploying roll-over bars and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

Brakes

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

Features

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