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Audi at the 2007 Melbourne Motor Show

 

A6 allroad quattro      S3      TT Roadster

 

5th March, 2007

Audi has unveiled three brand new models at the Melbourne Motor Show.

The new Audi TT Roadster, Audi S3 and Audi A6 Allroad quattro made their Australian debut on opening day of the show (Friday 2nd March, 2007).

Each of these three new models will go on sale in Australia later in the year.

Audi’s managing director, Joerg Hofmann, says the company is naturally thrilled to be able to introduce key new cars to the Australian market ahead of their actual launch date.

“Since its introduction to Australia late last year, the new Audi TT has been a huge hit with Australian consumers. The new model is in high demand and we have buyers clamouring for their car to arrive,” Mr Hofmann said.

“We expect that the TT Roadster will be similarly popular. It will officially arrive in June 2007, however we will use the Melbourne unveiling as an opportunity to kick off our pre-sales campaign for this new model,” Hofmann said.

The Audi TT Roadster will be launched in June 2007 with two engines including a 2.0 TFSI, priced at $77,500 (RRP), and a 3.2 V6 quattro, priced at $92,900 (RRP). Both engines feature Audi’s popular S-tronic transmission.

The new Audi S3 was revealed for the first time at the Show, and is expected to arrive in Australia in June 2007, priced around $66,000 (RRP). The new S3 boasts a 2.0 TFSI engine with 188 kW and a sporty 6-speed manual transmission.

The Melbourne Motor Show car will show off the brand new ‘Solar Orange’ colour for the S3.

Arriving in Australia in May, the long-awaited Audi A6 Allroad quattro successor is to be seen for the first time at the Motor Show.

Noted for its excellent versatility and all-terrain capabilities, the new A6 allroad quattro will boast Audi’s modern, efficient and powerful 3.0 TDI engine at launch. The new A6 Allroad quattro will be priced around $106,000 (RRP).

Audi’s extraordinary R8 sportscar is also on display in Melbourne, ahead of its September 2007 market introduction in Australia. Around two-thirds of the company’s 2007 allocation have been pre-sold. The R8 is expected to retail at around $250,000 - $300,000 (RRP).

Rounding out a very high performance stand will be the Audi RS 4 Avant, S6 and S8 models – all recent introductions for the company in Australia.

Managing director, Joerg Hofmann, believes the line-up at the Melbourne Motor Show is further proof of Audi’s growing popularity in Australia.

“Thanks to our record sales in 2006, we are in a strong position to secure a range of highlight cars to continue to showcase the brand in a high-profile way in Australia,” Mr Hofmann said.

“These new models will contribute to our sales growth target of more than 10 percent in 2007.”



2007 A6 Allroad quattro

New Audi A6 Allroad quattro

The first generation of the allroad quattro proved to be a success for Audi. Based on the A6 Avant, the allroad has been the big Audi for any road and season since it was launched in 2000. Now its successor is ready to make its debut. The new A6 allroad quattro is more spacious, luxurious, distinctive and versatile than ever. Plus, of course, it fully lives up to its name by delivering even more dynamic power and handling, both on and off the road.

None of the premium-class competitors on the international stage have anything to rival the Audi A6 allroad quattro, whose independent concept is entirely the work of Audi. It is closely related to the A6 Avant and offers virtually the same level of commanding sporty performance. However, what makes the A6 allroad so special is that it keeps going when the tarmac ends thanks. This enables it to neatly bridge the divide between sporty elegance and striking versatility.

Design

The exterior design takes its cue from the expressive design language and lines of the Audi A6 Avant, producing a character steeped in timeless elegance and emotional sportiness. The dynamic contours, the stimulating finish of its surfaces and the almost coupé-like silhouette all help to set the tone, reinforced by the dynamic rise of the strong shoulder line, the low window strip and the gently sloping roof.

At the same time, the bold off-road styling elements blend harmoniously into the overall picture. The underride protector made of stainless steel is just one of these elements. The single-frame grille sports a modified look, with chrome strips adorning the vertical bars and a number plate that now appears to float in mid-air. Further identifying features include the restyled bumpers and the larger exterior mirrors.

Front fog lights, a headlight washer system and a light and rain sensor are all included as standard. Seen from the side, sturdy door strips, made of aluminium on request, accentuate the dynamic line. The roof rails, also of aluminium, rest on four supports. The sill panelling conveys an impression of tremendous power, as do the flared wheel arches housing 17-inch or 18-inch wheels in three special designs.

At the rear, the A6 allroad quattro can be recognised by an underride protector made of stainless steel and an aluminium-look trim strip. If xenon plus headlights are chosen, an attractive LED unit for the brake and tail lights is incorporated into the rear light clusters.

The interior ambience too, with its fine lines and elegant forms and colours, offers supreme quality and harmonious aesthetics, an initial taste of which is provided by the new aluminium door sill trim. There is a choice of four interior colours which can be combined with six seat fabrics and five inlays.

Body

The new Audi A6 allroad quattro has a length of 4,934 millimetres, a wheelbase of 2,833 mm, a width of 1,862 mm and, depending on the setting of the adaptive air suspension, a height of 1,459 to 1,519 mm. Compared with its predecessor, the length has extended by 124 mm, the wheelbase by 76 mm and the width by 10 mm, enabling the driver and up to four passengers to enjoy lavish levels of spaciousness and seating comfort.

The Audi A6 allroad quattro is available exclusively with the Avant body version. The load area – whose storage capacity can be extended from 565 up to 1,660 litres by folding down the backrests – incorporates two securing rails. A highly versatile range of luggage compartment options, including a load-securing set, is available, as is an automatically opening and closing tailgate. Particularly long items can easily be accommodated thanks to the load-through hatch including ski bag. The standard adaptive air suspension with its integrated self-levelling function ensures a comfortable ride in the A6 allroad quattro.

The body has a composite construction featuring a high proportion of high-strength and ultra-high-strength steel panels, plus lightweight aluminium components which reduce weight primarily at the front end. In the event of an accident, passengers are protected by a network of precisely matched sections. Two front airbags, side airbags in the front (in the rear too as an option) and the sideguard head airbag system are all permanently on standby. Audi backguard reduces the consequences of a rear-end collision.

The interior is distinguished by its exquisite finish and top levels of functionality. At the heart of the operating concept is the MMI terminal, which the driver can use to configure numerous convenience functions that can then be viewed on a monitor. Also on the list of standard equipment is an electromechanical parking brake which offers considerable practical benefits over conventional technology, not least because it opens up greater scope for the design of the centre console.

Drivetrain

In Europe, the A6 allroad quattro comes with a choice of four powerful, longitudinally installed engines, comprising two petrol and two diesel models. All four are direct-injection units and belong to Audi's state-of-the-art family of V-engines.

FSI petrol direct injection is a hallmark technology of the Audi brand. Following numerous victories in the Audi R8 Le Mans racing car, it has now been introduced on a broad scale in standard production vehicles too. The 3.2 FSI develops 188 kW. The V6 engine's maximum torque is 330 Nm, available at 3,250 rpm. The new 4.2 FSI has even more power at the ready. The V8 with direct injection musters up 257 kW and 440 Nm, the latter being on tap at 3,500 rpm.

Both V6 diesel engines combine superb efficiency with hefty pulling power and refined smoothness. The task of mixture preparation is handled by a latest-generation common rail system which propels the fuel into the combustion chambers at a pressure of up to 1,600 bar. The 2.7 TDI develops 132 kW and 380 Nm.

Its maximum torque is available from just 1,400 rpm and remains constant up to 3,300 rpm. The 3.0 TDI delivers 450 Nm of torque to the crankshaft between 1,400 and 3,250 rpm, while maximum output has been increased compared to the A6 Avant to 171 kW.

The quattro permanent four-wheel drive, featured as standard on all A6 allroad quattro models, has a decisive influence on driving characteristics. Its self-locking centre differential splits the drive torque variably between the front and rear axles. Generally, 50 percent goes to each but, if necessary, up to 75 percent of the power can be directed to either axle. On loose terrain the quattro drive provides excellent traction and on the road it ensures sporty agility, firm grip and maximum driving safety.

Chassis

The chassis of the A6 allroad quattro combines sporty handling with silky smooth comfort. Not only has the wheelbase been increased, the track width at the front is also up by 22 millimetres to 1,596 millimetres and at the rear it has been increased by 2 millimetres to 1,587 millimetres. In addition, weight distribution between the front and rear axles has been optimised. The chassis consists of a highly complex four-link front suspension – built primarily using aluminium components – with a self-tracking trapezoidal-link rear axle. The servotronic power steering, which is standard, provides variable power assistance according to vehicle speed.

The electronically controlled adaptive air suspension, also a standard feature, adds another key dimension to the handling abilities. It allows the ride height of the body to be altered in four stages by up to 60 millimetres, both automatically – depending on road speed – and manually via the MMI terminal. The control unit also automatically adjusts the control characteristics of the adaptive shock absorbers to reflect the type of road surface and driving style.

The generous ground clearance of as much as 185 millimetres provides the Audi A6 allroad quattro with additional qualities off the beaten track, for instance on rough gravel roads or snow-covered mountain passes. As an option, 245/45 R 18 all-terrain tyres are available, together with a reinforced engine underguard.

The ESP stabilisation programme has been enhanced to include special functions too. In "off-road" mode, for example, ESP intervention is delayed so that forward propulsion can take priority.

Equipment

The Audi A6 allroad quattro comes with an equipment level which befits its premium status. The primary features of the A6 allroad quattro which predestine it for off-road use are the height-adjustable air suspension as standard, the rigid body and the robust off-road specifications such as the underbody guard and special ESP configuration. Active and sporty people will appreciate the versatile rail system in the luggage compartment and the aluminium roof rails. On-board comfort and convenience is ensured by the deluxe automatic air conditioning with separate temperature controls for the driver and front passenger and by the MMI basic operating system.

The 4.2 FSI with its powerful V8 engine runs on 18-inch wheels, housing ventilated front and rear brake discs. Its inlays gleam in Vavona wood assam grey; the inside door trims and seats are covered in leather. The front seats are electrically adjustable. An anti-theft alarm system, the driver information system, deluxe automatic air conditioning plus and a centre armrest at the front complete the luxurious standard equipment of this range-topping model.

The appealing luxury and high-tech extras available for the Audi A6 allroad quattro include the adaptive light dynamic cornering light system, the advanced key keyless access system, and the Audi parking system advanced parking aid – here the MMI monitor shows the image captured by the rear-view camera.

A Bluetooth interface for the telephone is available on request, as is a DVD navigation system, a surround-sound system from BOSE and sports seats.

Australian specifications and pricing will be confirmed at a later time. The new Audi A6 Allroad quattro is expected to be released in Australia in May 2007.




New Audi S3

New Audi S3

Dynamism, sportiness and sophistication – the Audi A3 occupies an outstanding position in the premium compact class. Now its top-of-the-range version is ready to go, the new Audi S3 boasting 195 kW and quattro permanent four-wheel drive, providing plenty of reasons to get away from the Mini Cooper S (including the JCW models) and the highly over-rated BMW 1-series. With its sparkling performance it pursues the ideal of pure driving pleasure coupled with excellent everyday practicality – like all Audi S models.

The S3 redefines the standards of its class – at the level of a sports car. It races from 0 to 100 km/h in a mere 5.7 seconds and its forward urge remains unbridled until it reaches 250 km/h. Aggressively hard-hitting, free-revving and with a sonorous acoustic profile, the powerful two-litre, turbocharged four-cylinder unit with FSI petrol direct injection proves to be a smooth, high-performance engine.

This power is transmitted by the six-speed gearbox and quattro permanent four-wheel drive to large alloy wheels with an 18-inch diameter. The new S sports suspension on the S3 allows a sporty driving style combined with the ultimate in comfort. The steering characteristic of the electromechanical steering has been adapted to the sporty handling. This sporty compact car responds actively to steering movements, exhibits precise and safe handling characteristics and, thanks to quattro technology, accelerates unrelentingly out of bends.

The high dynamic potential of this three-door sports car is obvious at first glance. The single-frame grille features chrome trim, the front apron has a spoiler with large air inlets and the side sills have been restyled. There is a contrasting platinum grey diffuser built into the rear apron, along with two S-style oval chrome tailpipes on the left. Aluminium-look exterior mirrors and a body-coloured roof spoiler give added impact to the visual statement.

Interior: sporty atmosphere

The interior conveys an atmosphere of sportiness, with materials of the highest quality and meticulous craftsmanship. The elements that dominate the styling are the sports seats with dynamic and prominent side sections, the black or alternatively silver headlining and the instrument cluster with its typical S dials and needles.

The pedals, gear knob and air vents are in aluminium look, the inlays are in Piano finish black, or alternatively aluminium or Fine grain birch wood grey. The red and silver S3 emblem is to be found on the leather sports steering wheel, in the instrument cluster, on the gear knob and on the door sill trims. The seats are upholstered in a combination of cloth and leather or, as an option, in Alcantara/Leather or completely in leather. The two-tone leather seats are decorated with stitching in the same colour as their centre section.

TFSI in its most powerful form

The power plant of the S3 delivers all that is expected of a powerful sports engine and does so supremely well. The 2.0 TFSI, developed by AUDI AG, combines direct injection and turbocharger technology and delivers 195 kW at 6,000 rpm. And at just 2,500 rpm it already musters up an impressive 350 Nm of torque – this pulling power remains constant up to 5,000 rpm. In the combined driving cycle the 2.0 TFSI displays another welcome character trait, consuming just 9.1 litres of fuel over 100 km – further proof of the forward-looking efficiency of TFSI technology developed by Audi.

Compared with the A3, this engine is an advanced version featuring fundamental changes. The new turbocharger with its enlarged turbine and compressor rotor generates 1.2 bar of boost pressure – an unusually high figure. A modified intercooler significantly lowers the temperature of the compressed air, thus increasing the air mass that is necessary for combustion.

The new high-performance TFSI engine features pistons with stronger pins, while strengthened connecting rods with new bearings transmit the powerful forces to the crankshaft. The cylinder block has been reinforced and the head is made of a new, highly heat-resistant alloy.

The exhaust camshaft timing has been adjusted to accommodate the increased power output. High-pressure injectors with an enlarged cross-section squirt the fuel straight into the combustion chamber.

For all its progressive technology, the high-performance turbo engine tips the scales at just 152 kilogrammes, less than comparable engines of direct competitors – with a positive impact on the axle load distribution.

To go with its sporty nature and firm handling, the new Audi S3 has a six-speed, close-ratio manual gearbox. Gearshift travel has been reduced for the S3, permitting even sportier and more precise gear changes. As is the case for all Audi S models, the new S3 drives all four wheels by means of quattro permanent four-wheel drive. An electronically controlled hydraulic multi-plate clutch, positioned at the rear for the benefit of weight balance, distributes the torque as needed – delivering plenty of grip and maximum driving safety. All the drivetrain components have been strengthened to cope with the high level of engine torque.

Handling: lightning-fast reactions

In terms of handling, the Audi S3 exhibits all the qualities of a high-performance sports car; it responds immediately to steering movements and achieves high cornering speeds. The innately sophisticated suspension of the A3 – with subframes front and rear, triangulated lower wishbones at the front and four-link suspension at the rear – has been further refined.

The springs and shock absorbers have been given firmer ratings, with the result that the S3 sits 25 millimetres lower than an A3 with standard suspension. The pivot bearings and wishbones made from aluminium reduce the unsprung weight, further enhancing dynamic response and comfort. Stiffer suspension mounts and a sportier characteristic for the electromechanical steering provide even greater precision.

The standard 18-inch alloy wheels and 225/40 tyres ensure firm adhesion to the road surface. A 17-inch brake system with sports brake pads guarantees optimum deceleration; the black painted callipers bear the S3 logo at the front.

The extras also include a leather steering wheel with flat-bottomed rim and – in the quattro GmbH range – folding bucket seats. In the infotainment area, Audi is presenting a new generation of audio systems. The premium package is rounded off by universal interfaces for mobile phone and iPod, plus a sound system from Bose with eight high-performance speakers. Standard equipment includes deluxe automatic air conditioning, a driver information system with a new lap-timer function, and an anti-theft alarm. Front fog lights and xenon plus headlights with daytime running lights also underline the impressive price/performance ratio.

Australian specifications and pricing for the amazing S3 will be confirmed at a later time. The new Audi S3 is expected to be released in Australia in June 2007.




2007 Audi TT roadster

New Audi TT roadster

Sheer sportiness, high power reserves plus a stirring driving experience – cue the new TT Roadster from Audi. The open-top two-seater, available in two engine versions, has retained all the strengths of its successful predecessor and added even more emotion, performance and dynamism. It is a sports car built to appeal to all the senses.

The exterior design

The design of the first TT Roadster has already acquired a remarkable timelessness by virtue of its classical purity and strictly geometrical orientation. Audi has retained the genetic code of the formal idiom and carefully honed it for the new model.

Compared to the predecessor model, the new TT Roadster has grown above all in length and width, its altered proportions underscoring its dynamically sporty character. The open-top two-seater measures 4,178 millimetres in length (+ 137 mm) and it is 1,842 mm wide (+ 78 mm) but only 1,358 mm high (+ 8 mm). The wheelbase has increased to 2,468 mm (+ 46 mm). With the hood up, the drag coefficient of the 2.0 TFSI is a mere 0.32 – proof indeed of the high functional quality of its design.

In contrast to the new TT Coupé, with its flat, flowing C-posts, the hood of the TT Roadster provides a marked contrast with the tail end of the body, making the overall appearance much more geometrical – entirely in keeping with the style of its predecessor. This impression is underscored by the athletic and muscular curves of the vehicle's flanks and the rising dynamic line above the sill area, as well as the taut shoulder line. The tank cap above the rear right wheel is made from aluminium, in the classic manner.

The front end of the new TT Roadster conveys an impression of resoluteness. Wing-shaped plastic elements are embedded into the slanted, sharply tapered headlights to emphasise the three-dimensional depth of the lamp units. At the rear, the tubular reflectors appear to be suspended freely inside the rear lights; the exhaust system's large tailpipes and the wide diffuser are other striking features of the face end. As on the Coupé, the TT Roadster has an electrically powered spoiler that is extended when the speed reaches 120 km/h and which further increases downforce.

The soft top

In classic Audi tradition, the new TT Roadster likewise has a fabric top – a decision which was made consciously. The soft top fits in perfectly with the philosophy of purist open-top motoring and also offers a number of practical benefits over a folding steel hard top.

The low weight is a vital advantage that promotes sporty driving. The fabric top, incorporating reinforcements made from steel and aluminium as well as a large glass rear window, reduces the overall weight of the TT Roadster and lowers its centre of gravity.

The soft top, available in the colours black and dark grey, blends in ideally with the design approach and occupies very little space when folded up and stowed away. Thanks to the new Z-fold, the front section of the roof lies on top of the cloth like a cover. It locks into place to lie flush with the body, dispensing with the need for a tonneau cover.

The TT Roadster 3.2 quattro comes as standard with a fully automatic electro-hydraulically powered soft top, which is available for the 2.0 TFSI as an option. In response to a brief push of the button, the soft top opens in no more than 12 seconds, a huge practical advantage for urban driving. The fully automatic soft top has an integral additional acoustic mat beneath the black headlining; this further improves on its already very good acoustic and thermal insulation.

The manual soft top features a driver-operated central catch. A mesh wind deflector is available for both engine versions (standard on the TT Roadster 3.2 quattro), to reduce the airflow for the driver and passenger. It is extended and retracted electrically – none of the TT Roadster's competitors are able to boast a similarly customer-friendly concept.

The body and safety

As with the TT Coupé, Audi has opted for Audi Space Frame technology for the body of the new TT Roadster. In this instance, the ASF principle has evolved into a forward-looking composite structure that brings together the brand's considerable expertise in lightweight construction. The body is made from 58 percent aluminium and 42 percent steel. This intelligent mix reduces the overall weight – when unladen, the 2.0 TFSI weighs just 1,295 kilogrammes.

Thanks to the composite construction, the developers have been able to distribute the axle loads of the new TT Roadster perfectly. Steel components are therefore used towards the rear of the body.

The side sills likewise differ from their counterparts in the TT Coupé, though only on the inside – they are made from extruded aluminium sections with a highly complex ribbed internal structure. The A-posts have been strengthened, too, and a high-strength steel tube is integrated into the frame of the windscreen. The static torsional rigidity of the new TT Roadster surpasses its predecessor's already good figure by 120 percent. From the driver's point of view, this progress makes its presence felt in the excellent vibrational comfort and the precise handling.

A whole series of restraint systems assures maximum passive safety. In the event of impact from the side, aluminium beams and cushioning in the doors are called into action along with the head and thorax side airbags integrated into the seat backs. Two-stage full-size airbags and the Audi backguard system are on hand to limit the consequences of a collision from the front or rear.

The interior

The interior of the TT Roadster has likewise grown noticeably in size, offering extra headroom and elbow room. The width at shoulder height is now 1,362 mm, an increase of 29 mm. Deep-set sports seats provide particularly good lateral support for both the driver and passenger. The standard-specification leather sports steering wheel features a flat-bottomed rim, as on the new R8 mid-engine sports car. The option of chennai brown Impulse leather trim with its distinctive topstitching already attained cult status when it was offered for the outgoing model; it is one of four different leather trim packages. The 3.2 quattro is upholstered in a combined Alcantara/Leather trim as standard; there are also three leather packages to choose from.

The three circular air outlets and the dome shrouding the instrument cluster dials inject the driving area with characteristic TT flair. The ergonomic concept is consistent and the finish of superb quality – both typical hallmarks of an Audi.

The larger overall body dimensions have also benefited the luggage compartment. It has grown to a generous capacity of 250 litres, on both the front-wheel-drive 2.0 TFSI model and the 3.2 quattro version.

The drivetrain

Like the TT Coupé, the new TT Roadster is available with a choice of two transversely installed petrol engines. Both combine high pulling power with impressive peak output, resulting in out-and-out sporty performance.

The four-cylinder engine directs its power to the front wheels, while the V6 powers all four wheels according to the quattro principle. Both engines are combined ex works with a sporty, precision-shifting six-speed gearbox. The innovative S tronic dual-clutch gearbox, which changes gear with lightning speed and without interrupting the power flow, is available as an option.

The four-cylinder engine that goes by the abbreviation 2.0 TFSI has a displacement of 1,984 cm3. It delivers an output of 147 kW and develops 280 Nm of torque – the latter all the way from 1,800 rpm to 5,000 rpm. TFSI technology combines two modern principles in ideal fashion – it combines turbocharging with the petrol direct injection developed by Audi. The TFSI responds very directly to throttle movements and is mechanically very refined and acoustically pleasing to the ear. An international jury of automotive specialists voted it the "Engine of the Year" in both 2005 and 2006.

Equipped with the S tronic gearbox, the Audi TT Roadster 2.0 TFSI accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.5 seconds and goes on to reach a top speed of 237 km/h. It consumes just 7.8 litres of fuel per 100 km on average.

The V8 engine has a displacement of 3,189 cm3. It musters 184 kW and a torque of 320 Nm between 2,500 and 3,000 rpm. Thanks to its extremely narrow included angle of 15 degrees, this undersquare engine is extremely compact. Its two camshafts can be adjusted continuously for ideal cylinder filling.

The TT Roadster 3.2 quattro with S tronic sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds and is capable of achieving a governed top speed of 250 km/h, delivering powerfully sonorous acoustics. It returns an average fuel consumption of 9.5 litres per 100 km.

The chassis

The sporty chassis has been fundamentally reengineered for the new TT Roadster. Its chief features are the complex four-link rear suspension, wide track widths, elastokinematics that have been heavily reworked, plus large wheels. The 2.0 TFSI rides on 16-inch factory-fitted alloy wheels and the 3.2 quattro on 17 inch alloy wheels that can be supplied with run-flat tyres if desired.

The front suspension, which is linked to a separate subframe, has the extensively used McPherson construction that has been refined by lightweight aluminium components. The power steering, with its electromechanical assistance, has a direct ratio and operates with responsive precision.

On the four-link rear suspension, which likewise uses a subframe, the trailing links have a relatively soft configuration for reasons of comfort, to absorb the propulsive and braking forces. The three wishbones per wheel, on the other hand, are connected rigidly in order to introduce the transverse forces precisely into the body. The coil springs and shock absorbers are mounted separately from each other.

The TT Roadster is configured for self-steering behaviour that is neutral to slightly understeering, and its newly developed stabilisation program supports this characteristic by intervening subtly when the limits of handling are approached. The four disc brakes are large in dimension. If necessary, a brake assist system ensures that they build up to maximum performance as rapidly as possible.

The optional adaptive damping system Audi magnetic ride is a high-tech feature that assures the new TT Roadster an exceptional position within its segment. The driver determines at the push of a button whether the suspension response places the emphasis on comfort or dynamism. Circulating inside the shock absorber pistons is a special fluid containing microscopically small magnetic particles. If a voltage is applied to the magnetic field, prompted by a pulse which is activated by sensors, the behaviour of these particles changes. The viscosity of the fluid and therefore the damping characteristic can be adjusted within milliseconds.

Equipment

All versions of the new Audi TT Roadster leave the factory with an extensive standard specification. The standard equipment includes the new "chorus" audio system, a driver information system and, on the 3.2 quattro, an automatic air conditioning system. Optionally, there are two navigation systems to choose from. Then there is a universal mobile phone preparation and the resonant Bose surround sound system.

An extra touch of class can be added to the interior's already sophisticated and sporty ambience by opting for the extended aluminium styling package. A storage package comprising three nets and four handy compartments builds on the standard storage facilities comprising the large door pockets and the two cup holders. Sporty customers will appreciate a load-through hatch complete with ski bag for the rear bulkhead.

It can accommodate two pairs of skis up to 1.90 m long – a uniquely practical feature in the roadster segment.There is also ample space for a golf bag.

There is an extensive range of options for the new TT Roadster. Xenon plus headlights that can be combined with the adaptive light cornering function can also be found on the extensive list of equipment options. They are fitted in conjunction with a headlight styling package that Audi includes as standard on the 3.2 quattro.

The new Audi TT Roadster will be released in Germany in coming weeks. Expect an Australian release in June 2007. Australian specifications will be confirmed at that time.



Other Audi content: here.



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