Whoever came up with the idea for Audi's virtual cockpit is a genius. This digital instrument cluster replaces traditional gauges with a foot-wide display screen with sharp, colorful graphics. It even simplifies Audi's Multimedia Interface, which had been a two-step process to find and get whatever you were seeking.
The MMI controller (on the center shift console) to page through the Virtual Cockpit is now so simple that owners may ponder why it wasn't it dreamed up sooner. The main screen is flanked by the tachometer dial on the left with gear selection and performance mode in a bold center dial. The speedo is to the right, with a digital readout in the bold center dial. And on either lower corner are the temp and fuel gauges. What else does a driver need?
The billboard-class screen can display the rearview camera, the navi routing, your music choice and car performance settings. There are classic and progressive screen views, depending on your preference.
The genius is that it keeps the driver's eyes forward. There is no wasted space in the center of the instrument panel taking space for a touchscreen and other controls. Instead, Audi used more genius to integrate heat-AC-fan-temp controls in the three large and bold vent dials. The whole area is cleaned up and organized.
And then the designers were able to maximize space on the center console with an actual gear shifter — not a button or a steering wheel stalk. Grabbing a shifter just feels right in a sporty car. There is a remarkably large, covered bin for phone charging — with hard to reach USBs for large hands. The three-across switches for the power top, electric parking brake and electric windscreen are within easy reach. One button does it all to drop the top in about 10 seconds and at speeds up to about 30 mph. Air flow with the top down is so well-controlled I never bothered with the windscreen.
Completely redesigned and re-engineered for 2016, the TT is sold in two-seater roadster and four-seat hardtop body styles and the high-performance TTS coupe.
Roadster pricing starts at $47,325, including $925 freight charge from Gyor, Hungary. My tester was $54,700.
All roadster models have quattro all-wheel drive and a 220-horsepower, turbocharged and direct injection four-cylinder engine with a six-speed S tronic transmission. With 258 foot-pounds of torque from 1,600-4,400 rpm, Audi cites 0-60 mph in 5.6 seconds. Fuel economy ratings are 23 mpg city, 30 highway and 26 mpg combined on premium. But the 14.5-gallon tank gives a great driving range.
The six-speed works well with the available power, but I always drove in Sport mode for its quicker response from throttle down to action. But the steering wheel paddle shifters are more like tabs and too short. All-wheel drive gives confident grip in cornering and while it has a rear-drive feel in dynamic mode, it's not quite the same kick in the seat as a true rear-wheel drive sports car.
Four-wheel disc brakes — 12.3-inch vented rotors front, 11.9-inch solid rear — are generous for the 3,384-pound curb weight.
Standard equipment includes smart key entry and push-button ignition, insulated power folding top, electric wind blocker, MMI touch with voice control, adaptive spoiler, Bluetooth phone and streaming music and 18-inch alloy wheels with 245/40 summer tires.
The interior design and its roominess make this roadster a daily driver. The cabin is snug with the top up and road noise or vibration is minimal. There is good shoulder room which reduces the sensation of being cramped. Trunk space is good at 7.5 cubic feet, even when the top is stowed.
And it is a fully social car with connections — two USB ports, an aux-in plug and Bluetooth phone and streaming music. The optional, 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system gives THE best sound I've ever experienced in a convertible at just about any speed. Even top-down, airflow is without turbulence and I never felt the need for the power-operated windscreen.
The 12-way power adjustable front seats are a standout for their tilt feature to the seat bottom. The S Sport seat package, $1,600, is desirable for its neck-level heater fan and diamond-quilted Nappa leather, but the sport seats are aggressively bolstered and almost overkill for 220 horsepower.
When the engine is switched off, listen for the thumpa-thumpa heartbeat. It's just one more detail that just works in the TT.
Barely a year ago, Audi could not put a USB or rearview camera in a car. Now its electronics are a model for the industry.
2016 Audi TT quattro
—Body style: compact, 2-seat AWD roadster
—Engine: 220-horsepower, turbocharged and direct-injection 2.0-liter 4-cylinder; 258 foot-pounds torque from 1,600-4,400 rpm
—Transmission: 6-speed Tiptronic with Sport mode and paddle shifters
0-60 mph: 5.6 seconds
—Fuel economy: 23/30 mpg city/highway; premium
—Fuel tank: 14.5 gallons
—Trunk space: 7.5 cubic feet
—Front head/leg/shoulder room: 36.6/41.1/53.6 inches
—Length/wheelbase: 164.7/98.6 inches
—Curb weight: 3,384 pounds
—Turning circle: 34.7 feet
—Standard equipment includes: smart key entry and push-button ignition, insulated power folding top, electric wind blocker, MMI touch with voice control, adaptive spoiler, Bluetooth phone and streaming music and 18-inch alloy wheels with 245/40 summer tires
—Safety features include: 6 air bags (including knee bags), rollover protection, brake assist, electronic stability and traction controls,
—Base price: $47,325, including $925 freight charge; price as tested $54,700
—Where assembled: Gyor, Hungary
—Warranty: 4-years/50,000-miles bumper to bumper with 1-year/5,000-miles free scheduled maintenance
Mark Maynard is online at [email protected]. Find photo galleries and more news at Facebook.com/MaynardsGarage. To find out more about Mark Maynard and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.
The Virtual Cockpit display helps keep the driver's eyes forward.
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