As I looked at in my recent write up of a 2016 Audi TTS, if you’re willing to forgo some of the wow-factor and horsepower of the RS models, the standard 8S TT offers plenty of thrills and smiles. That awesome MQB-platform is paired with the 2.0 TSFI turbocharged inline-4 pumping out 220 horsepower at 4500 RPMs and 258 lb. ft of torque at an unbelievable V8-esque 1600 revolutions. Carrying the same S-Tronic DSG dual-clutch 6-speed as the TTS and RS models as well as the same all-wheel drive system, the 3,300 lb Roadster is good for 0-60 sprints in the mid-5 second range and yet will still return 30 mpg on the highway. While those numbers may sound tame in today’s mega-horsepower market, you don’t have to go far back in time for them to be leading-edge performance for sports cars.
Excellent chassis dynamics are paired with a beautiful exterior and interior design, as well. I’ve long admired the Audi TTs for their clever packaging and taunt, no frills design. They just look better to me than the fussy lines from both BMW and Mercedes-Benz. They are thoroughly modern without looking cliché, cutting-edge yet unpretentious. The performance is here married with a package that can enjoy top-down weather yet remains usable year-round, even when the weather turns as snowy and cold as it has here in New England this week. This particular Roadster is even a bit more special than the standard TT. Outfit in Mythos Black Metallic with Admiral Blue leather interior and well specified, this car carries a color combination and set of options that can’t easily be replicated in a brand-new 2018 model:
CLICK FOR DETAILS: 2017 Audi TT Roadster on Audi Cape Fear
Year: 2017
Model: TT Roadster
Engine: 2.0 liter turbocharged inline-4
Transmission: 6-speed DSG dual-clutch semi-automatic
Mileage: 40 mi
Price: $56,155
Highlighted Features
Navigation system
Blind spot sensor
Electronic stability
Leather upholstery
Automatic temperature control
Wireless phone connectivity
Power convertible roof
Parking sensorsPackages & Options
Included Packages
Package Description Package MSRP
Technology PackageAudi MMI Navigation Plus
Audi Connect w/Online Services
Audi Side Assist
Audi Smartphone Interface
Parking System Plus$2,950
Audi Design Selection PackageS Sport Seats
Fine Nappa Leather Seat Trim w/Contrast Stitching
Aluminum Drift Decorative Inlays in Anthracite$2,250
Black Optic PackageWheels: 9.0″ x 19″ Sport 5-Double-Spoke
Tires: P245/35R19 93Y Summer Performance
High-Gloss Black Exterior Package$1,200
Included Options
Option Description Option MSRP
Audi Guard All-Weather Front Floor Mats
$95
Bang & Olufsen Sound System
$950
Collapsible Fabric Audi Cargo Storage Box
$75
USB Cables
$110
Audi has revised its option packages for the 2018 model year. Now the Technology Package incorporates the Bang and Olfusen radio which was a stand-alone on the 2017. The Black Optics package has been replaced by the S-Line package and the wheel options have also been revised, as has the S Sport seat option. The result? Try to build this model today, and you’d not only be waiting for a special order allotment but you’d be paying more money, too. As with most newer TTs and especially the Roadster, this one is quite loaded with all the options you need. The pairing with the Admiral Blue leather is quite special and very well photographed, highlighting how pretty the combination is. It is very unique in a great way. Those beautiful seats also feature Audi’s ‘Air Scarf’ system, which pipes warm air towards the back of your neck for those cool top-down evening runs – this really is a year-round car, not just one for warm weather alone. For the potential buyer, this particular Audi dealer also has top ratings across the board on the web, with plenty of satisfied customer testimonials.
The TT Roadster is a great reminder of how far cars have come in the past two decades. While headlines tend to focus on the fastest and flashiest designs, quietly the ultra-competent TT produces an exhilarating package two can enjoy in any condition, yet does so for a fraction of the price of what this type of automobile used to cost you. And unlike most Audis, clean and special examples like this have tended to retain much greater value downstream in the used marketplace. Overall this looks like a fantastic way to have your cake and enjoy the sun, too!
-Carter
Amazing how the new nose makes it hearken back somewhat to the early 90s convertible — at least when the latter is compared to the previous jelly bean TT.
I still can’t reconcile with the $56K for this car. But I guess it is in line with the competition – Z4 and the SLC with the 4 cylinder engines. Definitely a prime example of a model that I would buy used or lease (although they probably lease horribly because of low residuals).
Selling a 2017 model at the end of the year is tough. You have this car on the lot along side 2018 models that are pretty much the exact same car. And usually you would be a fool to buy the 2017. The dealer may point out that this is the exact optioned car as another 2018 model on the lot, but they will give it to you for $1500 less. What a deal! No, because people always fall for this trick and never think of resale value. 2 identical TTs, 2017 & 2018, will have different resale value in 3 – 4 years. This car will most likely be worth $2K – $3K less than the equivalent 2018 model with the same options and miles (I’ve researched this a bit with A4s and Q5s). And in 6 months time, the 2019 TTs will be arriving at dealer lots, making your 6 month old TT seem 2 years old due to the forever odd model year naming convention manufacturers use.
We’ve been shopping for my wife’s next car, and decided to wait until July 2018 to buy as the resale value of that 2019 car (Q5 or A4) will be worth quite a bit more 3-4 years down the road.