For a quarter of a century, the Audi TT has held a unique position in the sports car landscape. While never claiming to be the most hardcore driver’s machine, the TT carved its niche by blending distinctive design with everyday usability. As production concludes in 2023, we take one last drive in the 2023 Audi Tts coupe to appreciate its enduring appeal.
The 2023 Audi TT range offers three models, all built around a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and Audi’s quattro all-wheel-drive system, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The base TT delivers 228 horsepower, while the 2023 Audi TTS boosts that to 288 horsepower. The high-performance TT RS, with its celebrated turbo-five, concluded its run in 2022.
2023 Audi TTS Coupe Specs:
• Base Price: $62,995 (As-Tested: $65,790)
• Engine: 2.0-liter Turbocharged Four-Cylinder
• Transmission: Seven-Speed Dual-Clutch
• Horsepower: 288 hp
• Torque: 288 lb-ft
• Layout: All-Wheel Drive, 2-Door, 4-Passenger Coupe
• EPA Fuel Economy: 23 City / 31 Hwy / 26 Combined MPG
• 0-60 mph: 4.4 seconds (estimated)
• Competitors: Porsche 718 Cayman, BMW 2 Series, Toyota Supra 2.0
The 2023 Audi TTS tested here is finished in Tango Red Metallic, a vibrant and classic shade enhanced by the optional $2200 Competition Package. This package adds blacked-out exterior elements, including mirror caps, rear wing, and striking 20-inch darkened wheels. The black grille surround further emphasizes the TTS’s assertive front end.
The aggressive front fascia is a dominant design element, perhaps slightly overshadowing the TT’s overall iconic silhouette. While the fundamental roofline has remained since 2008, recent styling updates have arguably diluted some of its original purity. However, the 2023 Audi TTS still presents a visually appealing shape, especially amongst today’s SUV-dominated roads, with its clean, arcing lines.
Inside, the Tango Red accents continue to brighten the cabin. They highlight the center console, seat sides, and the distinctive circular air vents on the minimalist dashboard. Combined with red stitching and carbon fiber trim, the interior of the 2023 Audi TTS strikes a balance between sporty intent and comfortable ambiance.
Front occupants will find the 2023 Audi TTS comfortable, while the rear seats remain largely symbolic. Intended for occasional use at best, they are essentially parcel shelves. However, folding them flat significantly expands the cargo area, making the TT surprisingly practical for weekend trips. The front seats are well-bolstered and supportive, offering ample adjustability. The driver-focused cockpit, featuring a microfiber-wrapped steering wheel and digital instrument cluster, provides a snug yet spacious feel with sufficient headroom.
Starting the 2.0-liter turbo engine of the 2023 Audi TTS is more of a refined pop than a roar. In standard Comfort mode, the exhaust note is subdued. Engaging Dynamic mode sharpens the driving experience, producing a richer engine sound, quicker gear shifts, and firmer suspension. Torque distribution also becomes more rear-biased for enhanced agility.
Even in Comfort mode, the suspension of the 2023 Audi TTS is firm, yet it remains composed over uneven surfaces. Steering feel is enhanced in Dynamic mode, perhaps becoming slightly too heavy for some. Individual mode allows for customization, enabling a lighter steering setting while maintaining the more aggressive powertrain and suspension characteristics. While not the most communicative, the steering is always responsive and precise.
The turbocharged engine of the 2023 Audi TTS, while potent, can exhibit slight turbo lag. Extracting 288 horsepower from 2.0 liters requires significant boost pressure, leading to a momentary delay in power delivery. The dual-clutch transmission, even in Dynamic mode, can sometimes hesitate to downshift. Engaging manual shift mode via the lever or paddles resolves this, offering quicker gear changes, although the system will still automatically upshift before redline.
The 2023 Audi TTS interior is characterized by its clean and minimalist design, largely due to the integration of all infotainment functions into the 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit instrument cluster. Unique within the Audi lineup alongside the R8, the TT forgoes a central infotainment screen. While the system might feel somewhat dated compared to contemporary interfaces, it remains functional and navigable, especially with the effective voice command system. Wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included.
While not as razor-sharp as a Porsche 718 Cayman, dynamically balanced as a BMW 2 Series, or featherweight like a Toyota GR86, the 2023 Audi TTS possesses its own distinct appeal. Its handsome styling, comfortable ride, and all-weather quattro all-wheel drive provide confident and enjoyable driving. Impressive fuel economy, achieving 31 mpg on the highway and an average of 27.5 mpg during testing, further enhances its practicality.
The market for sports cars faces challenges, and the automotive industry’s shift towards electrification prioritizes high-volume models. Despite its enduring design and connection to its iconic predecessor, the TT’s journey concludes. From its groundbreaking debut in 1998, the Audi TT bows out gracefully after a commendable 25-year run, leaving behind a legacy fondly remembered.
2023 Audi TTS Coupe
Price: $61,900 (Base) / $65,790 (As-Tested)
Highs: Timeless design, accessible and enjoyable performance, impressive fuel efficiency, distinctive and well-crafted interior.
Lows: Noticeable turbo lag, less sporty feel compared to rivals, virtually unusable rear seats.
Verdict: The 2023 Audi TTS is a stylish and engaging sports car that prioritizes enjoyable driving and everyday usability over outright track performance, marking a dignified end to the Audi TT lineage.
