New Audi TT goes topless

If the thought of next summer's sun and shirtsleeves is all that's getting you through the barren winter days ahead, you might be cheered by this announcement from Audi.

The German giant has decided to release its new TT in Roadster form next year. Yes, the successor to the late-Nineties icon, whose looks divide more opinion than Scarlett Johansson's, is having its head chopped off.

To compensate for the roof loss, the new Roadster uses a stiffer version of Audi's space-frame body shell with a higher steel content for rigidity.

It'll be offered with either the 2.0-litre turbo FSI or 3.2 V6 petrol engines - the latter distributing its power through Audi's quattro four-wheel-drive system.

Audi seems pretty chuffed with the Roadster's soft-top hood, too. The hydraulically powered cloth hood has a rigid front section which folds flush into the body, eliminating the need for a tonneau.

It'll go up or down in just 15 seconds, and can be operated at speeds of up to 30mph. But can't they all these days?

The Roadster also has a Veyron-like electrically powered rear spoiler that retracts to sit flush with the body when not required. And with the RS4-style flat-bottomed steering wheel and leather trim shown in these photos, we reckon it's looking pretty tasty.

Orders for the successor to the original TT Roadster start soon, with prices confirmed at £26,915 for the 2.0T and £31,535 for the 3.2 quattro.

The first UK deliveries will roll out next spring, just in time to snap on the sunnies and go cruisin' the beachfronts. You know you want to...

© Source: original article on topgear