The Audi TT has been a symbol of style and performance since its debut in 1999. The sleek coupe and roadster models have won many fans and awards over the years, thanks to their distinctive design, agile handling, and advanced technology. But all good things must come to an end, and the 2023 model year will mark the final curtain for the TT in the U.S. market.
To celebrate the legacy of the original Audi design icon, the brand has introduced a special edition model that pays homage to the first-generation TT Roadster. The Audi TT Roadster Final Edition is a limited-production model with unique design elements, exclusive colors, and curated equipment. Only 50 units will be available for the U.S. market, making this a rare and desirable collector’s item.
The TT Roadster Final Edition: What Makes It Special?
The TT Roadster Final Edition is based on the third-generation model that was introduced in 2016. It shares the same 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and Audi’s Quattro all-wheel drive system. It also comes with Audi’s magnetic ride suspension system, which adapts the damping to the road conditions and the driver’s preferences.
But its exterior and interior design sets the TT Roadster Final Edition apart from the regular model. The special edition model is finished in an Audi-exclusive shade of green – Goodwood Green pearl effect, which was offered as a series production color for the first-generation TT Roadster. The green paint is complemented by a gray cloth convertible top, which can be raised and lowered in just 10 seconds at speeds of up to 31 mph.
The TT Roadster Final Edition also features the S line exterior package, which adds sporty front and rear bumpers, side skirts, and 20-inch forged wheels. However, the S line badges have been removed to enhance the model's exclusivity. The front bumper and side trim elements are finished in platinum gray matte, creating a contrast with the green body.
Inside, the TT Roadster Final Edition is adorned with Palomino Brown leather, which nods to the first generation’s iconic baseball stitch seats. The brown leather covers the seats, the door armrests, the center console, and the floor mats, which also feature Palomino Brown stitching and piping. The steering wheel and the gear selector boot are also trimmed with the same color. The cabin is further decorated with carbon fiber inlays, and the steering wheel cover and instrument cluster hood are wrapped in black leather.
The Audi TT Roadster Final Edition: How Does It Compare to Its Rivals?
The Audi TT Roadster Final Edition is a niche product that appeals to enthusiasts and collectors who appreciate the history and design of the Audi TT model line. It is not a cheap car, as it costs $68,895, which is $11,000 more than the base TT Roadster. However, it offers a unique combination of colors, materials, and equipment that are not available on any other TT model.
The TT Roadster Final Edition faces some competition from other premium convertibles in the market, such as the BMW Z4, the Porsche 718 Boxster, and the Mercedes-Benz SLC. Here is a comparison table that shows how they stack up against each other in terms of price, performance, and features:
| Model | Price | Engine | Power | Torque | 0-60 mph | Top Speed | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audi TT Roadster Final Edition | $68,895 | 2.0L turbo I4 | 228 hp | 258 lb-ft | 5.5 s | 130 mph | Magnetic ride, carbon fiber inlays, extended leather package, 20-inch wheels, S line exterior |
| BMW Z4 sDrive30i | $51,700 | 2.0L turbo I4 | 255 hp | 295 lb-ft | 5.2 s | 155 mph | Adaptive M suspension, M Sport brakes, M Sport differential, SensaTec upholstery, 18-inch wheels, M Sport package |
| Porsche 718 Boxster | $62,000 | 2.0L turbo H4 | 300 hp | 280 lb-ft | 4.9 s | 170 mph | Porsche Active Suspension Management, Sport Chrono package, Sport exhaust system, partial leather seats, 18-inch wheels, Sport design package |
| Mercedes-Benz SLC 300 | $49,950 | 2.0L turbo I4 | 241 hp | 273 lb-ft | 5.8 s | 155 mph | Dynamic Select, Eco Start/Stop, Panorama roof, power retractable hardtop, leather seats, 18-inch wheels, AMG Line exterior |
As the table shows, the TT Roadster Final Edition is the most expensive and the slowest of the bunch, but it also offers the most exclusive and luxurious features. The BMW Z4 is the closest rival in terms of price and performance, but it lacks the heritage and character of the TT. The Porsche 718 Boxster is the most powerful and the fastest, but it also has the smallest trunk and the least comfortable ride. The Mercedes-Benz SLC 300 is the cheapest and the most practical, but it also has the oldest design and the least engaging driving dynamics.
The Audi TT Roadster Final Edition: Is It Worth It?
The Audi TT Roadster Final Edition is a special model that celebrates the end of an era for the TT model line. It is a tribute to the original TT Roadster that debuted in 1999 and became an instant classic. It is a rare and desirable car with a unique style, performance, and technology blend. It is not a car for everyone, as it is expensive, limited, and impractical. But it is a car for those who love the TT and want to own a piece of its history. It is a fitting farewell to a design icon.
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