The Audi TT Roadster Final Edition has been unveiled as a tribute to the iconic sports car, which is set to retire after the 2023 model year. Only 50 units of this special edition will be produced, all exclusively for the United States market. With a starting price of $68,895, including a $1,095 destination charge, the TT Roadster Final Edition is a fitting farewell to a model that has left an indelible mark on the automotive industry.
The decision to discontinue the TT was announced back in 2019, as the German automaker prepared for a new chapter in the car’s history. While a successor is planned, it will deviate from tradition by embracing electric power, ushering in a new era for the TT. The future model may not even bear the TT name, which pays homage to the Isle of Man TT race. The name was originally used by NSU and DKW, two historic brands that were eventually folded into Audi. The Isle of Man TT race was known for its motorcycle races, and NSU even utilized the name for a sporty version of its Prinz coupe.
Therefore, the TT Roadster Final Edition holds a unique and significant place in automotive history. It represents the culmination of a journey that began with the launch of the original TT in 1998, introducing the clean and Bauhaus-inspired design language that would define Audi’s aesthetics for the next two decades. The TT was also a pioneer in incorporating innovative technologies, such as an electronically deployable rear spoiler, a digital gauge cluster, and OLED taillights.
To commemorate this illustrious legacy, the TT Roadster Final Edition features a distinctive Goodwood Green paint, previously seen on the original TT. This shade is combined with a luxurious Palomino Brown leather interior, featuring a modern reinterpretation of the baseball stitch pattern from the first-generation TT. Other highlights include a gray convertible roof, 20-inch wheels, the S Line exterior sport package, and carbon-fiber accents throughout the cabin.
Under the hood, the TT Roadster Final Edition retains the TT’s standard 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine, delivering 228 horsepower. This powerplant is paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and Audi’s signature Quattro all-wheel-drive system. With this configuration, the TT Roadster Final Edition can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.5 seconds, showcasing its spirited performance.
Drawing inspiration from the TTS coupe, the TT Roadster Final Edition incorporates various performance upgrades to enhance the driving experience. These include sports seats for enhanced support, a 10-mm lower suspension equipped with magnetic ride dampers for improved handling, and 255/30-size summer tires for maximum grip on the road.
While the TT Roadster Final Edition bids farewell to the Audi TT, enthusiasts can still purchase the regular TT and TTS models for the 2023 model year. However, the most hardcore variant, the TT RS, was discontinued last year. Its departure was commemorated by the release of the 2022 TT RS Heritage Edition, marking the end of an era for this high-performance version of the TT.
In conclusion, the Audi TT Roadster Final Edition stands as a testament to the TT’s enduring legacy. As the sports car bows out, it leaves behind a trailblazing history that revolutionized Audi’s design language and introduced groundbreaking technologies. With its limited production and exclusive features, the TT Roadster Final Edition is a true collector’s item, symbolizing the end of an era while paving the way for a new and electrifying future for the TT nameplate.