Audi TT S 2021 spiced up with more powerful Competition Plus variant

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The Audi TT sports car swung into the pits for a power bump last week for the entry-level TT 45 TFSI variant that briefly meant the base model had more torque than Audi Sport’s TT S model.

It’s a discrepancy that has been quickly corrected, with Audi revealing a lightly-updated 2021 TT S this morning. The TT S shares the same two-litre turbocharged petrol engine as the TT 45 TFSI, but offers more power and lower acceleration times.

But the update to the TT S extends further than a tickle under the bonnet, with Audi adding new TT S trim levels to better compete with rivals like the Toyota Supra and BMW Z4. The new trim levels are known as the TT S Competition plus and the TT S Bronze Selection.

Shaun Cleary, Audi Australia corporate communications manager, told Chasing Cars that the pair of new TT S 2021 models are “under evaluation for Australia”.

Audi confirmed the updated TT 45 TFSI for Australia last week but is holding its horses on the alterations to the TT S.

For 2021, Ingolstadt has squeezed an extra 25kW out of the TT S’s two-litre turbocharged four-cylinder, bringing outputs up to 235kW. More importantly, the torque figure climbs by 20Nm to 400Nm, equalling the 45 TFSI grade, which produces 180kW of power – a 55kW deficit.

The boosty TT S has enjoyed a 0.2sec improvement to its 0-100km/h sprint time for 2021, which is now a rapid 4.5sec – placing it 0.7sec ahead of a TT 45 TFSI on the benchmark acceleration test.

The TT S is the halfway house in the Audi TT lineup, sitting beneath the five-cylinder TT RS that produces a very stout 294kW of power.

Audi says the TT S coupe and cabriolet will soldier on to a top speed of 250km/h (limited), with the standard-fit Quattro all-wheel-drive system keeping things secure at all times. Like the updated 2021 45 TFSI, the TT S gets seven ratios for its wet dual-clutch gearbox.

Sportier options are available with the updated TT S in the shape of the ‘Competition plus’ trim which adds dark chrome exterior badge and highlights, gloss-black 20-inch alloy wheels and red brake callipers. The specification is further bolstered by standard LED headlights and exclusive colour choices. Tange red is pictured, but Turbo Blue, Glacier White and Chronos Gray are also available.

Inside, the TT S Competition plus gets Fine Nappa leather upholstery with contrast stitching, with interior trims painted to match the exterior hue. There’s also a leather and Alcantara-clad steering flat-bottom steering wheel with straight-ahead marker stitched to match the paintwork, snazzy indeed.

The cabin is finished off with the usual 12.3-inch digital driver’s display found in all Audis, but the TT differs in its cabin architecture. Far from including big, bulky touchscreens, the TT is all about the driver, and all functions are controlled through that driver’s display for an extremely clean and tidy aesthetic. We love that it’s different, though it does take some learning.

Adding to the small TT range, in Europe at least Audi has crafted a special ‘Bronze Selection’ option package that will be available on both the TT S and TT 45 TFSI. And true to its name, there are gold 20-inch alloy wheels on board. 

This will not be to everyone’s taste, of course. However, finished in Chronos Gray here, we love it. The bronze theme pervades the cabin, with the same colour on the interior trims, and as contrast stitching on the leather upholstery. Other upgrades include extended leather, a B&O stereo, and more prominent tailpipes.

Audi says the more potent TTS will go on sale this month in Europe, including the Competition Plus variant. Those keen on the Bronze Selection cars will have to wait until spring 2021. The new model lines are still under evaluation for Australia.