Audi returned to the Wards 10 Best Interiors list this year with the all-new Audi TTS. The WardsAuto editors look for vehicles with impressive aesthetics and design harmony in addition to testing the user friendliness of the human-machine interface to see how effectively vehicle information is communicated to the driver and passengers.
“We are honored that the industry-leading interior design of the TTS has earned such high praise from WardsAuto,” said Scott Keogh, President Audi of America. “The TTS perfectly represents Audi’s leadership in designing beautiful interiors with exceptional integration of technology that offers both the driver and passengers a great environment and a comfortable driving experience.”
The Audi TTS transforms the way the driver interacts with the vehicle through the innovative Audi virtual cockpit – an entirely digital dashboard designed for a driver-centric experience with 3D graphics and brilliant clarity. The 12.3-inch TFT display combines the functions of a traditional central MMI® monitor and analog gauges into one. A quad-core NVIDIA Tegra 3 processor can render up to 60 frames per second and helps ensure functions are displayed with absolute precision while making viewing and navigating via full-screen Google Earth™ images, supported with 4G LTE (where available), easier on the drivers’ eyes.
2016 Audi TTS Coupe © Volkswagen AG
From its standard S sport seats with S embossing, to the integrated head restraints and deeply sculpted adjustable side bolsters, the TTS is a sports car with a high degree of everyday practicality. WardsAuto editors were also “thoroughly smitten” with the optional Express Red Fine Nappa leather interior.
“The Audi TTS is drop-dead gorgeous. With ingenious design and creative engineering, Audi has delivered a sexy coupe that is also a fantastic daily driver,” said WardsAuto Senior Editor Tom Murphy. “Of course none of this would be possible without Audi’s virtual cockpit. We look forward to seeing Audi’s future applications of this ground-breaking vehicle interface.”
The TTS also features a revolution in HVAC controls that eliminate the need for a conventional dash console and instead integrates fan speed, air vent selection and temperature directly into the center of the three central vents, underlining the clean, uncluttered design of the interior. Controls for the standard heated seat controls are also integrated in the side air vents further eliminating buttons and switches from the interior.
2016 Audi TTS Coupe © Volkswagen AG
The TTS was chosen from a field of 47 nominees – 18 SUV or CUVs, 15 sedans, five hatchbacks, three coupes, three pickup trucks, two convertibles and one minivan. Past Wards 10 Best Interiors list accolades for Audi have included the A8 luxury sedan and the A7 Sportback.
Audi will be among the winning automakers honored at a ceremony during the WardsAuto Interiors Conference, taking place May 11, 2016 in Detroit, Michigan.
