2008 Audi TT

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Styling

As with people, so with cars. The 2008 Audi TT made its debut recently and after a first drive the first impression is that it's a better car, because it's a lighter car. The second generation TT coupe tips the scales at a relatively svelte 2,965 lbs., some 168 lbs. less than its predecessor. The roadster weighs in at 3,130 lbs., 188 lbs. under the previous ragtop. And it is a ragtop. One reason why Audi resisted the trend toward retractable hardtops in the convertible ranks was to save on weight. TT's slim down is also aided by body composition. The new TT's are Audi's first foray into composite (aluminum and steel) construction. Coupes are 69 percent aluminum, roadsters 58 percent.


So, lighter, and stiffer, too. The coupe is 50 percent stiffer torsionally than the first generation TT, while the roadster is a whopping 120 percent more rigid. The tale of the tape shows that the TT's are bigger as well. The 2008 models are 5.4 inches longer, 3.1 inches wider and a skosh taller than before. The gain in size is a surprise, given the weight loss. A surprise to the eyes too, as the new Audis don't look bigger. They do look different, though. When the first TT's rolled out in model year 2000, they drew compliments for their rounded, symmetrical form. That distinctive design has now given way to a look that's less pretty and more purposeful. The second-generation cars have a buffed, teardrop shape. Though marginally taller, the TT looks lower than before, with a high-waisted body and narrow greenhouse. Audi's shield-shaped grill leads the way, while the rear view features notably large, vertical tail lamps. Gen-one TT's had a stubby spoiler affixed to the rear deck—a styling compromise imposed in the name of added stability. That's happily absent this time around. The spoiler is now of the pop-up variety, deploying at speeds above 75 mph (or manually, via inside controls).

Interior

The first-generation TT's were universally praised for their innovative interiors. It's a tough act to follow, but the new cabin is still handsome and exhibits Audi's typically high standards for fit and finish. A meaty, magnesium steering wheel with a flat bottom frames a small hooded gauge cluster. Inside are twin scales for speed and rpm. Brightwork bands trim the gauges and line the dash. Multiple interior finishes are available (nine leather trim options on the roadster alone). With integrated headrests and contoured bolsters, the standard sport seats have a glove-like fit. Their only flaw is the absence of inside armrests. Roadsters are two-seaters, while Coupes have a +2 rear seat, more suitable for parcels than people (at max extension up front, there's no legroom left in back). Front-seat legroom is full-stretch comfortable for anyone up to about six feet tall, after which legs must be folded. Cabin option highlights include a navigation system and a 12-speaker, 255-watt Bose sound system. An MP3 interface is now standard.


The Roadster's top folds into a tidy, z-shaped stack behind the front seats. No boot is needed, and the top is fully automatic on 3.2 models, (optional on 2.0s). It powers up/down in 12-14 seconds and if a sneaky stoplight catches you mid-way through the act, you can complete the top transaction at roll-off (up to 25 mph). At highway speed, with windows up and top down, wind flow is moderate. Available but untested is an optional, mesh deflector that extends electronically to block breezes from the rear. The traditional, convertible C-pillar blind spots are smaller here than in most ragtops, with a good-sized, glass backlight. The folded top's compact footprint has no impact on storage. The Roadster's trunk is a usably shaped 8.8 cubic feet. Coupe cargo space is considerably larger, measuring 13.1 cubic feet, and expandable to 24.7 cubic feet with rear seats down, big enough for a pair of golf bags.