2008 Audi TT

Power

Both Coupe and Roadster are available with either a 2.0-liter Turbo four (with front-wheel drive and S Tronic automatic) or the 3.2-liter V-6 (with Quattro all-wheel drive). Six-cylinder models can be had with either six-speed stick or six-speed S Tronic. The 3.2 is a torquey, smooth motor with healthy growl when you put the boot in. Tuned here to 250 hp and 236 lb. ft. of torque, it makes the trip from 0-60 mph in 5.6 seconds with automatic, and returns 18 mpg city/24 highway. The added grip of Quattro offsets the 59/41 front/rear weight balance, giving the 3.2 a more seriously sporting feel than the previous TTs. The S Tronic can be a little leisurely in its shifts in full automatic mode, but take matters into your own hands and it's a different story. S Tronic is, in manual mode, one of the most engaging automatics on the market.


The dual clutch transmission pre-selects your next gear up/down, and response time between paddle shift and gear selection is so quick that it may make converts out of diehard stick shift fans. The 2.0T is offered in front-wheel drive only and the f/r weight balance is 60/40. It has a nimble, go-kart feel on the road, with some FWD understeer evident at the limits. The ESP system has been remapped this year, to allow for more spirited driving. The Bridgestone Potenza summer performance tires are sticky, if noisy, in an otherwise quiet car. All season tires are available. Squeeze the throttle in the 2.0T and the car squirts forward, with 60 mph arriving from a standstill in 6.1 seconds (6.3 Roadster). The 200-hp 207 lb.-ft. of torque, direct injection 2.0T remains our favorite VW/Audi engine. Power flows smoothly and evenly with virtually no turbo lag, and the engine is highly compatible with the S Tronic transmission. Economy is also part of the equation, with EPA estimates of 23 mpg city/31 highway (Roadster 22/29). For the tech lovers in the crowd, Audi offers a magnetic ride option ($1,400), as well as adaptive, bi-xenon headlights that swivel up to 15 degrees ($800).


With the new, second-generation models, Audi has given the TT a good, hard shove toward the sporty side of the sports car/convertible continuum. Prices for 3.2 models start at $41,500 for the Coupe, $44,500 for the Roadster. The 2.0T's weigh in at $34,800 for the Coupe and $36,800 for the Roadster. The 2.0s are the most compelling buy. For a mid-thirties sticker, you've got a classy, sporty ride that's fun to drive and easy on the eyes—inside and out. (www.audiusa.com)