After taking a year off, an all-new Audi TT coupe and roadster debuts for 2008. Thanks to its distinctive and striking styling, the Audi TT is unmistakably unique and appealing.
The first-generation Audi TT became an instant icon when the coupe debuted in the fall of 1999. For 2008, Audi has carefully revised its stylish sports car, making it slightly larger with improved driving dynamics.
TT's original DNA seems intact, but the exterior styling benefits from a more masculine tone. The front end looks more aggressive and I like the broad wheel arches and low, wide stance.
Around back, there's a new electrically operated hidden rear spoiler that pops out when the TT reaches 75 mph. It's designed to increase down force on the rear axle. When the car's speed drops below 50 mph, the spoiler automatically retracts.
The new coupe is 5.4-inches longer and 3.1-inches wider than its predecessor, but only 0.2 inches higher. Yet, the new rendition is very light as it employs a significant amount of aluminum in its body structure.
For example, the front-wheel drive Audi TT coupe powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine weighs just 2,965 pounds. The all-wheel drive coupe powered by the V-6 weighs in at 3,218 pounds.
That translates to a much more agile and nimble feel when driving and cornering. To improve upon that, the TT can be ordered with the optional ($1,400) Audi Magnetic Ride Suspension.
It provides a remarkable balance between comfort and handling by utilizing dampers filled with magneto-rheological fluid. This fluid contains tiny magnetic particles that instantaneously change the dampening rate based on how much voltage is applied.
The driver can select between "Standard" and "Sport" modes with the flick of a switch. My tester came fitted with this system and I enjoyed its benefits.
The Audi TT has always been fun to drive, but this second-generation car is much more impressive, regardless of whether you're baby-ing it or pushing it hard.
Audi offers three variants of the TT coupe; 2.0 T, 2.0 T Premium, and 3.2 quattro. Both 2.0 T models are powered by a new 2.0-liter direct-injected gasoline engine that produces 200 horsepower. Both 2.0 T models power the front wheels only and feature a race-inspired six-speed manual gearbox that can be operated automatically or manually thanks to steering wheel-mounted shift paddles.
The Audi TT 3.2 quattro features a transversely-mounted 3.2-liter V-6 engine that produces 250 horsepower. With quattro's full-time all-wheel drive system, approximately 85 percent of the engine's torque is normally directed to the front wheels. If needed, the system can direct up to 100 percent of the engine's power to either the front or rear axle.
My Audi TT 3.2 quattro tester provided excellent traction as I accelerated hard on rain-soaked roads. I tried to get my tester to break loose on slippery pavement, but that was next to impossible thanks to the quattro system, along with standard ASR (Anti-Slip Regulation) and ESP (Electronic Stabilization Program).
Thanks to TT's length increase, there's more room inside the cabin for my tall frame. I had plenty of head and legroom up front. The back two seats don't provide much space for passengers, but folding their seatbacks down increases the cargo carrying capacity of the coupe from 13.1 cubic-feet to 24.7 cubic-feet.
But when it comes to gadget storage, the TT isn't very accommodating. There's no center console and the glove box is rather small.
Yet, that doesn't stop me from wanting one. Up front, the seats are both comfortable and supportive. There's quite of a bit of lateral support to keep you planted when taking corners at speed.
I also liked the optional ($1,100) Enhanced Interior Package in my tester. That option features fine Napa leather on the seats, door trim, armrest and hand brake. Overall, the Audi TT is one of our favorites in this segment.
2008 Audi TT Coupe 3.2 quattro MT6
Engine: 3.2-liter (250 hp) V-6
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Drive type: AWD
Fuel economy: 17 city/24 highway
Base price: $41,500
As tested: $48,020 (includes $720 for destination)
Web site: www.audiusa.com