Bartek Sikorski

A successful comeback

When the first TT hit the streets, it was immediately applauded for its distinct, sensual, sexy sheetmetal. With its multiple curves and its sloping roofline, the initial TT turned heads wherever it went.
As years went by, we've gotten used to the TT, and other cute little sport coupes have come along, which kind of relegated the TT onto the back burner. Audi has to retaliate.
Here's the new 2008 TT. It's making a comeback, and is more beautiful and sexier than ever.

Modern yet timeless lines.
A true beauty
Unlike a certain young female pop singer that's desperately yet unsuccessfully trying to rekindle with past glory, the TT's return onto the stage gets a thumbs-up. Audi created a car that's visually more exciting than the old one, and it doesn't seem to have gained any weight.

It still features a streamlined roofline and more curves than a supermodel, and dressed up in red paint like my test car is, the TT never goes unnoticed.

While Audi had to retrofit a small rear spoiler on the rump of the first TTs to assure its high-speed stability, it's now articulated on the new model; at low speeds, it's flush-fit in the tail of the car, rises at 120 km/h and goes back down at 80. It's always an exciting moment to see the spoiler deploying itself in the rear view mirror.

However, practicality and safety was neglected in favour of styling regarding the rear window; with its almost-flat angle, it would benefit from a rear wiper in rain or in winter, but it doesn't have one.

Tight cockpit
A warning to claustrophobics, this car is small, very small. I must perform a couple of body contortions to get in, and be careful not to bang my head at the same time. Once I'm in and sitting down, I feel like I'm in a can of sardines, and my head hits the rear view mirror while sneezing.

In short, with the diminutive size of the TT's interior, there's nothing much to do except drive. And that's a good thing, since it's something you'll love doing. The small steering wheel is perfect for spirited driving, the shifter works well, and the engine emits an aggressive sound when prodded.

Sports cars have never been the most spacious vehicles.

Don't even think about sitting in back. Those two seats are purely symbolic, but I could still get my kids to sit there while moving the front passenger seat way forward; if an adult also has to sit in that front chair, legroom will be compromised. The TT ain't no family car, but I managed to haul the family around anyhow.

The sound system works well, but the aluminum-trimmed buttons are slippery; you can still use the wheel-mounted controls, but still. The climate control rheostats have the same problem, but since they're bigger, they're easier to grasp.


The 3.2L V6 can be coupled to a 6-speed manual gearbox or an S tronic autobox.

Grunt under the hood
With its 3.2-liter V6 engine that produces 250 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque, the TT 3.2 quattro is quick. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds and stops from that speed in 38 meters. My fuel consumption average is 12.2 L/100 km.

The 6-speed manual gearbox, which is only available with the V6, is easy to manipulate. It lacks a little precision, however, and shifts from first to second are sometimes rough. I prefer the S tronic transmission with its wheel-mounted paddle shifters, which I really liked in the A3 3.2 that I drove last year.

This TT is also equipped with the optional Magnetic Ride suspension. In short, the shocks are filled with some sort of magnetic fluid (instead of oil or gas) and their rigidity varies according to road conditions and the driver's shifting habits. In the cockpit, normal and sport modes can be selected. The only thing I felt with this suspension is the car's ride which goes from firm to very firm.

The all-wheel drive setup plays a big role in regards to the vehicle's road manners. With all four wheels well in control, there isn't much that can destabilize the TT 3.2 quattro. Mash the gas pedal, and the car just leaps forward; no torque steer, no wheelspin. Even in the tightest curves, the ones that we underestimated and entered too fast, the car sticks to the road while saying: "um, okay, I'll save your butt this time, but be more careful next time." And of course, when that next time comes, you're going too fast again, but that's because we feel confident in this car.


Audi's quattro has always been seen as one of the best all-wheel-drive systems.

Competition
My TT tester has a base price of $59,600, but the total invoice climbs to $66,100 with the following options: enhanced interior package ($1,500), audio package ($1,350), 18-inch 10-spoke alloys with performance tires ($1,000), Magnetic Ride suspension ($1,700), Bluetooth connectivity ($650) and iPod interface ($300).


A masterpiece of design with a lot of charm.

The little Audi is at a power disadvantage compared to the 330-horse BMW M Coupe ($68,900), but has two extra seats in back. The 2008 Chevy Corvette with its 430-hp engine if offered for $69,500. The 330-hp Infiniti G37 costs $49,950 with the 6-speed manual. The 306-horse, 6-speed Nissan 350Z costs $49,798. The Porsche Cayman sells for $63,500 in its base 245-hp trim. And to be polite, I'll also mention the $48,050 Chrysler Crossfire Limited, with its 215-hp engine.

Conclusion
The 2008 TT is sportier than the last generation model, and it's easy to fall in love with. It's a charming little sports coupe that especially has drop-dead looks. Personally, I'd save several thousand dollars by opting for the TT 2.0T, which costs $50,600.

Despite a few small shortcomings, and the fact that it's not the most powerful car in its category in regards to the asking price, the TT inevitably seduces by its sexy body. The TT's return to the stage couldn't have been better.


Gorgeous body
Great handling
Aggressive engine


Rough sounds in the gearbox
Tight cockpit
Power deficit compared to some rivals



Slippery radio buttons


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