When Audi’s TT hit these shores in the fall of 1999 no one knew what to make of it. Some heralded it as the car design of the future, while others decried it as a gussied-up Golf that was an under-powered poser.
Well Audi steadily “pumped up” the engine offerings and (later) chopped the top off to create a credible competitor to the BMW Z4, Honda S2000 and Porsche Boxster.
After sitting out the 2007 model year, a bigger and better second generation TT arrives for 2008.
I tested a 2008 3.2 quattro MT6 (manual transmission V-6), and this car left a lasting impression due to its combination of performance and nimble handling.
The look
The first generation TT was an image-buster, a car ahead of its time. It looked like a futuristic concept car that someone took for a joyride. The design adhered to pure geometric lines, and the TT paved the road for all future Audis that followed.
This time around, the TT is 5.4-inches longer and 3.1-inches wider than its predecessor, but only 0.2 inches higher. I like the big, single-frame grille, present on all Audis, that serves as the TT’s shield as it charges forth down the road.
Audi adds some motorsport flair with an electrically operated rear spoiler that extends in a two-dimensional curve motion once you reach 75 mph to improve downforce on the rear axle. When the car’s speed drops below 50 mph the spoiler automatically retracts.
Interior control center
The first generation TT’s interior was also a fresh design with a circular motif, drawbridge center console and great sport seats.
The bigger dimensions and lower seating position provide driver and passenger with a little more room. The front leather sports seats are very supportive, but forget rear passenger seating as this 2-plus-2-seater is very tight even with the stretch wheelbase.
I did not like the new instrument cluster featuring a digital speedometer, but I did like the flattened bottom of the steering wheel to provide more legroom.
The drivetrain
The Audi TT 3.2 test car came with a V-6 engine developing 236 pound-feet of torque between 2,500 and 3,000 rpm, and 250 horsepower at 6,300 rpm. The standard-spec transmission is a six-speed manual gearbox in a weight saving magnesium casing. An F1 style paddle shift setup is also available.
On the road, the 3.2-liter V-6 produces a throaty response at every engine speed and the torque carries you out and away quickly. Audi claims that the TT 3.2 quattro sprints from a standing start to 60 mph 5.5 seconds with the manual transmission. TT is EPA rated at a respectable (for this type of sports car), 17 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway.
Great grip
The V-6 tester featured permanent pavement clawing four-wheel drive. The quattro drive system operates with an electronically controlled and hydraulically actuated multi-plate clutch and is placed at the rear to provide better weight balance.
Audi indicates that in normal driving conditions, the clutch directs 85 percent of the torque to the front wheels, but in extreme circumstances it is able to transmit as much as 100 percent of the forces to one of the two axles. The test car came fitted with optional 18-inch alloy wheels and performance tires and recommend them as they really put down a grippy footprint.
No turkey carving here
The best part of this car is the handling and road-holding ability it delivers. The TT transforms normally mundane drives into wisps of excitement. Accomplished with a cast of characters starting with a front suspension pivoted on an aluminum subframe. The precise steering is comprised of a rack-and-pinion assembly that supplies its electromechanical servo assistance as a function of road speed. A new feature is the four-link rear suspension with separate coil springs and shock absorbers and trailing links that absorb the propulsive and braking forces.
Stopping is accomplished via new beefy ABS disc brakes. The TT’s new electronic stabilization program is designed to help maintain a vibrant driving style that ranges from neutral to slight understeer. This sporty characteristic allowed me to really fling this car around with confidence. Also aiding my drive experience were standard Anti-slip regulation, and a Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP).
A great optional feature on the test car was Audi’s high-tech damping system, Audi magnetic ride. The shock absorber pistons on the TT do not contain conventional oil, but instead use a magneto-rheological fluid in which microscopically small magnetic particles are enclosed. When a voltage is applied
to them, they alter the damping characteristics within milliseconds. I could choose from “standard” and “sport” setting with flick of a switch. I kept it in port most of the time, but even in standard setting the ride may be a little firm for some.
Paying the freight
The Audi TT 3.2 coupe came generously equipped with a high-power stereo,
driver information system, power features, automatic climate control, aluminum trim, cruise control, tilt and steering wheel for base price of $41,500. The test car added Magnetic Ride Suspension, leather/interior package, Audio package and 18-inch alloy wheels/tires for an as-tested-price of $48,020.
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