Named after the Tourist Trophy motorsports event held at the Isle of Man (where a predecessor of the Audi brand competing), the Audi TT is not quite a sports car, not quite a sport coupe or roadster. In essence, the front-or all-wheel-drive TT is a two-seat GT. True, the Coupe has a few seats in the back, but they are best left to small children or used as a padded parcel shelf. TT has a low slung look and feel of a sports car, but its dynamic personality is closer to that of a luxury sports coupe.
Irrespective of the year, and trim levels, the TT is on the fast, but with some first-generation versions heavier than 3,600 pounds and suspension tuning, giving priority to touring comfort of all-out cornering prowess, it will not be the first choice for hard-core enthusiasts. These zealots are seeking a harder edge driving experience would be better served by more finely focused sports. The majority of consumers, but who want a sporty coupe or roadster with energetic performance and a heavy emphasis on style, should be more than happy with the Audi TT.
Current Audi TT
The current Audi TT was redesigned for the 2008 model year and represents the second generation. Although slightly higher, the second-generation TT not orphan too far from the timeless lines of his predecessor. The overall look is the same, although the characters lines are Crispen and nose adopt Audi's now-signature single-frame grille. Although longer and wider than the first TT, the latest version is easier (with nearly 200 pounds in the event of a roadster), thanks to the increased use of aluminum in the body structure. It also offers a more powerful four-cylinder engine.
Two trim levels - a 2.0T (200 hp turbocharged four with front-wheel drive) and 3.2 Quattro (250 hp V6 with all wheel drive) - offered in a choice of Hatchback Coupe and Roadster body styles. Transmission choices include a six-speed manual and a six-speed S tronic dual-clutch sequential transmission, which offers easy automatic combined with a quick response from a manual. (Former S-tronic became known as Direct Shift gearbox, or DSG.)
On the way, the 2.0T feel more flexible through a series of curves, as it has less weight on the front tires, while the 3.2 Quattro deliver more punch on the straightaways with a more aggressive engine and exhaust sound. The 2.0T is actually more athletic of the two, as quick-revving four-cylinder engine, whooshing turbocharger and light-effort steering mobile combine to deliver a strong sporting impression.
One of the TT's most notable asset is its superbly designed interior, which entices with a look that is sleek and modern. Another is its sculpted exterior design. The TT also offers an impeccable sequential-shift manual transmission, and high Hatchback value when purchased in Coupe iteration. Its main drawback concerns the fact that its handling is less precise than that offered by some of its rear-drive competitors.
Former Audi TT models
Introduced for the 2000 model year, and initially available only as a Hatchback coupe, the first TT was powered by Audi's peppy 1.8-liter, 180 horsepower turbocharged inline-4. Buyers can choose either front-or all-wheel drive (Audi's Quattro system). A five-speed manual was standard, while a six-speed manual was optional. Together with its low-slung, avant-garde styling, the TT boasted an equally unique interior, who played polished aluminum accents, impeccable fit and finish and, unfortunately, a couple of ergonomic glitches such as a CD changer mounted behind the driver and counter intuitive climate control.
After a much-publicized recall to fix twitchy handling characteristics of early TTS, a roadster and a 225-hp Quattro version debuted the following year. In 2003, an automatic transmission (with six speeds) were available. But the biggest news for this generation came in 2004 when 250 hp 3.2-liter V6 and Audi's superb six-speed auto-manual gearbox was available. The latter, dubbed DSG, provided rapid yet jolt-free manual-style gear changes that put a Ferrari's F1 transmission to shame. Audi TT stood pat through 2006, the last year in this generation.
Potential buyers should know that although potentially fast in a straight line, this TT was never regarded as a genuine sports car because of its potentially heavy weight limit, and soft-sprung suspension. Still, the TT should satisfy those who prize comfort, style and all-weather capability in their sports coupe and roadster.