Newly restyled TT is now world-class

First introduced in 2000, Audi has revamped their small TT sports car for 2008. It’s now lighter yet larger and more powerful. 

Like the previous generation, the TT comes in two versions:  a coupe and a roadster.  Both versions are front-wheel drive and powered by the same 200-horsepower, 2-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder engine.  A six-speed S Tronic automatic transmission that can be shifted manually without a clutch pedal is the lone transmission choice for the base model. 

A Quattro all-wheel-drive model powered by a 250-horsepower 3.2-liter V-6 is also available with a choice of either a six-speed manual transmission or the same six-speed S Tronic transmission. 

I tested a TT coupe with the Premium Package and the base 200-hp engine. With a base price of $36,950, I think it’s a relative bargain.  There’s a less expensive, yet well-equipped, base model that starts at $34,800.

The Premium Package on the test car included 17” wheels, 225/50 performance tires, brushed aluminum interior, power seats with power lumbar support, heated seats and windshield, retractable rear spoiler, cruise control, side air bags and dual climate control.  The mechanical retractable rear spoiler pops up at 75 mph and retracts at 50 mph.  An interior button allows you to override the system at any time.

The exterior design of the first TT was unlike anything on the road at the time or since for that matter.  In redesigning the TT, I have to hand it to Audi designers who, in my opinion, did an exceptional job with design evolution.  More than once the coupe was mistaken, at least from the rear, for a Porsche 911. 

I was surprised at how much attention the new TT received. It elicited plenty of thumbs up, head turning and “hey, cool car” comments.  I couldn’t agree more.  It is cool.

Up front of course, Audi has affixed the corporate face used on all models with the trapezoidal grille and single bar in black plastic. The new TT is almost five inches longer, wider by half an inch and just a bit taller.  Wheelbase, along with front and rear tract, has grown by almost 2 inches.  However, because of the extensive use of aluminum in the TT’s frame structure, it weighs about 200 pounds less.

What I noticed most was the increase in cockpit room for my 6’6” frame.  Thankfully there’s more leg and shoulder room and Audi removed the aluminum bars from the center console that were such an incredible nuisance in the previous model.  Conversely, headroom in my coupe is still at a premium and I continually brushed my noggin when leaning all the way back. 

The coupe has what appears to be a couple of seats in the rear, but only a contortionist would attempt to configure anything other than luggage or packages back there.  Kids won’t fit either.  The rear hatch opens to a trunk that has  a surprisingly large amount of luggage room.  The area more than doubles in space when the rear seats are folded flat.

The dash is new with three circular vents replacing the previous two. I appreciated the new flat bottom steering wheel, which gave this too-tall driver more knee room.  Also new is a digital speedometer that duplicates the larger dial speedometer alongside the tachometer window.  Audi still builds the most beautiful interiors in the automotive business and the TT is no exception. 

Color choice is on the lean side with just red, black or silver available at no cost and two more silver iterations and blue available for an extra $475. 

Safety gear includes standard front and side-curtain, side impact and front knee airbags, as well as electronic stability control and anti-lock brakes.  The new TT has not been crash tested.

On the road, the new TT is a driving delight.  Even with the smaller 200-hp, there’s enough push-you-back-in–your-seat power to please most enthusiasts.  Handling is a perfect blend of hold-the-road grip and push-it-harder temptation.  An absolute blast to drive, it begs you to take the twisty canyon roads to Tortilla Flats.  The TT responds perfectly. 

It seems all the efforts of meticulous German engineering in building the larger, wider, lower and better TT show up best when it does what it was meant to do, thrill the driver. 

The second generation TT has taken what was a very good sports car and made it an excellent one.