Teresa’s View
I fell in love with the Audi TT when I first laid eyes on it in the late 1990’s as a concept car at the L.A. Auto Show. I adored the sensual curve of its roof, the industrial-strength chrome and exposed bolt heads and how the modern design managed to recall bygone sports cars. The design deserved a place in an art museum under a sign that read, “This is how you do it, people.”
It was brilliant and I never expected it to see the light of day. Miraculously, the production version remained remarkably true to the concept. Even more remarkably, the second-generation make over of the Audi TT is more stunning than the original.
Thankfully, the revamp was more of an evolutionary refinement than an all-over redo. In keeping with the new Audi aesthetic, the grille is slightly less gaping and the curves have been remolded for sharper angles. It’s the backside that has had the most work done. On the backside, the new, abbreviated tail now looks more like the rear end of a Porsche than a VW Beetle.
A downsized spoiler still pops up at speeds over 75 mph and tucks away when traveling less than 50 mph. A manual switch keeps the police guessing.
Offered in a choice of two engines, the TT is sold in two corresponding trims — a 200 horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, front-wheel drive model and a 3.2-liter V-6 with quattro all-wheel drive that delivers 250 hp and runs 0-to-60 in 5.7 seconds.
Although the TT is not as menacing as the Dodge Viper or as performance-minded as the Porsche Cayman, it’s much less expensive and more of a friendly daily driver than more traditional high-performance sports cars. Some feel that makes the TT less manly. Whatever.
The new design does have its downside. There are serious blind spots. Thank goodness we drive the speed limit on the Interstate, not triple digits on the Autobahn.
What Is It?: The Audi TT is a two-door, four-passenger coupe or roadster, available now as a 2008 model. The Coupe 2.0 is priced at $35K after destination charges. The 3.2 with S tronic and quattro AWD sells for $43K. The comparable roadsters are $37K and $46K respectively.
The Back Seat: In the interest of thoroughly testing the car, I climbed into the back seat to see for myself how much room it afforded. The front seat barely moved to allow me to squeeze in and at 5‘5”; I was prevented from sitting up straight by the sloping rear window. I have read that the back seat is only appropriate for small children. Um. Small children must be strapped into car seats and unless you enjoy wrenching your back, save that seat for inanimate objects only. Truthfully, it’s nice to have a place in a sports car for purses and parcels.
Say My Name: The TT is named for the Tourist Trophy, a racing event first held on the Isle of Man in 1904.
So, Where Are Ya From?: The TT is assembled in Gyor, Hungary.