New gear for 2008
Along with a new multi-link rear suspension setup, the 2008 TT Roadster receives plenty of lightweight aluminum underpinnings accompanying Audi's optional Magnetic Ride active damping system, which instantly adjusts damping calibration to match road conditions and driving style. A button allows the driver to switch between Normal and Sport modes.
In place of a six-speed manual gearbox, my tester was fitted with Audi's direct-shift dual-clutch manual-automatic transmission previously referred to as 'DSG' by the German automaker but now termed 'S tronic.' This amazing box operates as a conventional automatic transmission featuring manual-mode operability but with a race-inspired ability to shift gears in a lightning-quick 0.2 seconds. Steering-wheel-mounted paddles enable shifting ala Formula-1.
Same 3.2 V6 from previous generation
If it aint broke, why fix it? Grammatically poor sage advice and the logic Audi likely applied to keeping the TT's optional 3.2 litre FSI V6 just the way it was. This potent mill growls with 250 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. It impresses with a wide powerband that harnesses its horses early and keeps them running full-tilt to a 6,500 rpm redline.
This power-packed powerplant is fairly thirsty, and drinks only premium petrol. The 3.2 TT Roadster is rated at 13.8 and 9.8 litres per 100K of city and highway driving respectively. If fuel economy trumps acceleration, the 2.0T four-banger base engine consumes significantly less golden nectar, especially in the city where it will require 10.7 litres for 100K of motoring.
Roadsters are all about sun and fun
Unfortunately, the "sun" portion failed to materialize in any meaningful way during my time in the TT Roadster, but what can one expect in December? Absent sun or not, I managed to spend a good deal of time roofless behind the wheel of this week's tester. In doing so, I developed a tremendous appreciation for the manner in which it immerses one into a mechanized world of spirited performance and impassioned motoring.
Low-slung roadsters like this are often short on ergonomics and occupant comfort, not so with the TT. This is one roadster I could drive all day and not suffer debilitating discomfort. There's plenty of thigh and lower back support in the stoutly bolstered driver's perch; a perch which can be adjusted to suit a wide range of body shapes and types.
Along with a new multi-link rear suspension setup, the 2008 TT Roadster receives plenty of lightweight aluminum underpinnings accompanying Audi's optional Magnetic Ride active damping system, which instantly adjusts damping calibration to match road conditions and driving style. A button allows the driver to switch between Normal and Sport modes.
In place of a six-speed manual gearbox, my tester was fitted with Audi's direct-shift dual-clutch manual-automatic transmission previously referred to as 'DSG' by the German automaker but now termed 'S tronic.' This amazing box operates as a conventional automatic transmission featuring manual-mode operability but with a race-inspired ability to shift gears in a lightning-quick 0.2 seconds. Steering-wheel-mounted paddles enable shifting ala Formula-1.
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| The 3.2-litre engine delivers its 250 hp smoothly and effectively. |
Same 3.2 V6 from previous generation
If it aint broke, why fix it? Grammatically poor sage advice and the logic Audi likely applied to keeping the TT's optional 3.2 litre FSI V6 just the way it was. This potent mill growls with 250 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. It impresses with a wide powerband that harnesses its horses early and keeps them running full-tilt to a 6,500 rpm redline.
This power-packed powerplant is fairly thirsty, and drinks only premium petrol. The 3.2 TT Roadster is rated at 13.8 and 9.8 litres per 100K of city and highway driving respectively. If fuel economy trumps acceleration, the 2.0T four-banger base engine consumes significantly less golden nectar, especially in the city where it will require 10.7 litres for 100K of motoring.
Roadsters are all about sun and fun
Unfortunately, the "sun" portion failed to materialize in any meaningful way during my time in the TT Roadster, but what can one expect in December? Absent sun or not, I managed to spend a good deal of time roofless behind the wheel of this week's tester. In doing so, I developed a tremendous appreciation for the manner in which it immerses one into a mechanized world of spirited performance and impassioned motoring.
Low-slung roadsters like this are often short on ergonomics and occupant comfort, not so with the TT. This is one roadster I could drive all day and not suffer debilitating discomfort. There's plenty of thigh and lower back support in the stoutly bolstered driver's perch; a perch which can be adjusted to suit a wide range of body shapes and types.
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| Comfort is a big part of this roadster's charm. |