The 2009 Audi TTS: A German Hot Rod

First introduced in 1998, the first generation TT won people over with its elegant style and surprising performances. This is a car that was largely responsible for the recognition of Audi’s sports cars back in the day. While the more mature second generation was presented two years ago, 2009 brings us the TTS, a slightly more muscular version of the TT. Unlike certain variations that are equipped only with external bells and whistles, the TTS joins the pure tradition of the manufacturer’s S models.

For 2009, the TT is still offered in two configurations: a coupe and a soft top cabriolet. Although the cabriolet lets you appreciate the pleasure of driving under the open sky, it forces you to give up the two rear seats that are still present in the coupe. Sure the coupe’s 2+2 configuration is mainly cosmetic because of the size of the seats and the angle of the seatback, but if nothing else they are good for children or for objects. That’s something to take into consideration when choosing a car. Do you go for the sportier and more practical coupe or the fun of the cabriolet? It’s a matter of personal preference…

Two engines, three cavalries!

Next comes the choice of engine. Depending on your tastes, or rather, on your budget, you can opt for the TT 2.0T which, as its name suggests, has a four-cylinder 2.0-litre turbocharged fuel injection engine featuring 200 hp. It’s a very interesting engine because of its lighter weight. The addition of a turbo to this four cylinder engine makes for surprising power, while offering a more affordable price and better fuel economy. The most notable feature is that the engineers managed to all but eliminate the delay in accessing maximum power. From 5,000 rpm, the engine delivers its full power while its maximum torque is achieved from 1,500 rpm. Not bad for a turbocharged engine. Moreover, this engine has won several prestigious prizes.

The TT 3.2 comes with a six-cylinder, 3.2-litre engine with 250 hp at 6,300 rpm for a torque of 236 lbs-ft at 2,500 rpm. This engine definitely stands out because of its increased power and torque but its richer sound really gives it a noticeable advantage. Finally, as for the TTS, Audi’s new Hot Rod, the manufacturer put its V6 engine aside in favour of a brawnier four-cylinder turbo so as to give this sports car more impressive numbers. The power of this 2.0-litre engine goes from 200 to 265 hp while its torque increases to 258 lbs-ft, all of which is thanks mainly to the higher pressure of the turbo. Paired with the DSG twin-clutch transmission, and the legendary quattro all-wheel drive (only the TT 2.0T is offered in a front wheel drive version), you get a high-powered car that features first-rate performances and technology.

The TTS exterior comes with several elements that highlight its personality, including unique rims and more brilliant colour schemes, as well as a quadruple exhaust. Basically, that’s what sets the car apart and makes it more stylish without being excessive. The rest is a question of personal taste. Some, like me, prefer a more slender style with a long hood and cockpit a little further back like what you’d find on the BMW Z4, the Nissan 370Z or the Mercedes SLK. Others prefer a rounder style like that of the Porsche Boxster and the Audi TT. However, many people that we encountered during our test drive agreed that the TT has a very sophisticated style. After all, this is no New Beetle Deluxe!

Quality

As soon as you get in the TT, the attention to detail is immediately obvious. Whether it’s the location of the controls, their feedback or their design, everything is carefully and deliberately arranged. Excellent quality materials were used and the finish is irreproachable. Audi undoubtedly makes the best dashboards in the business. The new generation TT’s style makes the passenger compartment feel more spacious, which is a big improvement compared to the old generation. You still feel cramped, but a little less so than before. The best feature is how easy it is to find a good driving position. It all begins with telescopic steering that helps find a good position and made easier by the numerous setting for the seats. You’ll be securely in place thanks to the wide footrest and the seats are equipped with very aggressive lateral supports in a car that encourages sportiness and a feeling of control.

The TTS handles well and is easy to steer. The more precise steering and the magnetic ride suspension almost entirely inhibit weight transfer while remaining relatively comfortable in normal conditions. With its added power, the TTS significantly lowers the 0-100 km/h time to about 5.5 seconds. Although the TT 3.2’s engine sounds good, the engineers also managed to create a nice sound for the four-cylinder turbocharged engine. In fact, you hear the engine backfire every time you shift gears, which enhances the driving experience. You’ll think you’re behind the wheel of a race car.  

So it’s not very affordable, especially if you add a lot of options, but the TT can handle its own and the number of configurations and models gives it an advantage over others. Each has its own unique personality and behaviour and there’s no reason to stay away from any of them.