When the Audi TT sport coupe was launched in the fall of 1998, there was nothing else quite like it. Its uniquely curvaceous styling and capable all-wheel-drive chassis made it a fashionable alternative to pure sports cars like the BMW Z3 and Porsche Boxster. Still, a lot of car enthusiasts never took the TT seriously, and changing that image is the role of an all new 2008 Audi TT. It may have a few less curves, but is it ready with a little more action?

The 2008 Audi TT Coupe, and its TT Roadster sibling, are cars on a mission; to bring enthusiast drivers who ignored that first generation TT into the Audi fold.

To that end, the TT has been rethought from the inside to the outside, starting with Audi’s Space Frame chassis technology. It uses aluminum and some steel to form a lightweight 454 pound foundation for this racier compact sportster.

And racier it is, with a now fastback hatch roofline and more muscular body.  Compact it still may be, the latest TT is 3.1-inches wider and 5.4-inches longer than its predecessor. The wheelbase has also expanded 1.8 inches to 97.2.

Standard wheel size remains 17-inches, but our all-wheel-drive 3.2 Quattro sports 18-inch rims with wider, lower-profile tires.

The wheels are turned by a revised engine lineup. Our 3.2 all-wheel drive Quattro sports Audi’s carryover 3.2-liter twin-cam direct-injection narrow-angle V6 with 250 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque.

But now standard on the front-drive TT is the A3’s gutsier 2.0-liter turbocharged 4 outputting 200 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque.

Gears are by either our test car’s 6-speed manual, now housed in a lightweight magnesium case, or Audi’s S-tronic dual-clutch automatic with manual shift mode.

We hit the test track in our 3.2 Quattro and hit 60 in 6.3 seconds. The quarter-mile spun by in 14.7 seconds at 95 miles-per-hour. So this light-for-its-class TT is about a half-second faster than its predecessor, but like many Quattros, has a soft clutch that requires a lot of slipping to launch smoothly.

Supporting this spirited drive train is a MacPherson strut front suspension and new 4-link rear with separate shocks and coil springs. Electronic stability control is naturally standard, with our car’s adjustable Magnetic Ride Suspension available for an extra $1,400.

And it all works beautifully! Despite a front-end weight bias, in Sport Mode this TT Quattro delivered almost perfect handling response and minimal body roll.

The steering is light and quick with oodles of feel, all improvements over the more sedate feel of the original TT.

As is its stopping power. Redesigned all-disc ABS brakes haul the TT down from 60 in a fine average of 123 feet with superb stability.
Open road driving shows the new TT’s handling prowess does not come at the expense of ride quality. Already good, it’s much improved with the adjustable suspension delivering a fine balance between sports car firm and luxury smooth.

The TT Quattro coupe also delivers respectable mileage for a sports car. Government Fuel Economy Ratings are 17 city/24 highway. Our mixed test loop returned an average of 23.8 miles-per-gallon. The TT’s Energy Impact Score is a rather thirsty 18 barrels of oil per year.

The TT rethink continues, with an all new interior. Like the outside, the IP styling is cleaner, less toy-like. 

The new flat bottom sport steering wheel looks appropriately racy and makes egress easier. 

The snug 10-way power sport seats have been lowered to help fit a wider variety of drivers. But short folks fear not, they are adjustable for height.

As before, the rear seats are kid-size only and fold flat to expand 13.1 cubic-feet of luggage to 24.7 cubic feet.

Pricing for the new Audi TT coupe begins at $35,575 for the front-wheel drive 4-cylinder turbo. The V6-powered Quattro starts at $42,275.

Ten years ago, the Audi TT offered enthusiast a more fashionable alternative to conventional sports cars. The new TT still leads with style, but adds a far more satisfying driving experience. And that makes the 2008 Audi TT Coupe totally tantalizing.

 

Specifications

  • Quattro Engine: 3.2-Liter Twin-cam Direct-injection Narrow-angle V6
  • Horsepower: 250
  • Torque: 236 Lb Feet
  • 0-60 MPH: 6.3 Seconds
  • 1/4 Mile: 14.7 Seconds @ 95 MPH
  • 60-0 MPH: 123 Feet
  • EPA: 17 MPG City/ 24 MPG Highway
  • Mixed Loop: 23.8 MPG