2008 Audi TT 3.2 Quattro Roadster

2008 Audi TT 3.2 Quattro Roadster - For 2008, the TT—still largely based on the latest Golf platform, but with extensive use of aluminum throughout—has gotten an overtly sporty makeover, starting with a crisper, chiseled evolution away from its rounded-sheetmetal roots. That philosophy also carries over into steering that’s quicker to react (although it doesn’t offer much feedback), deeply sculpted seats, and a far stiffer structure. Audi isn’t shy about this, having tuned the TT’s suspension in a way that introduces you to each and every pothole.

Both coupe and roadster models come in 200-hp 2.0T or 250-hp, 3.2-liter V-6 form, with roadsters starting $2000 to $3000 higher than comparable coupes. The 2.0-liter turbo comes only in front-wheel drive and with the quick-shifting six-speed, dual-clutch transmission (S tronic, formerly called DSG) that’s been the gold standard in automated manuals since its 2004 introduction. All 3.2s have Quattro all-wheel drive and offer S tronic or a regular six-speed manual.

The new demeanor is backed by a credible 0.91-g skidpad run. Although some lift-throttle oversteer can be induced, the TT is still fighting a front-drive layout with front-heavy weight distribution. Combine bumps with turns, and the TT gets flustered.

All S tronic–equipped TTs now come with launch control, which, in this case, brings engine revs to 3200 rpm and then dumps the clutch with a satisfying squawk from the front tires. Above 4000 rpm, the iron-block V-6 snarls with an athletic rasp absent in other cars with this engine. However, getting to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds and through the quarter-mile in 14.5 at 95 mph is nothing to get excited about in this class, and it’s just 0.1 second quicker in the quarter than the 2.0T coupe from the comparo.

Which brings us to the problem that inevitably emerges when scrutinizing VW/Audi products with these two engine choices: We can’t justify stepping up to the 3.2, no matter how much more standard equipment it includes. The 3.2 roadster (with S tronic) starts at $46,675, which is more than the better-in-every-way (except looks, perhaps) Porsche Boxster.