2008 Audi TT Coupe Review

What's new?
The Audi TT turned heads when it was first introduced 1998. It has notably been plagued with problems since it first came out. That was phase one of the Audi TT. Phase 2 begins with the 2008 model. The 2008 Audi TT Coupe has been out in the dealer showrooms since Spring 2007. So what's new with the Audi TT this year? The whole front end has been redesigned with larger wheel wells to accommodate the larger wheels. Wheel sizes can run from 16 inch to 19 inch depending on the models. New pivoting headlamps that can light up curves are optional. The frame is a combination of steel and aluminum and the body's shell is 2/3 aluminum. Of course there is an optional navigation system but almost all auto manufacturers have them in their cars nowadays.

The Look
The most noticeable difference is the look. The Audi TT 2008 model has a huge front end. It almost looks like it is all engine. The front end is not the sleek type we would expect from a sports type car like a Corvette but it is bulky and oversize, more of the old Edsel look. I don't know if this car should promoted as the sporty type as the advertising all points to or a luxury sedan just for mom and dad without the kids.

Performance
The 2 liter model accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 6.4 seconds, the V6 does it in 5.7 seconds. Which is great if you are into racing. Let's face facts how often are you going to use that acceleration without learning how to control this or any car under such high acceleration rates? Since I have not driven the Audi TT first hand I looked up the high performance reviews in magazines such as Motor Trend. Again and again the same story was told - the car performed fantastic on the straight roads but bogged down in the curves. The problem they noted most was the huge weighty front end of the vehicle. They mentioned that the front wheels would squeal when pushed to it's speed limits. Couple that with front wheel drive and you lack the performance of many other cars that are lower priced on the market today.

Not for families
The Audi TT is not for families. The extremely small back seat is for very small children and bags. This vehicle is best suited for those outings without the kids. The cargo area is large in contrast to the back seat area. If you want to go shopping in style and make some heads turn this is that showy auto. For space and area specs visit the Audi USA website.

Basic specs
Engine: 2.0L I-4 16 valve DOHC direct gas injection
Horsepower: 200hp @ 5,100 rpm
Torque: 207 lb-ft @ 1,800 rpm
Transmission: 6 speed Auto w/auto-shift
Drive train: front-wheel
Weight: 2,965 lbs
MPG: 23 city, 31 hwy
Suggested price $35K to $41K

For more information visit these websites:
Audi USA
Forbes Autos
Motor Trend