The TT wears its performance credentials on its name plate: 3.2 Quattro S tronic. The 3.2 bit indicates the 3.2-liter V6 that produces 250 hp and 236 pound-feet of torque. This engine sent our 3,297-pound TT from a full stop to 60 mph in 6 seconds flat, which is off the pace of several competitors. Fuel economy is 18 mpg city, 25 mpg highway and 20 mpg combined.
Quattro refers to Audi's venerable all-wheel-drive system that sends a majority of its power rearward in acceleration and high-speed handling situations to counteract the car's nose-heavy weight distribution for a nicely neutral feel through corners.
"S tronic" refers to the superb automated manual gearbox that can shift gears in a remarkable 0.2 second. Like most transmissions of this type, there are two modes: fully automatic and manual. In automatic mode, S tronic produces acceleration nearly as smooth as that of a gearless, jerk-free continuously variable transmission. In manual mode, the lag between pressing a steering-wheel paddle shifter and the gearchange is pronounced under casual acceleration, but lightning-quick under more aggressive launches. This technology is not only useful for folks who prefer the car to do its own thing, but quick gearchanges at the flick of a finger are beautifully beneficial when driving aggressively. You'll find yourself shifting more often to keep the engine in that just-right sweet spot since clicking a paddle is quicker (and easier) than legging a clutch, heel-toeing the accelerator and manipulating a shifter.
Test Drive: 2008 Audi TT Coupe 3.2 Quattro
Along the same lines, if you are buying a 3.2 Quattro for such sporting purposes, the Magnetic Ride Suspension option is a must-buy. This best-of-both-worlds technology consists of shock absorber pistons filled with microscopic magnetic particles that essentially tighten together to firm up the suspension damping when voltage is applied to them. The firmer Sport setting is perfect for back-road handling, but is unbearable in normal driving as the TT smacks and bounds over even the slightest road imperfections. Unlike similarly sprung sports cars, the TT has the ability to switch back to Standard mode at the press of a console-mounted button.
