2004 Audi TT Review

Specifications

2004 Audi TT 3.2 quattro DSG - More Cylinders and Slick Shifter Answer the Call

If youre taken by its revolutionary styling, and most are, there are few things to dislike about Audis TT. Its ridiculously nimble through the esses, amazingly stable at high speed and accelerates with the best of them despite its diminutive 1.8-L 4-cylinder engine.

But a 4-cylinder engine in a premium German sports car? Just the thought of it turns off many would-be buyers, especially on the left side of the Atlantic. And the premium sports car market is hardly soft, with the Audi now pitted against a new Nissan 350Z, Infiniti G35 coupe and Chrysler Crossfire, each jumping in where only the tried and true Porsche Boxster, Mercedes-Benz SLK, Honda S2000 and BMW Z Series, now a completely revised Z4, had previously dared to venture. Only the slow selling Honda sports a 4-cylinder engine. So what to do Audi?

What might seem obvious to onlookers took four years for Audi to develop, and now for the 2004 model year a robust 250-hp 3.2-L V6 is stuffed under the sexy bodywork. Gone are the peaks and valleys of the old 4-cylinder, replaced with a broad torque curve that reaches its topmost 236 lb-ft of torque between 2,800 and 3,200 rpm. The engines increased displacement gets most of the credit, but sophisticated continuously adjustable inlet and exhaust camshafts, plus variable intake manifolds do their respective jobs increasing power and torque while improving fuel economy and reducing emissions.

The German brands legendary quattro system, more important than ever now that output has been dramatically increased, simultaneously pushes and pulls the car to deliver optimal traction in all weather conditions. Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and integral brake assist, aiding the Audis dual-piston brake system - adapted from the RS 4 brakes - with floating-caliper equipped ventilated 13.1-inch front and 10.4-inch rear rotors, deliver tenacious grip when either the car wants to slide off of its line or during panic stops.

While Audi might have been one of the last automakers on the block to provide their sports car with V6 power, theyre certainly among the pioneers in the sequentially shifting manual game. Ferrari was first with its F1 paddle shift transmission - Maseratis version is called Cambiocorsa - while BMW added the SMG to the fray not long ago in their updated M3. The SMG is now available in other BMWs as well, including the Z4.

Audi calls their unit Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG). The benefits of such a system are faster gear changes than most non-racers can achieve, and the option of an automatic mode making bumper to bumper traffic bearable. It can also be said that the ability transmissions like the DSG offer, to keep both hands on the steering wheel while shifting, improves car control and inevitably safety. The matter of just causing drivers to maintain both hands at the optimal 9 oclock, 3 oclock positions in order to exact the quickest shifts, a console mounted shifter is supplied for those so inclined, could save lives alone.

In any event, the twin-clutch DSG shifts in a mere 0.2 seconds at its quickest setting, similar in speed to both the Ferrari and BMW transmissions. During downshifts DSG automatically blips the throttle to match the expectant gear, making mere mortals appear as competent as DTM stars. As it does the dual-branch variable exhaust system reportedly makes sweet sounds as its inner flap opens and shuts depending on engine speed. While a blipping throttle is nothing new when sidled up to the other sequential shifting manuals, the DSGs automatic mode reportedly changes gears with a smoothness that defies comparison. Either a standard D position or sporty S position can be chosen, with the latter retarding upshifts and advancing downshifts while accelerating both.

Speaking of acceleration the TT 3.2 DSG manages 6.4 seconds to 62 mph (100 km/h) from standstill, not earth shattering but respectable just the same. Fuel economy is an equally important performance figure these days, with the rising cost of fuel causing many to rethink their new vehicle purchases. The TT 3.2, also with the DSG transmission, achieves an impressive 24 mpg combined city/highway rating.

And what about handling? Few cars are worthy of the go-kart analogy when it comes to conquering the curves, but the term best describes what life is like behind the wheel of a TT. Only time spent in the drivers seat will tell for sure whether the larger and slightly heavier V6 upsets the cars overall balance, but Audi has at least stiffened the springs and reinforced the anti-roll bars front and rear to compensate. Its Cd of 0.32, an important factor in maintaining stability at high speed, remains the same despite a new front apron sporting larger inlet openings and lateral gills to increase engine airflow. This last item might have something to do with the TTs modified rear spoiler, which also reduces lift at the rear end.

In addition, the new TT 3.2 quattro gets xenon headlights surrounded by slick titanium-colored trim as standard equipment. The TTs interior is still the best of the breed, with polished aluminum everywhere, superior fit and finish of the highest tactile quality materials, and more style than an Armani 5-button suit. But can Audi fans wait until fall to get their hands on one? I know that I cant.