2008 Audi TT Roadster 2.0 TFSI Windham ME
Falmouth, ME
Waterville, ME
Bangor, ME
(207) 892-8536
Windham, ME
2008 Audi TT Roadster 2.0 TFSI
November 3, 2009 By Brian Alexander, Content Editor
2008 Audi TT
DriverSide Overview
Exposing a driver to the elements has a certain way of turning the simple act of driving into an engrossing experience. The wind howling in your ears, the turbo audibly pumping compressed air into the engine, the sound of the tires clattering over imperfections in the road, all of these things come alive from behind the wheel of the 2008 Audi TT Roadster . Audi’s redesign of its iconic roadster has only been on sale for around a year now, but with the proverbial taste of the original TT still fresh in our automotive mouths, comparisons to the old model still prove difficult to avoid. While the old front-wheel drive model harbored a tendency to falter when pushed hard, Audi has managed to pick up the pieces and bolt together an entirely smart car that delivers a rewarding drive whether in front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive configuration. The end result is a TT roadster that is as fun to drive as it is to look at.
What's to Like
The TT’s 2.0-liter turbocharged engine delivers ample power and plenty of torque. A 12-second soft-top roof deployment means you can activate it in traffic without fear of a stoplight changing green mid-transition.
What's Not to Like
The high base model price and expensive options make the TT a costly proposition. Road noise at freeway speeds can be rather intrusive.
The Drive:
DriverSide Driving Impressions
Unlike the old 1.8T model, which felt slightly sluggish, the TT roadster is properly fast thanks to a welcome hike in power. Unlike some turbocharged front-drivers, Audi has decided to run manageable amounts of power and torque through the forward wheels and as a result, the TT suffers minimal torque steer and wheelspin, thanks in part to a clever traction control system. Switching the system off will have you tearing away from stoplights with a momentary harsh screech, after which the TT hooks up and makes rapid progress through the gears, sounding off each upshift (which can be paddle activated, if you so choose) with a pleasing turbocharged bark out of the raspy exhaust. The steering is quite light, but doesn’t lack on feedback; and understeer can be quelled by leaving the traction control on, but if you opt to run with it disabled you’d be advised to be somewhat judicious with the deployment of your right foot mid-corner. Equipped with optional Audi Magnetic Ride Suspension, our car competently carved its way through any back roads thrown at it, its brakes easily coping with the TT’s low mass and the engine’s turbocharged torque pulling it out of the corners with little difficulty.
Engine and Drivetrain
The TT’s power plant is familiar to anyone well versed in Volkswagen products, as it’s the same 2.0-liter turbocharged FSI direct injection unit found in the Audi A3 and A4, Volkswagen Golf and Volkswagen GTI, among others. As in ...