2011 Audi TT

All-wheel Drive
The TT's standard all-wheel drive elevates it above any other vehicle in its segment. And while the perception of all-wheel drive suggests it adds more value in New England or the Rockies, the reality is that it enhances the driving experience virtually anywhere. Audi and quattro are - at this point - almost synonymous, and as one of Audi's two halo vehicles, its addition as standard equipment is completely appropriate.

S Tronic Transmission
While wishing that Audi had retained the option of a conventional manual trans, there's no argument with the attractiveness of S Tronic. If you want to casually shuffle around town, stick it in full automatic mode and just go. And if you're on your favorite stretch of winding road, opt for manual shifting and just GO! All of this duality, and a 10 percent increase in fuel efficiency when compared to a conventional 5-speed automatic.

The original TT interior was a compelling combo of arresting shapes, quality materials and nostalgic textures. One of its details would propel you into the next century, while some nuance - particularly the textured surface above the centerstack - might recall a World War II fighter. The second gen may have muted (ever so slightly) that original impression, but most of the design cues remain intact, although placed in a more spacious environment. The 2+2 aspect of the Coupe is restricted to small children or - more likely - a weekend's worth of luggage. In the Roadster, there's no +2 option, but its rear shelf does provide room for soft luggage, computer bag and sunscreen. Expressive interior colors allow a TT prospect to build one's very own designer edition.

As this is written New York's Museum of Modern Art has but two automobiles on permanent display; we'd argue that Audi's original TT should be the third. And the attractiveness of the second gen is two-fold: Its outer beauty can be readily seen, and it enjoys the inner beauty of a lightened and more rigid structure. The Audi Space Frame utilized in the Coupe and Roadster allows the TT to be both larger and lighter, providing more generous interior room without spoiling the original's visual balance. And regardless of which wheel/tire package you opt for (18-inch is standard spec/19-inch is available), the car sits planted on its chassis - and the chassis remains planted in a corner.

Under the hood you have your choice of one of the most recognized powerplants available, or - even better - a higher horsepower variant of one of the most recognized powerplants available. New for 2011 is an enhanced variant of Audi's venerable (and undersquare) 2.0 liter turbo, with direct injection, Audi's Valvelift system, 211 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The TTS ups the ante with the same torque figure and 265 horsepower. The standard TT drivetrain will propel you from 0-60 in under six seconds; the TTS will achieve the same figure in under five! Both engines deliver identical EPA ratings: 21 city/29 hwy/24 combined.

2.0-liter in-line 4 turbocharged
211 horsepower @ 4300-6000 rpm
258 lb.-ft. of torque @ 1600-4200 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/29

2.0-liter in-line 4 turbocharged
265 horsepower @ 6000 rpm
258 lb.-ft. of torque @ 2500-5500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/29