The 2009 Audi TTS arrived in America at the end of last year as the performance version of an already very capable coupe.
I hope it applies for citizenship.
A powerful turbocharged all-wheel drive little coupe is the kind of citizen we need to encourage to immigrate here. The redesigned TT is already a looker, refined with a modern and graceful appearance, its curvy fenders matching the gentle slope of the roof. The TTS adds some pieces that help differentiate itself from the regular TT, but nothing feels over the top. The silver mirror casings and unique rocker panels are noticeable, if you look closely.
The key with the TTS’s appearance is its understated good looks. It’s the same as the TT, but different.
The big 19-inch wheels hint at something, and the black brake calipers and dual chrome exhaust pipes could mean something, an onlooker might guess.
Then, before onlookers know it, the tail lights have become two dots in the distance. The front end creates a laid back power look with its all of the grille work above and below the bumper. The LED lights emphasize the lower edge of the special Xenon plus headlamps. Audi continues to lead carmakers when it comes to lighting, creating little glowing works of art. Ride is constantly adjusted
Designed to take on the likes of the Mercedes-Benz SLK350, the Porsche Cayman and BMW Z4 3.0si, the TTS offers a magnetic ride suspension that constantly adjusts the ride, while blasting 265 horses through the direct injection turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine. This magnetic system eats up bumps and smooths out the ride. (It works by running electricity at different levels through the shocks, which instantly changes the viscosity inside them. There are different settings that allow you to pick how stiff you want the ride to be — the stiffer the ride, the faster you can go. But even in normal mode, the TTS performs like a champ.
The performance S tronic dual-clutch transmission clutch also is quick and seamless. It works like a manual with an automatic clutch system — meaning no pauses to push in a clutch. The paddle shifters are fast and clean and the TTS never lurches between shifts. It just goes faster.
The light weight body — known as Audi Space Frame construction — is 69 percent aluminum and 39 percent steel. This keeps its weight down to 3,200 pounds — even with an all-wheel drive system.
The stiff frame, magnetic suspension and powerful engine all contribute to this car’s great performance. Entrance and exit ramps never became so exciting. The body hardly rolls no matter how hard you press it. Really, there’s much more car than my driving abilities could truly test. On a trip to Macomb County, the TTS flew through traffic. Zig or zag, the TTS offers scary speed that you don’t even realize you’re hitting.
If you own a TTS, you should also own a radar detector. Not that I would encourage anyone to drive over the speed limit, but, well, I’m just saying, take a look at some of its numbers:
* 0-60 mpg: 4.9 seconds
* Top speed: 155 mph
* Shift time: .2 seconds
All that and it still manages to get 21 miles per gallon in the city and 29 mpg on the highway — though if you’re tossing this car around corners like a rag doll, don’t expect high mileage numbers. Artful interior aims at driver
Part of this illusion of driving slower is that the TTS was remarkably quiet. My test vehicle was a coupe and I’m certain that the roadster would be at least slightly noisier. And the quality interior keeps up with Audi’s growing reputation as a top-line carmaker. There is the big front cockpit, and seats in the back for two (though this space really seems like a place to hold two brief cases). I’d like to see a two-seater coupe version in which the second row is completely removed and replaced by functional storage space.
There is an artful function to the interior that feels luxurious but emphasizes driving. Everything inside the cabin points to the driver, with the aim of making his job easier. It’s only when you blast off that you really appreciate the TTS.
If you take the TTS out once, you want to do it again. And again.
My biggest gripe about this car was Audi only gave it to me for a few days. I reluctantly returned the keys. It’s one of the most fun Audis available, and that’s saying something.
Now, it just needs to convince its brother, the TT RS, to join it on this side of the Atlantic. There’s room on the road for both.
Sburgess@detnews.com (313) 223-3217
