Blood Red Underdog Doesn't Go Down W/O A Fight -- We Drive The Audi TT-S Roadster

What is better then blasting down the freeway at speed in a brand new Audi TT? The simple answer: a convertible. The long answer: a blood red Audi TT-S Roadster, top down and hair flailing.

In the competitive landscape of teeny, steroid-powered roadsters there is a lot of talent. With BMW's new Z4, and household names like Mercedes-Benz's SLK and Porsche's Boxster, the TT-S needs to be great. Good will not suffice. And, after becoming more acquainted with the 2009 TT-S Roadster, I am not quite sure it surpasses that mark.

There are several arguable aspects about the TT-S that cannot go overlooked. One is the power of it. Yes it produces over 250 horses but is that enough when the latest competition is putting out 300? It boasts a soft top design. In a day and age where hard top convertibles are becoming lighter and are able to remain just as rigid as their coupe siblings, it is a wonder why they continue to ignore the latest trend in auto technology. Finally, as we shall discuss later, the souped up TT does not run cheap.

But, let’s get down to brass tacks....

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fatandsassy - 8/6/2009 4:59:46 PM

-5 Boost

I like the looks and I am a fan of soft tops because it leaves more space for luggage or shopping bags. Here is my main complaint. The car does not offer Dual AC controls for driver and passenger. It may seem small to you but I will not buy a car without that option. My partner is always freezing and I like it cold. My last 4 cars had this but one and we fought non stop over the temperature

rxh8me9000 - 8/6/2009 5:34:01 PM

+4 Boost

basically

fatandsassy - 8/6/2009 5:00:35 PM

-3 Boost

the competition does offer the dual ac/heat. HELL even the new mustang has this option.

Joe_Limon - 8/6/2009 5:12:03 PM

0 Boost

The TT and TTS are really nice cars, my only complaint with them is that they are too big. It is the ultimate incarnation of trying to fit as much into as little of a space as possible. I am not complaining about it's weight though, 3000lbs for an audi is really impressive. It is visually overweight, you walk up to one and it doesn't look like the lightweight sports car it is.

Agent00R - 8/6/2009 6:56:03 PM

+4 Boost

Yeah, definitely is not forgiving.

WorldofLuxury - 8/6/2009 9:40:20 PM

+4 Boost

I like what they did to the wing mirrors to match the roll bars, filler cap, and wheels. That's also a nice transition to the interior, which is okay.

downtoearth - 8/7/2009 6:56:41 PM

+1 Boost

Audi designed the TT to distinguish idiots (those who buy this car) from normal people (those who don't) in the customer base.

From the technology point of view, this car is worth half of its price - 25k USD, not even a cent more.

1. It's technically identical to VW Rabbit/Golf GTI as far as key components (having largest share in car value) are concerned. Engines, transmissions, drivetrains, chassis, platform - are largely identical. Golf goes for 23 k USD. Add a couple thousands for the badge and you get what the TT is worth.

2. This car is not all wheel drive. It uses CHEAP front wheel drive (same as in a Golf) and then adds CHEAP clutch to power the rear axle occasionally. This setup, misleadingly called quattro to fool customers, has absolutely nothing common with the original TorSen based quattro driveline.

3. This car uses subpar engines when compared to it's competition. Nissan 370Z, the car that can kill Porsche Boxter (proven in tests) has a proper V6, so has the brilliant and true premium BMW Z4 (inline 6). The SLK even comes with a AMG V8.

And the Golf TT for fools? At the same time it comes up with... an inline four. Same that you can meet in a tiny VW Polo citycar. Why? Because such engine, unlike the V6/V8/I6, is CHEAP. No wonder Audi needs to remind their customers they are "premium" by naming every second package option PREMIUM.

4. Finally, Audi adds a CHEAP rag top roof. So that the car gets unusable in winters. Just unlike the competition that, with a folding metal option, sells you two cars as a one.

Then, after building the whole car from CHEAP parts, Audi glues a 50k USD sticker to it. So that retards know they made a brilliant deal, getting a Golf for twice the price, with no additional equipment at all.

By the way, OOR, how much does Audi pay for advertising a car two times too expensive as a good one?

Joe_Limon - 8/8/2009 8:58:10 PM

+1 Boost

:O but it has chinese christmas light headlights! that alone adds on $20,000 to the vehicle :P