AUDI’S THIRD GEN TT, PARTICULARLY IN ITS ROADSTER VARIANT, IS THE OPEN AIR ODE TO SPRING WE’VE BEEN DREAMING OF

BY EVAN MONROE

In the twenty two years since Audi released the TT its gloriously cute VW Beetle but meaner styling by J Mays and Freeman Thomas an instant hit among debs and slightly aging boomers in search of resuscitation the Volkswagen Group has sought to expand the model’s reach in sinew, brawn, and market appeal. Peppy enough even its original 148 horsepower 1998 presentation, things have crept upwards since in capability and potency. The latest generation Quattro All Wheel Drive Roadster convertible, seen here, throws its lightweight (3,395 pounds) body around with a 2 liter TFSI four cylinder turbocharged engine one that delivers 228 horsepower and 258 lb. ft. of torque good for a 0–60 mark of 5.5 seconds.

Now, there are plenty of faster cars out there… its just that this little number is so much fun. Its seven speed S Tronic dual clutch automatic tranny (with shift paddles) is a seamless and aggressive playmate, the leather Alcantara bucket seats keep you stuck in place (even taller types), and the Audi drive select system and the TT’s nearly perfect front/rear weight ratio keeps things spirited and tracking straight, even when enthusiasm exceeds driver capability. Audi’s virtual cockpit (its focus a 12.3 inch LCD digital instrument cluster) is easy to navigate, and the top folds down quickly and without fuss or notable whir. An optional technology package includes a Wi Fi hotspot and in vehicle 4G LTE connectivity.

The base model starts at $49,000, which is damn thrifty for this amount of refined joy, but there are a number of add ons available the one we recommend most the S Line Competition Package ($2,200), which throws in 19 inch Audi Sport five arm polygon black finish wheels and summer performance tires, along with red brake calipers (front and rear), a sport suspension, adaptive rear spoiler, black roll bars, and leather covered center console and door armrests, among other goodies.

Audi Bridgewater
701 US Highway 202/206, Bridgewater /
888.375.7831 audibridgewater.com