Audi TT A Top Car Pick

Audi broke the mold when its concept TT auto was presented at automobile around the world in the mid1990s. Named for the illustrious yearly "Tourist Trophy" race held on the Isle of Man, the TT is based on the same platform which powers the Volkswagen Golfing and the Skoda Octavia. Using anodized aluminum and a "bumper free" exterior, the TT coupe was unlike any auto of its time when the 1st production model was released in 1998. Today, the TT continues to garner awards and win praises from Audi fans. If you like the current model, just wait one year and you will witness the release of a TT that goes well outside the pale.

When chatting about the TT, there are really 2 models involved: one being a coupe, the other a roadster. Straight after the coupe's introduction in 1998, the roadster version was released the following summer. Both models were originally powered by a twenty valve inline 1.8L four cylinder engine, however in subsequent years each model received a stronger version of that engine while a 3.2L V6 was introduced as an option during 2003. The TT is powered by its front wheels, but Quattro all wheel drive is available as well.

Audi's success with the TT has helped it to carefully develop its 2nd generation model. Almost a full decade after the first model made its debut the chase up TT is being readied and will go into production in 2007. The new TT will include the following attributes:

Longer and Wider : small changes in its width and length will be merged into the new model. Expect more cabin room for added interior comfort.

Aluminum and Steel: The new TT will be made up of aluminum in the front and steel in the rear to encourage a better weight balance.

More Power: The 1.8L I4 engine will get replaced with a 2.0L I4 engine. The 3.2L V6 will continue to be offered, manufacturing 250 h.p... A six speed manual transmission will be standard equipment.

More Models: The coupe and roadster will be introduced back to back with a 3rd model, potentially a lorry version, also being considered for production.

Principal rivals for the Audi TT have been the BMW Z4 and the Mercedes SLK. The TT's styling inspiration has found its way onto many models including the Saturn Sky, Mazda Miata, Nissan 350Z, and the Pontiac Solstice. In all, the Audi TT has reinvigorated the racer market and it would seem that the upcoming TT will expand on that theme even further. This is superb news for fans who wish to have a unique and well engineered 2+2 auto as a part of their driving stable.

For more reviews about sports cars, visit thesupercars.org and while you are at it, you might also want to have a look at used cars Audi S6.