We had the pleasure to test drive the new Audi TT Roadster 3.2 DSG. This car maintained the attractive shape featured in the movie “Mission Impossible 2”, however, it had a major upgrade from the original TT. Instead of the 1.8L Turbocharged 4 cylinder engine, this TT features the narrow angle 3.2L VW VR6 engine which produces 250 HP @ 6300 rpm and 236 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm. On top of this powerful engine, this TT also came with the new innovative DSG transmission, and Audi’s Quattro AWD system.

It is hard not to attract attention in this Papaya Orange roadster. It is especially fun driving this car at normal speed and observe the expressions from the onlookers. In regular highway cruising, this new suspension set up combined with the Quattro AWD system produced excellent stability. Even in emergency lane changing and braking situation, this TT still is unflappable. No excessive nose dive, nor excessive body lean. In the curvy mountain roads, the firmer damping combined with shorter suspension travel effective eliminated the excessive body rolls which plagued the previous generation. We can easily extract all of the power produced by the 3.2L V-6 engine through this new DSG transmission, achieving a 0-60 mph time of 6.2 seconds.

Compare with other roadsters in this class, this new TT is still not as fun or nimble in the curves. The suspension can be firmer; the body can be lower to further improve on the handling. The new DSG transmission is effective but still not as fun as a full manual transmission.

This new TT Roadster is really a modern classic. The beautiful lines really impressed all onlookers. The new engine/DSG combination put the driving enjoyment in a different level. If you are a new generation Yuppie looking for an automobile to show off your taste and status, this $42,595 TT Roadster is really your best choice.