When it was first introduced, the TT's rounded look and geometric shapes were unlike anything on the road. It was well-received, and the design solidified the TT as a choice for those who wanted something different. Audi has done a fine job of making the new TT an evolution of the old, and the current TT is sharper than the previous model, with more angular lines and crisper edges.

Audi's single bar grille, the corporate face, is black plastic on 2.0T models and painted gloss black on 3.2 quattros. The side of the car features a character line that leads to prominent wheel flares. The coupe's graceful roofline resolves into a rounded rear end. Rather than opting for a convertible hardtop, Audi has chosen a traditional soft top for the roadster. Both body styles have a spoiler that pops up at 75 mph and retracts at 50 mph. A button allows you to deploy or retract the spoiler at any time.

At 164.5 inches long and 72.5 inches wide, the Audi TT fits right in the heart of the premium sports car segment. It is longer and wider than the BMW Z4 and Mercedes-Benz SLK. It is more than six inches shorter than the Porsche Boxster and Cayman, but is still more than an inch wider.

Below the surface, the TT is built on the Audi Space Frame (ASF) architecture. Audi says the space frame is made of cast, extruded, and stamped steel and aluminum components, as opposed to a traditional unibody structure that has only steel stampings. The coupe's space frame is 69 percent aluminum and the roadster's is 58 percent aluminum. The roadster is reinforced behind the seats to make up for the rigidity lost due to the lack of a top. Audi claims the new coupe is 50 percent more rigid than the last model, and the roadster is 120 percent stronger. Audi says the new-generation roadster is more rigid than the last coupe, an impressive claim.

The base roadster's top is manually operated, but most TTs will come with the power top, which is extremely easy to use. There are no latches, and it opens in 12 seconds and closes in 14. For those sudden weather changes, the power top can be operated while the car is moving as fast as 25 mph, a handy feature.

The TTS features an uprated version of the 2.0-liter engine. Modifications made to the engine to bring it to the TTS level include revisions to the block, cylinder head, connecting rods, pistons, turbocharger, fuel injection system, engine management, intercooler, air path and the exhaust system.

Interior

Inside, the Audi TT is wonderful. Highlighted with real aluminum trim, the interior is well put together, with tight tolerances and sturdy, soft-touch materials. The design is contemporary, simple, and attractive. The gauges are trimmed in silver with black faces, and trip computer information is displayed between them.

All of the controls are within arm's reach and they move with precision. Without the optional navigation system, the controls are easy to find and operate. With the navigation system, however, the TT gets a version of Audi's Multi Media Interface (MMI). This system absorbs the audio controls, and adds several steps to simple tasks like changing the radio station. MMI might appeal to techies, but most of us would prefer something less complicated.

Sports cars are often difficult to enter and exit. While getting into the TT requires a step down, it's not extreme and, once inside, the TT has ample room for most drivers. A 6-foot, 7-inch friend said he fit well in the TT, but found the Z4 to be cramped. The front seats are comfortable and have nice bolstering to help keep you in place in fast turns. Visibility is good to most angles, but there is a notable blind spot to the right rear in coupes and in roadsters with the top up.

The leather upholstery is attractive, and the Enhanced Interior package makes it even more so, with contrasting stitching and a leather-covered instrument pod. Audi offers numerous interior color options, as well as the Baseball-Optic leather package that features a Madras Brown color and thick stitching inspired by baseball gloves, a TT tradition. It's pretty swell.

The rear seat in the coupe is too small for all but small children, and even they may complain. It's really best used for packages and briefcases.

Cargo space in the coupe is decent even with the seats up, but with them down it expands from 10.2 to 24.7 cubic feet. Folding down the rear seats creates a flat load floor and plenty of cargo space. The TT coupe has more than twice the cargo space of a Z4 coupe. There's plenty of room for a serious grocery run or luggage for two. Cargo space in the roadster is tighter overall, with 9.1 cubic feet. The convertible top doesn't intrude on trunk space, however, and a pass-through for skis is available that improves the roadster's versatility. Cubby storage is limited in the TT, however. Neither the coupe nor the roadster has enough interior storage for small items.