AnimaTTor

<center><img src="https://www.audiworld.com/news/05/022105b/ttqs-rr.jpg"></center><p>A fairly extensive review of the limited edition lightweight TT. From the Northern Ireland News Letter:

Audi's Stylish Two-Seater

By Jim McCauley

Thursday 17th November 2005
It is always the same answer. At the end of an interview with a car designer I ask, "Is there any car you did not design that you would like to have in your portfolio?" "The Audi TT," is the answer. It is a car that is as important to the motor industry as a whole as it is to Audi. For Audi, it emphasises their renaissance as an innovative premium manufacturer, while it gave the industry the courage to be different and realise that the buying public were moving into a very design conscious market place. The brevity of the TT badge suits the minimalist nature of the car and this latest model is pared even further, for what started life as a 2+2 coupe is now available in 'quattro Sport' form as a strict two-seater.

To complement the weight reduction, power from the 1.8 litre turbo engine is up form 225 to 240 PS while torque is also up form 290 to 320 Nm between 2,300 and 5,000 rpm. The result is a more performancefocused car with its 0-62 mph time reduced to 5.9 seconds, while maximum speed is limited to 155 mph. Available to order since the middle of this year, the car is distinguished by its two-tone paint finish, sports styling package from the 3.2 litre models and exclusive 15-inch alloy wheels. Although the rear seats have been removed, the cabin retains the underlying stepped floorplan and the spare wheel has been replaced by a compressor kit. Adding a tiebar between the two rear suspension turrets for additional torsional rigidity, there is resulting improvements to handling as well as a weight saving of 49 Kg, bringing the car down to 1,416 Kg.

In the cabin, the occupants are enveloped in two Recaro rally-type seats, body coloured on the back and upholstered in leather and Alcantara on the front. They are easy to access, but do such a good job of holding the occupants that a series of agile twists is required to exit. However the seats provide superb support when driving and help the driver to integrate with the car. The increased power is also available lower in the rev band, so the car has a sharper response than the standard model and is more nimble through corners.

In addition to the further lowered sports suspension, ultimate handling security is provided by the fourwheel drive while stopping power on the quattro Sport is also improved thanks to the larger brakes from the 3.2 litre models. Despite the increased power and performance edge from the 240 PS engine, fuel economy remains identical to that of the 225 PS engine with an official combined figure of 30.1 mpg and the ability to nudge towards 40 mpg on the open road. Both engines also have the same emission figure of 226 gms/km. Despite the weight saving measures on the quattro Sport, suspension settings can still be described as 'firm touring' which offers adequate support to underwrite the car's performance but enough compliance to provide an acceptable ride and enjoy the car every day over long distances. It also retains its electronic handling and support packages as well as its creature comforts, unlike some premium sports models where everything not directly associated with improved performance must go. Standard in the TT quattro Sport are anti-lock brakes with electronic differential lock traction control, electronic brakeforce distribution and electronic stability program, while passive safety measures include twin front and side airbags and seatbelt pretensioners. The full raft of luxury equipment is also included in the quattro Sport and includes concert quality audio system, driver's information system comprising 'Auto Check' function and on-board computer, electric windows, power operated and heated door mirrors and electronic climate control.

For those loading up for a holiday trip, the extra carpeted luggage space in lieu of the rear seat provides useful additional storage while the two-tone paintwork ensures that the car still continues to attract admiring glances. Two-tone paintwork on a small sports coupe was previously featured on the Alfa SZ and it works on the Audi beauty as well as it did on the Alfa beast. Priced at ?28,580, only one thousand of the Audi TT Coup? quattro Sport models will be produced, a significant anniversary celebration in this 25th year of Audi four-wheel drive availability.