Article: AUDI TT ROADSTER: MORE IMPRESSIVE IN FORM THAN FUNCTION (Mk1/Mk2 mention)
02-09-2001, 10:40 AM
#1
Article: AUDI TT ROADSTER: MORE IMPRESSIVE IN FORM THAN FUNCTION (Mk1/Mk2 mention)
Copyright 2001 Sun Media Corporation
The London Free Press
February 9, 2001, Friday, Final EDITION
SECTION: WHEELS, Pg. E1, TEST DRIVE
LENGTH: 1065 words
HEADLINE: AUDI TT ROADSTER: MORE IMPRESSIVE IN FORM THAN FUNCTION
BYLINE: DAN PROUDFOOT, SPECIAL TO THE FREE PRESS
BODY:
Audi has carved itself a rich niche selling cars in which function --
powertrain, suspension, construction -- always matters more than form (what
meets the eye).
Current Audis boast form as well as function, the handsome A4 and A6 sedans
epitomizing Eurostyling. But the foundation of Audi's success took shape with
pioneering efforts in all-wheel drive, galvanized body metal and aerodynamic
shapes. Over the decades these advances earned respect within the industry and a
growing share of the luxury market.
The 2001 TT Roadster quattro will be remembered as an exception to the Audi
rule, being somewhat more impressive in form than function.
Elegant contours and exquisite detailing set the TT apart from other sporty
two-seaters, yet your reporter believes the powertrain and suspension fall
disappointingly short of $ 60,000 standards.
This is not to say the TT is a bore, slow, or anything other than a
throughway express. A wonderful high-speed tourer, it's simply not razor sharp
in its steering and handling as the epitome of a sports car, a Porsche Boxster.
And the turbo four-cylinder engine produces tons of grunt but not a single note
of music.
If the heart of a sports car is its motor, it's significant the TT is
motivated by an iron-block, 1.8-litre sedan powerplant that's been transformed
into a powerhouse by turbocharging and five valves per cylinder. In the case of
our all-wheel-drive test car, it boasts 225 horsepower and 207 lb.ft. of torque
-- with all 207 snapping the driver's and passenger's heads back at only 2, 200
r.p.m.
(The TT Roadster also is sold in milder form with front-drive, 180 horses and
173 lb.ft. of torque for $ 50,500.)
A sports car ought to stream through traffic with elastic ease. On the
highway the TT does so beautifully, but in city driving the abrupt transition
from no torque to total torque renders the TT more of a rocket than a
thoroughbred sports car. Applying full throttle from a standstill or slow speed
is the equivalent of lighting a fuse: Initiate countdown, 10-nine-ohmygosh.
Road & Track magazine timed its TT test car at 6.6 seconds, zero to 100 km/h.
Inexplicably, our zero-to-100 km/h run required 8.2 seconds, slower even than
the less powerful TT Coupe's 7.8 seconds in our test last year. But the TT
Roadster's 5.2 seconds between 80 and 120 km/h topped the Coupe's 6.4.
In any case, easy does it feels best. Driven with a light throttle and a
higher-than-anticipated gear, the TT becomes much more pleasant in city driving.
With familiarity comes growing appreciation. On its own merits, the TT is a
remarkable -- and powerful -- sporty cruiser. It coddles its occupants. It stuns
passersby. And the greatest gain is reserved for the driver with a cornucopia of
sensations.
The eyes, ears and back harvest early impressions. Opening the door in the
case of our test car results in widened eyes at the sight of "amber red baseball
glove leather stitch" seats, which astonish most folks and often raise the
question, "Why?" The Rawlings-grade leather with the diagonal stitching along
the edges of the seats commands a $ 1,500 option fee.
An impression of high quality construction begins with the clunk of the door
closing and the faint buzz of the window powering against the convertible top to
achieve near perfect air sealing. An array of alloy trim, artfully applied,
seems retro or futuristic or both, depending on your outlook. The steering wheel
is thick and covered in the same big-league leather as the seats, as is the
perfectly shaped gearshift.
It's a wonderful cabin. Some find it oppressively cavelike with the top up -
- we think it's cosy -- but twist a handle and push a button and the sky becomes
your roof.
Twin alloy hoops rise immediately behind the headrests (insurance in case of
rollover). If they were in your field of vision, you'd see these polished
aluminum bars as passersby do, impressively complementing the brushed alloy trim
around the dash vents. No competing sports car in the $ 60,000 class quite
matches the TT's interior in design and detailing. And, while the seats don't
quite grip their occupants as catcher's gloves would, they are superbly
comfortable -- and reasonably supportive, too, lacking the severe side bolsters
that make some sports seats difficult to sit on.
Practicality ranks high in any comparison with similarly priced sports cars.
On the downside, commuters will find no place for a briefcase. But the trunk is
large enough for a hockey equipment bag (just barely), implying sufficient room
for a couple's weekend trips; cupholders are provided (just try drinking coffee
in a Porsche); and the convertible top boasts a glass rear window with a
defroster.
The quattro all-wheel drive is a compelling argument for the TT's year- round
usefulness. That said, the Bridgestone Potenza RE40 (225/45 R17) tires are
designed for high performance, summer usage. Unless fitted with winter rubber,
the TT would react to a blizzard like any other toboggan.
The all-wheel-drive system is less sophisticated than in Audi sedans,
employing a Haldex coupling that delivers power to the rear wheels only when the
fronts lose their grip. The system is similar to that of non-sporting vehicles
like the Honda CR-V and not at all like the true all-wheel-drive of other Audis
or the Porsche Carrera 4.
The suspension is praiseworthy for its comfortable ride. However, it is
disappointing with its imprecise connection (by $ 60,000 sports car standards;
otherwise it's acceptable) to the pavement.
The TT Roadster seems somewhat less sharp in its steering response than did
the TT Coupe we tested last year, perhaps reflecting minor suspension tuning
changes made by Audi in response to TT rollovers on German autobahns.
Reviewers generally praise Audi for the speed with which the TT went from
designer Freeman Thomas's sketch pad to show car to production. Too bad, we say,
Audi didn't take the time to develop the function as well as the form.
REPORT CARD
2001 AUDI TT ROADSTER QUATTRO
Base price: $ 59,00
As tested: $ 63,940, includes baseball glove interior ($ 1,500); premium Bose
stereo with CD player ($ 1,670); power top ($ 1,200) and freight ($ 570).
Fuel test: 12.5 litres per 100 km (22.6 m.p.g.) in city-area driving
Front seats: A
Trunk: B+
Performance: B+
Handling: B+
Ride: A
Brakes: A
NOTES:
Dan Proudfoot is an automotive journalist with Sun Media Newspapers. Hecan be
reached at dproudfo@sunpub.com.
GRAPHIC: 2 photos 1. Twin alloy hoops behind the seats not only add rollover
protection for the Audi TT quattro's occupants, they add a stylish touch. 2. A
unique optional feature in the TT roadster's interior is amber red leather seats
with diagonal stitching along the edges that resembles a baseball glove.
LOAD-DATE: February 9, 2001
The London Free Press
February 9, 2001, Friday, Final EDITION
SECTION: WHEELS, Pg. E1, TEST DRIVE
LENGTH: 1065 words
HEADLINE: AUDI TT ROADSTER: MORE IMPRESSIVE IN FORM THAN FUNCTION
BYLINE: DAN PROUDFOOT, SPECIAL TO THE FREE PRESS
BODY:
Audi has carved itself a rich niche selling cars in which function --
powertrain, suspension, construction -- always matters more than form (what
meets the eye).
Current Audis boast form as well as function, the handsome A4 and A6 sedans
epitomizing Eurostyling. But the foundation of Audi's success took shape with
pioneering efforts in all-wheel drive, galvanized body metal and aerodynamic
shapes. Over the decades these advances earned respect within the industry and a
growing share of the luxury market.
The 2001 TT Roadster quattro will be remembered as an exception to the Audi
rule, being somewhat more impressive in form than function.
Elegant contours and exquisite detailing set the TT apart from other sporty
two-seaters, yet your reporter believes the powertrain and suspension fall
disappointingly short of $ 60,000 standards.
This is not to say the TT is a bore, slow, or anything other than a
throughway express. A wonderful high-speed tourer, it's simply not razor sharp
in its steering and handling as the epitome of a sports car, a Porsche Boxster.
And the turbo four-cylinder engine produces tons of grunt but not a single note
of music.
If the heart of a sports car is its motor, it's significant the TT is
motivated by an iron-block, 1.8-litre sedan powerplant that's been transformed
into a powerhouse by turbocharging and five valves per cylinder. In the case of
our all-wheel-drive test car, it boasts 225 horsepower and 207 lb.ft. of torque
-- with all 207 snapping the driver's and passenger's heads back at only 2, 200
r.p.m.
(The TT Roadster also is sold in milder form with front-drive, 180 horses and
173 lb.ft. of torque for $ 50,500.)
A sports car ought to stream through traffic with elastic ease. On the
highway the TT does so beautifully, but in city driving the abrupt transition
from no torque to total torque renders the TT more of a rocket than a
thoroughbred sports car. Applying full throttle from a standstill or slow speed
is the equivalent of lighting a fuse: Initiate countdown, 10-nine-ohmygosh.
Road & Track magazine timed its TT test car at 6.6 seconds, zero to 100 km/h.
Inexplicably, our zero-to-100 km/h run required 8.2 seconds, slower even than
the less powerful TT Coupe's 7.8 seconds in our test last year. But the TT
Roadster's 5.2 seconds between 80 and 120 km/h topped the Coupe's 6.4.
In any case, easy does it feels best. Driven with a light throttle and a
higher-than-anticipated gear, the TT becomes much more pleasant in city driving.
With familiarity comes growing appreciation. On its own merits, the TT is a
remarkable -- and powerful -- sporty cruiser. It coddles its occupants. It stuns
passersby. And the greatest gain is reserved for the driver with a cornucopia of
sensations.
The eyes, ears and back harvest early impressions. Opening the door in the
case of our test car results in widened eyes at the sight of "amber red baseball
glove leather stitch" seats, which astonish most folks and often raise the
question, "Why?" The Rawlings-grade leather with the diagonal stitching along
the edges of the seats commands a $ 1,500 option fee.
An impression of high quality construction begins with the clunk of the door
closing and the faint buzz of the window powering against the convertible top to
achieve near perfect air sealing. An array of alloy trim, artfully applied,
seems retro or futuristic or both, depending on your outlook. The steering wheel
is thick and covered in the same big-league leather as the seats, as is the
perfectly shaped gearshift.
It's a wonderful cabin. Some find it oppressively cavelike with the top up -
- we think it's cosy -- but twist a handle and push a button and the sky becomes
your roof.
Twin alloy hoops rise immediately behind the headrests (insurance in case of
rollover). If they were in your field of vision, you'd see these polished
aluminum bars as passersby do, impressively complementing the brushed alloy trim
around the dash vents. No competing sports car in the $ 60,000 class quite
matches the TT's interior in design and detailing. And, while the seats don't
quite grip their occupants as catcher's gloves would, they are superbly
comfortable -- and reasonably supportive, too, lacking the severe side bolsters
that make some sports seats difficult to sit on.
Practicality ranks high in any comparison with similarly priced sports cars.
On the downside, commuters will find no place for a briefcase. But the trunk is
large enough for a hockey equipment bag (just barely), implying sufficient room
for a couple's weekend trips; cupholders are provided (just try drinking coffee
in a Porsche); and the convertible top boasts a glass rear window with a
defroster.
The quattro all-wheel drive is a compelling argument for the TT's year- round
usefulness. That said, the Bridgestone Potenza RE40 (225/45 R17) tires are
designed for high performance, summer usage. Unless fitted with winter rubber,
the TT would react to a blizzard like any other toboggan.
The all-wheel-drive system is less sophisticated than in Audi sedans,
employing a Haldex coupling that delivers power to the rear wheels only when the
fronts lose their grip. The system is similar to that of non-sporting vehicles
like the Honda CR-V and not at all like the true all-wheel-drive of other Audis
or the Porsche Carrera 4.
The suspension is praiseworthy for its comfortable ride. However, it is
disappointing with its imprecise connection (by $ 60,000 sports car standards;
otherwise it's acceptable) to the pavement.
The TT Roadster seems somewhat less sharp in its steering response than did
the TT Coupe we tested last year, perhaps reflecting minor suspension tuning
changes made by Audi in response to TT rollovers on German autobahns.
Reviewers generally praise Audi for the speed with which the TT went from
designer Freeman Thomas's sketch pad to show car to production. Too bad, we say,
Audi didn't take the time to develop the function as well as the form.
REPORT CARD
2001 AUDI TT ROADSTER QUATTRO
Base price: $ 59,00
As tested: $ 63,940, includes baseball glove interior ($ 1,500); premium Bose
stereo with CD player ($ 1,670); power top ($ 1,200) and freight ($ 570).
Fuel test: 12.5 litres per 100 km (22.6 m.p.g.) in city-area driving
Front seats: A
Trunk: B+
Performance: B+
Handling: B+
Ride: A
Brakes: A
NOTES:
Dan Proudfoot is an automotive journalist with Sun Media Newspapers. Hecan be
reached at dproudfo@sunpub.com.
GRAPHIC: 2 photos 1. Twin alloy hoops behind the seats not only add rollover
protection for the Audi TT quattro's occupants, they add a stylish touch. 2. A
unique optional feature in the TT roadster's interior is amber red leather seats
with diagonal stitching along the edges that resembles a baseball glove.
LOAD-DATE: February 9, 2001
02-09-2001, 10:56 AM
#5
I have various world-wide news monitoring services that charge me a set fee. All I do is
enter terms that relate to what I need to track. Just added Audi TT to the list of tracking terms.
02-09-2001, 11:19 AM
#6
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"...the epitome of a sports car, a Porsche Boxster." Can't say I agree there, but the rest of the
article seems pretty accurate. Change the DV, add a chip, and this guy would be in business.
02-09-2001, 11:25 AM
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Incredibly poor review. He didn't even check his facts.
Porsche Carrera 4 isn't a "true all wheel drive under his definition." The C-4's system normally only provides power to the front wheels. It will distribute from 5% to 40% of power to front wheels when needed--when wheel slippage occurs(according to Edmund's review of the C-4). Personally, I believe a car will always have some wheel slippage, so there will always be some power going to the other wheels. The TT's system operates the same way, except that power normally is sent to the front wheels. His perception of the TT's system as being inferior to the Porsche C-4's probably has more to do with the price and image of the Porsche than anything else. And I seriously doubt he (or anyone) can really appreciate the performance differences between a true quattro and the TT's system.
This article reminded me of a conversation I had last night with a newspaper writer last night at a bar. She explained that she was forced to cover sports even though she had never done it before and really didn't know much about sports in general. Her boss needed somebody to cover that beat. He didn't care whether she had any real expertise in the field. I wouldn't be surprised if it is the same way with a lot of newspaper car critics. They may be writing about cars by default because no one else wants to.
Here, though, I think the writer just didn't do his homework.
This article reminded me of a conversation I had last night with a newspaper writer last night at a bar. She explained that she was forced to cover sports even though she had never done it before and really didn't know much about sports in general. Her boss needed somebody to cover that beat. He didn't care whether she had any real expertise in the field. I wouldn't be surprised if it is the same way with a lot of newspaper car critics. They may be writing about cars by default because no one else wants to.
Here, though, I think the writer just didn't do his homework.
