Look at the difference between a modern sleek vehicle and a old styled Jeep, the TT looks like its out of the Jetsons here, a wonderful sleek design. 

2004 Audi TT Coupe 3.2 DSG

The Audi TT is stylish, sleek, wide, and comfortable, but most of all it is so much fun to drive in this 3.2 liter DSG wear.  The TT is one of the most futuristically styled vehicles around, even after being in the market for a number of years.  Today, Audi's TT line features many different combinations, from coupe to convertible offering various engine choices.  Our 2004 TT features a newly developed 3.2 liter V6 engine producing 250 horsepower.  This is combined with a highly innovative gearbox that permits an uninterrupted flow of power during gear changes called Direct Shift Gear or DSG for short.  Combining this advanced sports gearbox with the Quattro permanent all wheel drive system and plenty of horsepower makes for a car that is so much fun to drive. 

The new V6 engine, with an angle of only 15 degrees between the two rows of cylinders, is an extremely compact engine.  It is mounted transversely into the compact engine bay.  All inlets and exhaust camshafts are continuously adjustable for further efficiency and reduced emissions.  This coupled with the DSG providing a double clutch system means rapid engine control.  The new 3.2 liter V6 is the same engine used in the VW R32 and the Porsche Cayenne base model.  It easily pulls the TT to sixty in 6.5 seconds.  We wished this engine was put in all small Audi's like the A4 as well and that Audi would reduce its price point.  It is imperative for Audi to match the Japanese in their 270 horsepower V6 engines for the low $30,000 price range.  What this engine gives the TT is what the TT should have had all along. 

The Direct-Shift Gearbox in the 2004 TT 3.2 is the next milestone in transmission technology, but it is hardly new to Audi.  The twin-clutch design of DSG has its roots in motor racing.  In 1985, Audi tested the concept in the legendary Sport Quattro S1, a rally vehicle that was victorious in the legendary Pike's Peak Hill Climb. 

The 2004 Audi TT with Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) is the best variation to date of manuals that act like automatics from the likes of BMW and Ferrari.  In automatic 'D' mode the Audi TT DSG shifts as smoothly as an A4.  Shifts are calm and usually unnoticeable for the new 3.2 liter engine.  The control logic integrated into the transmission casing maintains optimum gear selection strategies for lightning-fast gear shifts that are nevertheless smooth and jolt-free.  Two small paddles just behind the steering wheel allow for instantaneous temporary manual operation even with the shift selector in automatic "D" mode. 

Drive in manual mode with the shift lever pushed to the right of "D" and the transmission leaves it up to you to change gears either by paddle or by shift lever.  You can move the shifter forward or backwards as in other Audi's but here the gear shift is more solid and noticeable.  Tap the pedal and the shift occurs quickly and with a certain click that is not found on automatics.  It feels very good and much better than anything we have seen in a regular automatic.  Reaching redline will tell the computer to shift to the next gear so that you do not destroy the engine.  We would prefer that the rev limiter simply engage and the gear not shift to the next gear until we change it manually.  The power however is always on, going to all four wheels.  Yes this is a Quattro and it sticks oh so well. 

The paddle shifter was not the most impressive function of this DSG equipped TT.  It is the sport setting that makes this car so much fun on daily drives.  In "S" mode, just below "D", the engine is always kept at optimum rpm's.  The Sport "S" program delays up-shifts and advances downshifts, and expedites the actual shift process.  The engine remains around 3300 to 4000 revolutions in each gear.  Push the pedal to the floor and car races to redline in each gear before automatically shifting to the next gear awesomely fast.  Press the brakes as you enter a corner and the active throttle blips during downshifts.  It is just as if a little genius is shifting for you, fast and perfectly.  Even in slow street driving the downshifts feel great and the power is more readily available.  This is the best Sport program we have ever seen in any car to date.  The DSG transmission transforms the TT into a pure sports car from just being a show car. 

            The basis for the new development is a three-shaft, six-speed manual gearbox that offers considerable variability in selection of the transmission ratio.  A twin multi-plate clutch with an ingenious electro-hydraulic control allows two gears to be engaged at the same time.  During operation, DSG engages one gear and pre-selects the next based on the approaching point of the next up or downshift.  When the shift occurs, either automatically or by driver input via the shift lever or the racing-style steering wheel mounted shift-paddles, the clutch of the engaged gear opens as the clutch of the next pre-selected gear closes.  The gear change takes place under load, with a certain overlap, resulting in a permanent flow of power.  As on conventional manual transmissions, the toothed-wheel gears are present on input and auxiliary shafts.  For DSG, the input shaft is divided into an outer hollow shaft handling odd-numbered gears plus reverse (1, 3, 5 and R) and an inner shaft handling even-numbered gears (2, 4 and 6).  Each shaft is selected by a separate multi-plate clutch running in oil and packed inside each other for space economy.  This type of clutch permits starting characteristics ranging from gentle to full-throttle, with spontaneous and decisive gear changes executed as if at the push of a button like in a F1 race car. 

The suspension is firm but comfortable and has been adapted to suit the new requirements of the engine.  The diameter of the anti-roll bars on the front and rear axles have been increased compared with the four cylinder turbocharged version of the TT.  The springs and shocks have been set differently as well in this model.  All this makes for a great handling sports car ride, but a ride that is never jarring.  The wide stance is very noticeable at the wheel and gives the driver even more confidence taking curves and driving on highways fast. 

This Audi TT also features some interior special trim that is not found in lesser models.  An aluminum gear shift gate and instrument cluster dials are added for the 3.2 model.  Aluminum in general is used extensively on the interior, from the pedals to the signature trim around each vent and the large TT embossed flap covering the stereo.  It is a very techno, functional look. 

Seats are quite comfortable and supportive all around.  The manual height adjustment is a bit difficult to use, and we would have liked fully powered front seats.  Fine Nappa leather seating surfaces on all seating positions are standard equipment.  Because the TT is more than five inches wider than its competition, there is plenty of elbow room. 

Storage compartments are also plentiful and covered to not break up the flow in the cabin.  And because you have foldable seats in back many things can fit there as well.  The seats are great for dogs or small children, but fully sized adults will not fit comfortably for long periods. 

The climate controls were a bit difficult to use as turning the lever to the left or right did not immediately raise or lower the setting, it had to be clicked or held a bit too long, we think these should be changed.  The climate system does include a sun sensor and dust and pollen filters.  Especially cool are the heated seat buttons which light up in a dotted circular pattern flowing with trim pieces throughout the cabin. 

Rack-and-pinion power steering with manual tilt and telescopic adjustable steering column and a three-spoke sport steering wheel are also standard equipment on both the TT Coupe and Roadster.  The rear seats also fold down for larger luggage space in this hatchback design. 

One problem in the design of this low car is that when getting out of the TT, your pants will invariably rub against the edge of the car causing any dirt or rain water to get on your clothing.  Perhaps a nifty pull out dry panel should be added here ala Rolls Royce umbrella style. 

For added cruising enjoyment in any 2004 Audi TT, standard equipment includes the new generation Audi concert stereo with in-dash CD player and optional enhanced Bose sound system with Audio Pilot noise compensation technology.  The Bose system has absolutely superb sound quality and great deep bass in this very small car.  Separate options include a Motorola hands-free digital portable telephone, Audi Navigation System, and an Alcantara steering wheel.

On the exterior a few details point out the fact that this is a new TT.  A new aerodynamically revised front apron with side gills and an enlarged opening in front is standard.  The rear spoiler is modified and a honeycomb pattern in between the two large exhaust valves distinguishes this model from lesser TT's.  New titanium colored headlights and standard Xenon beams are a great addition.  A large "3.2 Quattro" chrome badge in back differentiates this model.  Optional 18-inch wheels lessen the wheel gap and add to the futuristic car feel.  And finally, there is little that compares to this car fully opened, with its hood up and the rear open the TT looks wonderful.  The design is truly great and we sigh more companies would take a leap and make something as smooth and beautiful. 

The 2004 Audi TT 3.2 Coupe has numerous safety provisions, including first-in-class seat-mounted head and chest side airbags and next generation dual front airbags.  All models also feature three-point safety belts in all seating positions, as well as the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system.  A pre-tension mechanism for front seat belts takes up slack before a crash, while load limiters gradually release the belts to reduce pressure as forward momentum is slowed.  An alarm system is standard equipment on all TT 3.2 models, with a theft-deterrent alarm repeater light on each door windowsill.  A first aid kit and emergency warning triangle is standard on all Audi vehicles. 

All Audi vehicles sold in North America, including the 2004 Audi TT 3.2 Coupe and Roadster, come with the Audi Advantage, an industry-leading combination of warranties and protection.  This top-rated package includes four-year/50,000-mile no-charge scheduled maintenance with the four year warranty.  24-hour Roadside Assistance for four years is also included.  It is truly helpful to have all regular maintenance taken care of while owning this new car, from oil changes to filter changes everything is handled for free. 

The TT with this larger engine and an amazing DSG transmission is a real contender in the sports car market.  We would consider buying this model just for its transmission.  If Audi were to add the DSG in all its models soon it would truly have an edge in the marketplace.  The TT is wider than a Boxster, Z4, or SLK and with four-wheel drive is a better year round vehicle.  The back seat gives you plenty of room compared to the competition and its styling is on par with the Boxster.  While most people will buy this if they love the styling first, we suggest a day long test drive with the DSG system especially now that Audi is offering a 24 hour test drive. 

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