What It Is

2008 Audi TT Preview -- New York International Auto Show: Let’s see – runway models in sheer clothing that clings, a German glamour puss named Tatjana Patitz, and the 2008 Audi TT. Do you sense a theme to Audi’s press conference at the 2006 New York Auto Show? If you guessed contemporary fashion and beautiful design, give yourself a gold star and smack it onto your forehead! By unveiling the 2008 Audi TT in Manhattan using Patitz, a super-model-slash-actress who couldn’t read a Teleprompter if her life depended on it, and fashion designer doo.ri, who could be the superhero costume designer E from The Incredibles incarnate, the automaker attempted to underline its assertion that the TT sports coupe is a “global design icon.” Aside from decorating the stage with gorgeous women, the effort was lost on the mostly male audience.

Why it Matters

Audi may have felt it needed to shake reporters out of their complacency, because at first glance the new 2008 Audi TT appears to be no more than a freshening of the existing 2+2 sports coupe. However, this a complete redesign that is 5.4 inches longer and 3.1 inches wider than the original TT. Shaped to reflect the original TT’s design vocabulary, the 2008 version clearly employs current Audi styling cues, such as the single-frame grille which is clearly seen in the car’s face. Established design themes of circles and domes continue in the new car, preserved though Audi wanted the new TT to appear stretched, taut, striving to move forward even when standing still. Audi has employed its ASF Space Frame architecture to the new TT, but in a 69/31 blend of aluminum and steel for optimum balance. At the rear, a spoiler automatically deploys at 75 mph to increase down force and high-speed stability.

A convertible version of the 2008 Audi TT will also be available shortly after the car arrives in the spring of 2007.

When You Can Buy It

Until the 2009 Audi R8 arrives complete with its Lamborghini Gallardo V-10 engine and concept car styling, the 2008 TT is the closest thing to a sports car that Ingolstadt sells. And since the 2006 Audi TT cannot be sold in California or the New England states because it doesn’t meet emissions regulations, the new 2008 version cannot arrive soon enough to sate the desires of affluent image-makers in Boston, San Diego, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.