There was no Audi TT built in 2007 as the German-based automaker revamped its award-winning coupe and roadster for 2008 with a freshened look, increased wheelbase and length, a new powertrain and the same commitment to making a sports car that is good looking and pure joy to drive. Two engines are offered – a 2.0-liter turbo-charged four cylinder or a 3.2-liter six cylinder - dropped into a hatchback coupe or convertible. Another choice is a six-speed pure manual or sequential manual transmission, which when not in automatic mode, changes gears by tapping the selector knob or using race-car-like thumb paddles behind the steering wheel. Dual-clutch technology, called S tronic, allows shifts in one-fifth of a second, preserving rpms and contributing to a 5.3 second rush from 0 to 60 mph in our tester, the 3.2 quattro S tronic coupe.

There is an adrenaline rush at top speeds with both hands on the wheel and the rack-and-pinion steering producing precise, on-track steering worthy of NASCAR. Racecar analogies are appropriate, since the TT has a rear spoiler that emerges at highway speeds but hugs the metal when tooling around town or parked. A redesigned dynamic sport suspension now includes a four-link rear suspension and the coupe’s center of gravity was reduced by four/tenths of an inch. TT stands for Touring Trophy, and many design touches have race-car DNA, like the topside fuel cap, dual-piston brake system and high-friction disc brakes on each wheel to go with the TT’s quattro (four wheel drive).

Inside, cockpit space improves in the front seats while the rear, like most coupes, is friendly only to small kids. The TT is now 5.4 inches longer, 3.l inches wider but only two/tenths of an inch higher.The wheelbase added 1.6 inches. With its Audi Space Frame combining aluminum and steel, the 2008 model weighs about 90 pounds less than its predecessor. Aluminum accounts for 69 percent of the body weight with the doors, luggage compartment and rear floor panel made of galvanized steel. Space has improved so that with the rear seat backs folded, the trunk holds two golf bags. The interior remains luxurious with leather, aluminum and dimpled stainless steel maintaining a retro art deco look with a new digital speedometer in the driver information system and a flattened steering at the bottom to allow for more driver leg room. In 2004, the TT won AAA’s “Cool Car” award, among other plaudits. For 2008 the changes are subtle but distinctive, such as slim pillars, high beltline, more sweeping curves, wide wheel arches and a single-frame radiator grill. It remains eye-catching.