Re: Audi TT Roadster / Debut at the Geneva Motor Show

["John R. Boyce" <nbec@tic.bisman.com>]

>The 165 kW (225 bhp) version accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in a
>breathtaking 6.7 seconds; the 180 bhp model takes around one second
>longer.

Breathtaking?  I don't think so!

A new Golf/Jetta VR6 is almost as quick as the 225 hp TT (and faster than
the 180 hp version) for a lot less money.  For a little more money than the
TT coupe (or maybe the same money as the roadster, I don't know what they
will charge for it), there is the much faster Z3/M3, Boxster and Corvette.
The Vette could be said to be entering the breathtaking territory with 0-60
of 5 seconds or less.

Is is just me, or does the fwd TT seem a little slow for a $35,000 vehicle
that's supposed to have 180 hp?  I mean, 7.7 seconds to 60 (62) isn't all
that fast these days.

Don't get me wrong, there are a lot of things to like about the TT,
especially from the design perspective.  When I saw the prototype at the
Chicago Auto Show a few years ago, it was on my short list for my next car.
However, reading the road test in a recent Road and Track, and comparing
the numbers with the new BMW 328i and other sports cars and sports sedans
for similar money, the TT didn't look quite as attractive.

John R. Boyce
Bismarck, ND
1991 Coupe Quattro (0-60: don't ask)