2009 Mercedes-Benz B-Series Runs on Natural Gas

Natural gas is becoming an increasingly popular alternative to gasoline and diesel in Europe. It's less expensive than these conventional motor fuels and has lower carbon dioxide emissions. Also helping is the growing availability of natural gas, with nearly 800 compressed natural gas (CNG) refueling stations in Germany, 600 in Italy, 100 in Switzerland, and 90 in Austria.

Mercedes-Benz has joined in to lend its emphasis to the viability of natural gas vehicles with a bi-fuel engine option for the redesigned 2009 B-Class. The B 170 NGT BlueEFFICIENCY joins B-Class models powered by 1.5- and 1.7-liter gasoline engines (B 150 and B 170), 1.8- and 2.0-liter diesel engines (B 180 CDI and B 200 CDI), and a turbocharged 2-liter gasoline engine (B 200 TURBO). All are four cylinder powerplants.




Identified by "NGT" - for Natural Gas Technology - on the tailgate, the B 170 NGT BlueEFFICIENCY Sport Tourer delivers an identical maximum output of 116 horsepower on either gasoline or natural gas. A driver selects the fuel using a button on the steering wheel. An electronic control unit switches fuel source instantaneously and seamlessly, even while driving.

Mercedes-Benz added four additional gas injectors on the underside of the intake manifold to handle natural gas. A close-coupled pressure governor with an electromagnetic shut-off valve regulates the supply of natural gas and maintains a constant gas pressure in the system.

In addition to the gasoline tank, there are five compressed natural gas tanks with a total capacity of 35.2 pounds, providing a range of over 180 miles. The B 170 NGT has a total range of over 620 miles on both fuels. The tanks are located in the rear and beneath the front passenger footwell. Trunk capacity is about 25 percent less that conventional models but still sufficient for carrying a family's luggage.
B Class Natural Gas Technology Side X-ray

The B-170 NGT achieves 32 mpg on premium gasoline as measured on the combined European driving cycle. According to Mercedes, the cost of running on natural gas is around 50 percent less than on gasoline.

Carbon dioxide emissions are some 20 percent lower than in the gasoline-powered B 170 at 135 gm/km, with NOx emissions 11 percent less. When calculated on a total lifecycle basis, carbon monoxide emissions are reduced by over 50 percent. While more CO2 is produced in manufacturing the more complex B 170 NGT, this is balanced out by the savings offered when running on natural gas after 10,730 miles. Germany's TÜV Technical Inspection Authority has awarded a "Design For Environment" to the B 170 NGT, the first natural gas-powered car to receive the award.

Also new for the B-Class is an ECO start/stop function that's optional on B 150 and B 170 BlueEFFICIENCY models. ECO automatically turns the engine off when the driver shifts to neutral at low speed while depressing the brake pedal. If the predetermined criteria for engine shut-down are met, a display on the instrument panel informs the driver. When the clutch is pressed or the brake pedal released, the engine starts almost noiselessly and in a fraction of a second. It doesn't have regenerative braking. Mercedes-Benz says the belt driven starter-generator produces a fuel saving of up to nine percent.

The B-Class is available in Canada although only the B 200 and B 200 TURBO are now sold there. There are currently no plans to bring the B-Class to the U.S., although that's a scenario we hope will change as the market for small cars - and of course natural gas-powered cars - increases in response to high gasoline prices and concerns about CO2 emissions.

volkswagen passat cc 2009

2009 Volkswagen Passat CC - First Drive Review

When was the last time you heard somebody, anybody, describe a Volkswagen as sexy? Don't get us wrong, Volkswagen cars have their appeal, and we're particularly fond of the GTI, but they don't have the kind of attractiveness that inspires teen-age boys to put a poster on their bedroom walls. The Passat CC isn't really that type of car, either, but it's a step in that direction and, depending on your styling preferences, could even be considered sexy.

Volkswagen calls the Passat CC a four-door coupe. If that sounds familiar, it's because that is exactly how Mercedes-Benz describes its CLS-class. The Passat CC unashamedly borrows from that idea, taking most of its underpinnings from the standard Passat, as does the CLS from the E-class. But instead of everyday-family-sedan styling, the Passat CC looks, well, more like a coupe. The windshield and the roofline are more steeply raked, and the body is longer (by 0.7 inch), lower (by 2.2 inches), and wider (by 1.3 inches); the wheelbase is the same. Besides the unique sheetmetal, the Passat CC has unique doors, seats, and instruments. All told, VW tells us the CC version shares about 50 percent of its parts with the original sedan.

True to the coupe theme, the Passat CC has only two seats in back, with a small storage console and fold-down armrest in the middle. Unlike in a coupe, there’s actually plenty of legroom. Headroom isn’t as much of a compromise as the roofline would suggest and is far better than that of the Mercedes CLS. Passengers over six feet tall will be brushing the headliner, but anyone shorter will find plenty of comfort.

As one would expect considering the similarities, the Passat CC drives just like a Passat. The steering is sharp, if somewhat lacking in feel, and the suspension is taut but compliant over rough surfaces. When the Passat CC goes on sale this fall, U.S.-bound cars will come with a 200-hp, 2.0-liter turbocharged four or a 280-hp, 3.6-liter V-6.

The V-6 can also be ordered with 4MOTION, Volkswagen’s all-wheel-drive system. Our preview drive, however, was in European-spec cars with slightly different engines. The 3.6-liter over there makes 295 horsepower, and the turbo engine is a 158-hp 1.8-liter. Even with the large difference in outputs, we still prefer the quick-revving turbo with a manual transmission. The V-6 feels heavier in front, and the dual-clutch transmission (which won’t be available in the U.S.; we get a traditional six-speed automatic) is slow to react unless you’re using the manumatic mode.

The European-market Passat CC can be ordered with adaptive cruise control, ventilated front seats, and lane departure prevention, but those options won’t make it to North America, at least initially. We do get available adjustable shocks and a new, touch-screen navigation system that’s a big improvement over VW’s current navigation.

Overall, the Passat CC is a good compromise between style and practicality, especially if you don’t need to transport four passengers at once. The catch, then, is the price. Actual numbers haven’t been announced yet, but expect to pay from $1500 to $2000 more than the cost of a Passat for its faux-coupe brother: roughly $27,000 for a base 2.0T, $38,500 for the V-6, and about $40,000 for a V-6 with all-wheel drive.

SPECIFICATIONS

Brakes
Brake Type	Pwr
Brake ABS System	4-wheel
Brake ABS System (Second Line)	N/A
Disc - Front (Yes or )	Yes
Disc - Rear (Yes or )	Yes
Front Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness	12.3 x -TBD- in
Rear Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness	11.0 x -TBD- in

Cargo Area Dimensions
Trunk Volume	13.0 ft³

Cooling System
Total Cooling System Capacity	7.6 qts

Electrical
Cold Cranking Amps @ 0° F (Primary)	N/A
Maximum Alternator Capacity (amps)	140

Engine
Engine Order Code	N/A
Engine Type	Gas I4
Displacement	2.0L/121
Fuel System	TSI
SAE Net Horsepower @ RPM	200 @ 5100-6000
SAE Net Torque @ RPM	207 @ 1700-5000

Exterior Dimensions
Wheelbase	106.7 in
Length, Overall	188.9 in
Width, Max w/o mirrors	73.0 in
Height, Overall	55.8 in
Tread Width, Front	61.1 in
Tread Width, Rear	61.4 in
Min Ground Clearance	5.0 in

Fuel Tank
Fuel Tank Capacity, Approx	18.5 gal
Aux Fuel Tank Capacity, Approx	N/A gal

Interior Dimensions
Passenger Capacity	4
Passenger Volume	93.6 ft³
Front Head Room	37.4 in
Front Leg Room	41.6 in
Front Shoulder Room	56.0 in
Front Hip Room	N/A in
Second Head Room	36.6 in
Second Leg Room	37.3 in
Second Shoulder Room	54.7 in
Second Hip Room	N/A in

Mileage
EPA Fuel Economy Est - City	21 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy Est - Hwy	31 MPG
Cruising Range - City	388.50 mi
Cruising Range - Hwy	573.50 mi

Steering
Steering Ratio (:1), Overall	16.4
Lock to Lock Turns (Steering)	3.0
Turning Diameter - Curb to Curb	35.8 ft
Turning Diameter - Wall to Wall	N/A ft

Suspension
Suspension Type - Front	McPherson concept
Suspension Type - Rear	4-link fully independent
Suspension Type - Front (Cont.)	w/triangular wishbones, coil springs
Suspension Type - Rear (Cont.)	w/telescopic shock absorbers
Shock Absorber Diameter - Front	N/A mm
Shock Absorber Diameter - Rear	N/A mm
Stabilizer Bar Diameter - Front	N/A in
Stabilizer Bar Diameter - Rear	N/A in

Tires
Front Tire Order Code	N/A
Rear Tire Order Code	N/A
Spare Tire Order Code	N/A
Front Tire Size	P235/45R17
Rear Tire Size	P235/45R17
Spare Tire Size	Compact

Transmission
Drivetrain	Front Wheel Drive
Trans Order Code	N/A
Trans Type	6
Trans Description Cont.	Manual w/OD
First Gear Ratio (:1)	3.36
Second Gear Ratio (:1)	2.09
Third Gear Ratio (:1)	1.47
Fourth Gear Ratio (:1)	1.10
Fifth Gear Ratio (:1)	1.11
Sixth Gear Ratio (:1)	0.93
Reverse Ratio (:1)	3.99
Clutch Size	N/A in
Final Drive Axle Ratio (:1)	3.94/3.09

Vehicle
EPA Classification	Mid-Size

Weight Information
Base Curb Weight	3300 lbs

Wheels
Front Wheel Size	17 x 7.5 in
Rear Wheel Size	17 x 7.5 in
Spare Wheel Size	N/A in
Front Wheel Material	Alloy
Rear Wheel Material	Alloy
Spare Wheel Material	N/A

ENTERTAINMENT
2-DIN Premium VII AM/FM stereo w/6-disc in-dash CD/MP3 changer, (8) speakers, auxiliary input jack
Diversity antenna

EXTERIOR
17" "Phoenix" alloy wheels w/anti-theft locks
P235/45R17 self-sealing Nailguard all-season tires
Compact spare tire
Body-color bumpers
Chrome exterior trim -inc: front grille, window surrounds, body moldings
Automatic halogen projector lens headlights w/coming home feature
Front fog lights
Body-color heated pwr mirrors
Tinted glass
Variable intermittent windshield wipers
Body-color door handles

INTERIOR
Heated leatherette front bucket seats -inc: 12-way pwr driver seat, 8-way pwr passenger seat
Front center armrest w/storage
(2) front/(2) rear cupholders
(2) pwr outlets -inc: (1) in front center console, (1) in center console rear
Front/rear floor mats
Illuminated footwells
Leather-wrapped tilt/telescoping multifunction 3-spoke steering wheel
Steering wheel cruise controls
Trip computer
Digital compass
Ambient temp display
Pwr windows w/one-touch up/down
Pwr door locks
Remote keyless entry
Remote trunk release & fuel filler door
Alarm system
Engine immobilizer
Climatic single-zone climate control w/pollen/odor filter
Rear window defroster
Illuminated locking glovebox
Auto-dimming rearview mirror
(2) front/(2) rear assist grips
Sliding visors -inc: illuminated vanity mirrors w/covers
Dual front/rear reading lamps
Grocery bag hooks in trunk
Trunk light
(1) pwr outlet in trunk

MECHANICAL
2.0L TSI I4 engine
6-speed manual transmission w/OD
Front-wheel drive
4-link fully independent rear suspension
Sport suspension
Electromechanical speed variable pwr steering
4-wheel anti-lock (ABS) disc brakes

SAFETY
Electronic stabilization program (ESP)
Daytime running lights
Dual front airbags
Dual front side-impact airbags
Dual front/rear head curtain airbags
Passenger airbag cutoff
Front 3-point height-adjustable safety belts
Rear 3-point safety belts in outboard seating positions
Child safety rear door locks
LATCH child restraint system
Trunk escape handle
Tire pressure monitoring system

SAFETY & WARRANTY

Warranty
Basic: 3 Years/36,000 Miles Drivetrain: 5 Years/60,000 Miles Corrosion: 12 Years/Unlimited Miles Roadside Assistance: 3 Years/36,000 Miles
Crash Test Ratings
NHTSA CRASH TEST RESULTS: Frontal crash ratings: Driver: * * * * Passenger: * * * * Side crash ratings: Driver: * * * * * Rear Passenger: * * * * Results based on a 35 MPH frontal crash and 38.5 MPH side crash. Results are reported in a range of one to five stars, with five stars indicating the best crash protection for vehicles within the same weight class. This test used driver and passenger belts and airbags. NHTSA ROLLOVER RESISTANCE RATING: * * * * The Rollover Resistance Rating is an estimate of your risk of rolling over if you have a single vehicle crash. It does not predict the likelihood of that crash. The Rollover Resistance Rating utilizes a "fishhook" maneuver which is a series of abrupt turns at varying speeds to see how "top-heavy" a vehicle is. The more "top-heavy" the vehicle, the more likely it is to roll over. The lowest rated vehicles (1-star) are at least four times more likely to roll over than the highest rated vehicles (5-stars).
Standard Safety Features
4-wheel anti-lock (ABS) disc brakes
Automatic halogen projector lens headlights w/coming home feature
Front fog lights
Body-color heated pwr mirrors
Leather-wrapped tilt/telescoping multifunction 3-spoke steering wheel
Electronic stabilization program (ESP)
Daytime running lights
Dual front airbags
Dual front side-impact airbags
Dual front/rear head curtain airbags
Passenger airbag cutoff
Front 3-point height-adjustable safety belts
Rear 3-point safety belts in outboard seating positions
Child safety rear door locks
LATCH child restraint system
Trunk escape handle
Tire pressure monitoring system
Optional Safety Features
REAR SIDE AIRBAGS

GMC Acadia 2009

Introduction

As high fuel prices have prompted folks to be more realistic about their vehicle purchases, the sales of large truck-based SUVs have dropped while those of more space- and fuel-efficient crossovers, such as the 2009 GMC Acadia, have risen. Crazy as it sounds, Americans are finally realizing that perhaps they don't need something that can pull a house and handle the Rubicon trail. For the more common tasks of shuttling the kids around, hauling 48-count toilet paper boxes from Costco and negotiating winter driving conditions, the Acadia is just about perfect.

Along with its corporate cousins, the Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse and Saturn Outlook, the GMC Acadia has a unibody architecture (as opposed to heavier body-on-frame) which allows better handling, interior packaging and crashworthiness. The Acadia also has a powerful V6 engine and can be had in either front- or all-wheel-drive versions.

What makes the Acadia especially attractive is its optimal use of space. Yes, it's large, about the same size as a Yukon, but it provides a more accommodating third-row seat along with a serious amount of cargo space. And yet, in spite of the Acadia's generous proportions and the fact that it gets a more powerful (288 horsepower) engine this year, this big SUV (in front-drive form) posts respectable fuel mileage figures of 17 mpg city/24 mpg highway and 19 mpg combined.

All things considered, the 2009 GMC Acadia is an easy family vehicle for us to recommend. Thanks to its well-rounded nature and handsome design, it has been the best-selling model of the GM cousins thus far. (The Traverse debuts this year.) Still, there are a few other large crossovers that may warrant your attention, such as the sporty Mazda CX-9 and redesigned Toyota Highlander.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

A full-size crossover SUV, the 2009 GMC Acadia is offered in three trims: base SLE-1 and uplevel SLT-1 and SLT-2. The SLE comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, eight-passenger seating, front and rear air-conditioning, full power accessories, cruise control, OnStar telematics and a six-speaker CD/MP3 stereo system with satellite radio.

The SLT-1 package adds heated mirrors with integrated turn signals, leather seating with heated power front seats, second-row captain's chairs, triple-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth connectivity and a Bose 10-speaker audio system with steering-wheel-mounted audio controls and a six-disc CD changer. The line-topping SLT-2 adds remote vehicle start, rear park assist, a power rear liftgate, power lumbar supports for the front seats, a 115-volt power outlet and a rear cargo shade.

Both SLT models can also be had with eight-passenger seating, and many of the SLT-2's features are available on lesser models, too. Option highlights, available individually or through packages, include a DVD entertainment system, cooled seats, real-time traffic reporting, remote vehicle start, a rearview camera, a second-row console, a two-panel sunroof, 19-inch wheels, a head-up windshield instrument display, a navigation system, Dolby 5.1 surround sound and third-row audio controls.

Powertrains and Performance

The 2009 GMC Acadia can be had with either front-wheel drive or AWD. This year brings a new 3.6-liter V6 with direct injection that makes 288 hp and 270 pound-feet of torque, spread over a broad rpm range. It's matched to a six-speed automatic transmission. Though GMC has built its image around tough trucks, the AWD version of the Acadia is geared more for foul-weather driving than boulder-bashing. The system automatically varies the torque split from 90 percent front/10 percent rear to 35/65, respectively, as available traction dictates.

The front-drive 2009 Acadia has an EPA fuel economy estimate of 17 mpg city/24 mpg highway and 19 mpg combined. The AWD version rates just one mpg less. The Acadia's towing capacity, at 4,500 pounds when properly equipped, should be enough for most folks.

Safety

Standard safety features include antilock disc brakes, stability control, front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and the OnStar communications system.

In government crash tests, the Acadia was all aces, scoring five stars (out of five) in all frontal- and side-impact tests.

Interior Design and Special Features

The attractive cabin boasts logical controls and mostly solid materials and build quality, though a few lower-grade plastic pieces can still be found. Thanks to its space-efficient design, the GMC Acadia provides large-sedan-like comfort for all passengers. A third-row seat is standard, and one may choose between seven- and eight-passenger configurations. The 60/40-split second-row bench allows eight to ride, while opting for the captain's chairs reduces capacity to seven. Additionally, access to that third row is eased by wide rear doors and a sliding second-row seat. Although taller folks in the way back may wish for more thigh support, the accommodations back there are much better than those of most crossovers or traditional SUVs.

Cargo capacity is abundant, with nearly 117 cubic feet available with all seats down, and a still-very-respectable 24 cubic feet behind the third-row seat if all are raised.

Driving Impressions

While the 2009 GMC Acadia isn't exactly an overgrown sport sedan, it's easy and pleasant to drive, especially considering the vehicle's size and 4,700-pound curb weight. Those planning on towing a trailer will want to consider the SLT versions, which feature variable-effort power steering to make quick work of maneuvering.

On the open road, we've found that the optional 19-inch wheels increase the crossover's bling factor, but they also compromise the Acadia's otherwise comfortable ride quality, turning it into a somewhat jarring experience that many target buyers won't enjoy. Our only other complaint regards the programming of the six-speed automatic, whose downshifts can be a bit lethargic unless prodded by a sharp boot to the gas.

Officially Driving New Audi TT RS Coupe 2009

2009 Audi TT

Introduction The Audi TT appeals to sports car enthusiasts and weekend cruisers alike. The powertrains are responsive and quick. The steering is sharp and the handling is crisp. Quattro all-wheel drive gives the TT enhanced handling tenacity and remarkable bad-weather capabilities. The interior is stunning, with a brilliant design and layout, beautiful detailing, tight panel gaps and first-class materials. But what really sets the TT apart, and has since the introduction of the first-generation version some years ago, has been and still is its wonderful exterior design, giving it a style and a look that is unlike anything else on the road. The TT is available as a coupe or roadster. The coupe is claimed as having 2+2 seating, meaning two adults in front and maybe two other, non-complaining and hopefully smaller person in back, but it's really a two-seater. The roadster has no pretensions of being meant for anything other than two people. The coupe also offers a certain degree of luggage space under its rear hatchback. The Audi TT offers a choice of a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine or 3.2-liter V6, and with front-wheel drive or quattro all-wheel drive. There are a variety of trim levels and a wide range of options, including some really neat leathers and interior options, and we think it's well worth taking time to carefully consider them all.

Audi TT 2.0T models have a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 200 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque; they are available in front-drive or quattro versions, but the only transmission choice is the six-speed S tronic, a dual-clutch transmission that can be operated either as a manual or an automatic. The 3.2 models have a 3.2-liter V6 that produces 250 horsepower at 6300 rpm and 236 pound-feet of torque from 2500 to 3000 rpm; all 3.2 models have quattro, but there is a choice of a six-speed manual or the six-speed S tronic. The Audi TTS is powered by a version of the 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder that's been up-rated to 265 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 258 pound-feet of torque from 2500 to 5000 rpm. It's available only with quattro and the S tronic dual-clutch transmission. Fuel efficiency for the TT line is remarkable given the levels of performance. The 2.0T is EPA-rated at 23/31 mpg City/Highway, the 3.2 with the manual is rated at 17/25 mpg, and the TTS is rated, somewhat astoundingly, at 21/29 mpg. Lineup The 2009 Audi TT 2.0T coupe ($35,200) and 2.0T roadster ($37,200) come with leather/alcantara upholstery, automatic climate control, tilt-telescope leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, six-way manually adjustable front seats, center console, aluminum interior trim, heated power mirrors, power windows, power locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, trip computer, variable intermittent wipers, rear defogger, theft deterrent system, rear spoiler, and fog lights. Coupes come with a split-folding rear seat. Roadsters get a manual convertible top with a heated glass rear window; a power top is optional ($900). The 2.0T models come with front-wheel drive, 225/50R17 all-season run-flat or summer performance tires, alloy wheels, limited-slip differential. The 2.0T comes with the S-tronic direct shift gearbox (DSG), which is a clutchless manual transmission that can be operated as an automatic or as a manual via the gearshift or steering wheel paddles. Audi TT 3.2 quattro coupe ($42,070) and 3.2 quattro roadster ($45,140) come with AM/FM radio with six-disc CD changer, steering wheel audio controls, auto-dimming rearview mirror, compass, HomeLink universal garage door opener, rain-sensing wipers, and automatic headlights. On 3.2 quattro roadsters, the convertible top is power operated. Audi TT 3.2 models all come with Quattro all-wheel drive, 245/45R17 all-season run-flat or summer performance tires. A six-speed manual transmission is standard, the six-speed S tronic is optional. Audi TTS coupe ($45,500) and TTS roadster ($47,500) are equipped similarly. All come with Quattro all-wheel drive. Options include a navigation system ($1,950); Bluetooth ($450); Alcantara inserts and other interior trim upgrades; wheel and tire packages; heated seats; sound system upgrades. Safety equipment includes front airbags, seat-mounted side airbags, front knee airbags, ABS with electronic brake force distribution and brake assist, traction control, stability control, active head restraints, and a tire-pressure monitor. Roadsters have rollover bars mounted behind the seats, and coupes have LATCH-style rear seat child-seat anchors. Walkaround When it was first introduced, the TT's rounded look and geometric shapes were unlike anything on the road. It was well-received, and the design solidified the TT as a choice for those who wanted something different. Audi has done a fine job of making the new TT an evolution of the old, and the current TT is sharper than the previous model, with more angular lines and crisper edges. Audi's single bar grille, the corporate face, is black plastic on 2.0T models and painted gloss black on 3.2 quattros. The side of the car features a character line that leads to prominent wheel flares. The coupe's graceful roofline resolves into a rounded rear end. Rather than opting for a convertible hardtop, Audi has chosen a traditional soft top for the roadster. Both body styles have a spoiler that pops up at 75 mph and retracts at 50 mph. A button allows you to deploy or retract the spoiler at any time. At 164.5 inches long and 72.5 inches wide, the Audi TT fits right in the heart of the premium sports car segment. It is longer and wider than the BMW Z4 and Mercedes-Benz SLK. It is more than six inches shorter than the Porsche Boxster and Cayman, but is still more than an inch wider. Below the surface, the TT is built on the Audi Space Frame (ASF) architecture. Audi says the space frame is made of cast, extruded, and stamped steel and aluminum components, as opposed to a traditional unibody structure that has only steel stampings. The coupe's space frame is 69 percent aluminum and the roadster's is 58 percent aluminum. The roadster is reinforced behind the seats to make up for the rigidity lost due to the lack of a top. Audi claims the new coupe is 50 percent more rigid than the last model, and the roadster is 120 percent stronger. Audi says the new-generation roadster is more rigid than the last coupe, an impressive claim. The base roadster's top is manually operated, but most TTs will come with the power top, which is extremely easy to use. There are no latches, and it opens in 12 seconds and closes in 14. For those sudden weather changes, the power top can be operated while the car is moving as fast as 25 mph, a handy feature. The TTS features an uprated version of the 2.0-liter engine. Modifications made to the engine to bring it to the TTS level include revisions to the block, cylinder head, connecting rods, pistons, turbocharger, fuel injection system, engine management, intercooler, air path and the exhaust system. Interior Inside, the Audi TT is wonderful. Highlighted with real aluminum trim, the interior is well put together, with tight tolerances and sturdy, soft-touch materials. The design is contemporary, simple, and attractive. The gauges are trimmed in silver with black faces, and trip computer information is displayed between them. All of the controls are within arm's reach and they move with precision. Without the optional navigation system, the controls are easy to find and operate. With the navigation system, however, the TT gets a version of Audi's Multi Media Interface (MMI). This system absorbs the audio controls, and adds several steps to simple tasks like changing the radio station. MMI might appeal to techies, but most of us would prefer something less complicated. Sports cars are often difficult to enter and exit. While getting into the TT requires a step down, it's not extreme and, once inside, the TT has ample room for most drivers. A 6-foot, 7-inch friend said he fit well in the TT, but found the Z4 to be cramped. The front seats are comfortable and have nice bolstering to help keep you in place in fast turns. Visibility is good to most angles, but there is a notable blind spot to the right rear in coupes and in roadsters with the top up. The leather upholstery is attractive, and the Enhanced Interior package makes it even more so, with contrasting stitching and a leather-covered instrument pod. Audi offers numerous interior color options, as well as the Baseball-Optic leather package that features a Madras Brown color and thick stitching inspired by baseball gloves, a TT tradition. It's pretty swell. The rear seat in the coupe is too small for all but small children, and even they may complain. It's really best used for packages and briefcases. Cargo space in the coupe is decent even with the seats up, but with them down it expands from 10.2 to 24.7 cubic feet. Folding down the rear seats creates a flat load floor and plenty of cargo space. The TT coupe has more than twice the cargo space of a Z4 coupe. There's plenty of room for a serious grocery run or luggage for two. Cargo space in the roadster is tighter overall, with 9.1 cubic feet. The convertible top doesn't intrude on trunk space, however, and a pass-through for skis is available that improves the roadster's versatility. Cubby storage is limited in the TT, however. Neither the coupe nor the roadster has enough interior storage for small items. Driving Impressions The Audi TT is fun to drive. All TTs have sharp handling. Despite a front weight bias, the TT doesn't have a tendency toward plowing the nose, but instead feels responsive and nimble. It feels stable at speed, and is perfectly willing to be tossed into tight corners. Steering is quick, predictable, and direct. In driving a 2.0T roadster with 17-inch wheels and a 3.2 quattro roadster and coupe, each with 18-inch wheels, the 2.0T exhibited a bit more body lean and tire squeal in turns, but still gripped the road well. The 3.2 quattros felt sharper, especially the coupe. Neither roadster exhibited much, if any, cowl shake. The Audi TT roadster is one solid convertible. Handling becomes even sharper when the available Audi Magnetic Ride Suspension is chosen. It utilizes a fluid in all four shocks that, when subjected to an electric charge, changes the shock's damping characteristics from comfort oriented to firm and sporty. The brakes did not fade in the face of aggressive driving and maintained a consistent feel. Audi's electronic stability control doesn't intrude too soon, allowing some slip without prematurely cutting the throttle. With the Audi Magnetic Ride Suspension, the electronic stability control is programmed to give the driver even more leeway. Ride quality is quite comfortable. Audi TT models with 17-inch wheels soak up small bumps well, but sharper irregularities can jolt passengers. The ride becomes firmer and busier with the optional 18-inch tires, so try these before you buy, especially if you live in an area with rough roads. We're not sure it's worth it. Acceleration performance is quick and responsive. The turbocharged four-cylinder of the 2.0T has little turbo lag, making it quick from a stop and responsive at speed. It runs out of steam above 6000 rpm, though, so it's best to shift before that point. Audi says the 2.0T can launch the TT coupe from 0-60 mph in 6.1 seconds, and the roadster in 6.3 seconds. The 3.2-liter V6 has more punch, is more responsive than the 2.0T at all speeds, and is capable of 0-60 mph in 5.3 seconds with the S tronic transmission and 5.5 seconds with the manual gearbox. The TTS, with its 265 horsepower, is a whole 'nother matter, and is billed as the fastest TT ever. Audi says the TTS coupe will accelerate from 0-60 mph in just 4.9 seconds, and the TTS roadster will make it in 5.1. The TTS has its top speed electronically limited to 155 mph. The six-speed manual transmission is easy to shift and has fairly short throws. The S tronic DSG has Drive and Sport modes, both of which shift quickly and without a jolt. The Sport mode holds lower gears longer to keep more accessible power on tap. The driver can shift the DSG via the steering wheel paddles or shift lever. Quattro all-wheel drive is front-biased, but can alter the bias from front to rear as conditions require. Quattro is a great choice for those who live where the weather often turns harsh. Audi is a leader in all-wheel-drive technology. In normal cruising, the cabin is quiet for a sports car. Tire noise can become pronounced on rough surfaces, but wind noise is well-checked. There is some sporty exhaust note but, after all, this is a performance car. 2009 TT Review Summary & Specifications The Audi TT offers quick performance, crisp handling, remarkable efficiency, and a beautiful interior, all wrapped in a stunning, highly distinctive body that will not be mistaken for anything else on the road. Quattro all-wheel drive gives the TT 3.2 all-weather capability. The hatchback coupe offers cargo versatility while the roadster offers top-down fun. If you're looking for a sporty weekend toy, or even a year-round sports car, make sure the Audi TT is on your shopping list. As with most German cars, options can drive the price up quickly.