Audi TT (Germany, 2006-2014)

The second generation of the Audi TT, internally designated Typ 8J, was unveiled by the German brand on 6 April 2006. The model was based on the Volkswagen Group A5 (PQ35) platform and used aluminium in the front bodypanels, and steel in the rear, to enhance its near-neutral front-to-rear weight distribution. The second generation is offered in the 2+2 Coupé and two-seater Roadster body styles and is available in both front-wheel drive or 'quattro' four-wheel drive layout. Compared to the previous generation, the Audi TT saw its length increase by five inches and its width by three.

The Audi TT is equipped with a multi-link fully independent rear suspension to complement the front independent suspension. The whole suspension can be enhanced thanks to Audi's new optional active suspension, "Audi Magnetic Ride". It is based on BWI Group's MagneRide and thanks to an electronic control unit it automatically adjusts the suspension's damping properties depending on the current road conditions and driving manner.

Another feature of the second serie TT is the revised rear spoiler that automatically extends at speeds greater than 120 kilometres per hour (75 mph), and retracts again below 80 kilometres per hour (50 mph).

The Audi TTS was unveiled at the 2008 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit with a heavily enhanced 2.0 TFSI engine. With all the changes made to the engine the TTS produces a power output of 200 kilowatts (272 PS; 268 bhp), and torque of 350 Nm (258 ft·lbf) from 2,500 to 5,000 rpm.

The engine may be combined with a a six-speed close-ratio manual transmission or a six-speed 'S tronic' transmission. Like all Audi "S" models, it is only available with quattro four-wheel drive as standard.
 

The Audi TT RS had its world premiere at the 2009 Geneva Auto Show and was developed by Audi's high performance subsidiary quattro GmbH at Neckarsulm. It became the ever compact sports car Audi "RS" model, being available on the market from 2009 in both the Coupé and Roadster body styles. The model is powered by an all-new 2.5 litre inline five-cylinder Turbocharged Fuel Stratified Injection (TFSI) petrol engine, producing 250 kilowatts (340 PS; 335 bhp) from 5,400 to 6,700 rpm, and torque of 450 newton metres (332 ft·lbf) at 1,600-5,300 rpm.

The TT RS features a new short-shift close-ratio six-speed manual transmission and as all others RS models is only available with Audi's 'trademark' quattro four-wheel drive system. Other features on the RS version include a constant velocity joint before the cardan propeller shaft, and a compact rear-axle differential.
 

The second generation TT has received several awards, including the inaugural Drive Car of the Year, Top Gear Coupé of the Year 2006, Fifth Gear Car of the Year 2006, Autobild Most Beautiful Car, and World Design Car of the Year 2007. It was also one of the finalists for World Car of the Year.