Audi's TT was traditionally known as a bit of a hairdresser's car versus a performance one, akin to the reputation of the Mazda Miata and unlike competitors such as BMW's Z4, Nissan's 350Z Roadster or Porsche's Boxster. Like those cars, it's strictly a two-seater. Now on its second generation -- which was unveiled for the 2008 model year, with a 2007 MIA -- Audi made its biggest effort yet to compete with those other roadsters with this 2009 TTS model.

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As the most powerful TT Roadster variation since its U.S. introduction in 2001, the TTS produces 265 horsepower at 6,000rpm from a tuned version of VW's venerable 2.0 turbo inline-four with direct fuel injection. Torque plateaus at 258lb-ft from 2,500 to 5,000rpm, and the gains were attained thanks to a new engine block, cylinder head, pistons and connecting rods. The engine handily outmuscles the standard turbo's 200hp and 207lb-ft numbers, and the optional 3.2-liter V6 TT's 250hp and 236lb-ft.

The exclusive dancing partners of that powerplant include Audi's revised all-wheel drive system and a six-speed dual-clutch gearbox the automaker calls S-Tronic. Audi promises performance will be brisk, claiming sprint from a standstill to 60mph will take just 5.1 seconds. Top speed, as seems to be the common practice in German-made vehicles, is artificially limited to 155mph. The roadster should tip the scales at somewhere near 3,300lbs.

Other features standard on the TTS include magnetic adaptive shocks along with 18-inch wheels.

The TTS will go on sale in the U.S. in November of 2008. Europe will get a six-speed manual transmission option as well.