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 or Porsche's Boxster and Cayman. Unlike all the others, however, the TTS Coupe can squeeze in three passengers, thanks to its pair of folding jump seats under the hatch. 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 the competition with this 2009 TTS model.

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As the most powerful TT variation since its U.S. introduction in 2000, 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 4.9 seconds. Top speed, as seems to be the common practice in German-made vehicles, is artificially limited to 155mph.
The coupe should tip the scales at somewhere near 3,150lbs.

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, starting at just shy of $50,000. Europe will get a six-speed manual transmission option as well.