[Editor's note: This article orginally appeared in the June 2009 issue of Grassroots Motorsports.]
All of the doomsday headlines in today’s automotive news can make it tough to remember happier times in the car industry. Ten years ago, however, “recession” was the last word on the minds of auto executives. Sales approached 15 million units per annum, and many of …
I borrowed a manual 225hp 2002 from a friend and the pedal placement was horrible. Impossible to heel and toe rev match down shifts. A big faux pas for a supposed driver's car.
the aftermarket fixed it
I know everyone seeks out the 225HP Quattro and 3.2 models, but for me? Give me a FWD one. They're basically a Mk4 GTI with better suspension geometry and less weight...IIRC you can get them very, very light with some selective weight reduction too. Plus, just less crap to go wrong (big perk for any VAG product).
Yeah, they have their issues, but if you're in a certain age bracket you were probably drooling over the concept car and subsequently in awe of how close to the concept the retail product ended up being.
I still like how these look. More than the later ones really. They fast in one AX class a while back too.
In reply to pointofdeparture :
Of course, I'd go the gti route, improve it's suspension geometry, put it on a diet and be able to fit a set of track wheels and tires in the hatch. Sure it's not pretty, but it does everything, other than looking pretty, better.
Captdownshift (Forum Supporter) said:In reply to pointofdeparture :
Of course, I'd go the gti route, improve it's suspension geometry, put it on a diet and be able to fit a set of track wheels and tires in the hatch. Sure it's not pretty, but it does everything, other than looking pretty, better.
I get the intention but you can never get a GTI as light as a TT unless you start sawzalling stuff out or replace half the body with fiberglass or carbon fiber. The TT has some unique aluminum body panels and crash structure bits. Audi really bloated the curb weight with sound deadening and luxury trimmings but there's a lot of potential in the chassis; I used to run at Road America with a guy who put his (FWD) on a big diet but kept a pretty streetable interior and claimed it weighed out under 2500lbs. Apparently they come with a 75lb weight bolted on behind the rear bumper!
current FB marketplace search for next Challenge car
My personal Eleanore. *sigh*
And prices went up on these. *sigh*
Weird baseball glove interior. *sigh*
I just bought a second generation TT at auction. I'm loving it so far.
3.2l / 6speed / awd
We have had two of these. A 1.8T 185hp 5spd, and a 3.2 DSG. They were both great cars.
Friend of mine bought one of these when they first came out 225 hp all wheel drive. I loved that thing. First gen ones looked fantastic
Then they put that stupid looking spoiler on them because the rear end got a little light at 125 mph, then stretched them out and spoiled the lines.
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