The 2001 AUDI TT ROADSTER- Now here is the finest small convertible we have seen in years. This little car is so fun to drive, and if you like a unique look this is definitely your car. While in Portland at the new car Auto show last year, I had the great opportunity to put this little wonder through the paces... Wow, was I seriously impressed ! This roadster held the road so incredibly, the folks at Audi could not have done it any better. The 225-horsepower version of the same 1.8-liter DOHC four-cylinder and Quattro all-wheel-drive setup. Throw in the super-smooth-shifting six-speed manual transmission, and you've got a convertible that's bound to give the other cars in this section a run for the "best roadster" title.

Audi really put this addition to their quality family of cars, setting them apart in uniqueness. This is the cutest performance laced roadster available.

The power top is quick to fold away, as well as raise, doing the deeds in under 10 seconds each. A power folding top is optional, (manual top is standard). Top up, the view through the heated glass rear window is adequate, but there are big blind spots. Top down, the Roadster shows off its brushed aluminum rollbar covers, but the top also uses up a great deal of trunk space when lowered. This problem is compounded on the Quattro models because of the larger rear suspension and differential, which results in a trunk that, besides the standard first-aid kit, won't hold much beyond a brief case or duffle bag.

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A Change in power from the original TT coupe: The 180-horsepower engine (front- or all-wheel drive) or the 225-horsepower engine (all-wheel drive only). The extra 45 horsepower, an increase of 25 percent, is made possible by a larger turbocharger and twin intercoolers (compared to the single intercooler on the 180-horsepower engine), higher-compression pistons, higher-flowing dual exhaust system (compared to single exhaust), performance camshaft, and revised engine computer. The 225-horsepower version also comes standard with beefy 17x7.5-inch wheels and 225/45R17 Bridgestone Potenza tires, larger-diameter ventilated rear disc brakes, and optional Xenon headlights. Our Nimbus Gray Pearl Effect, 225-horsepower roadster had additional options available on all open-air TTs.

If the TT Roadster looks to you like a Coupe with the roof cut off, rest assured, Audi engineers took great pains that the Roadster would feel and handle just as well as its fixed-roof version. They reinforced the lower sill panels, added high-strength steel inserts into the windshield frame and A-pillar for rollover protection, and installed a transverse aluminum bulkhead behind the front seats to hold the dual rollbars. The only downside to the changes is that the Roadster becomes a two-seater, whereas the Coupe has a rear seat, even if unsuited for anyone but limber children. On the positive side, the Roadster is nearly as stiff as the Coupe and doesn't exhibit cowl shake on rough surfaces felt in many convertibles.

A Here is a look at the new Audi TT roadster interior instrument panel and appearance, Very well done and comfortable inside. Also, the interior is most stylish and ergonomically near perfect. The rubber/aluminum pedal pads and dead pedal are a nice extra touch. Amber Red leather interior with baseball stitching, and Bose audio system is also available as an added option. In viewing the baseball stitching recently, we feel at AutoNetDirect, this will be a hit for Audi.

Some inside news from Audi: The 2001 Aud TT Roadster will boost sales at Audi tremendously. Audi has imported 5000 roadsters into North America for an on-sale date of April 2000. Half of these will be equipped as Quattros, and only 1250 are expected to be the 225-horsepower version. Audi says delivery time is projected at six to nine months. JH/AutoNetDirect.com

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