54 MODERN CLASSICS
nudged.Thehardshellof a seatjabschassismessages
throughas thestiffsuspensionskitterstherearwheels
over ripples in the road clinging to the slopes of Holme
Moss Hill. There’s an unexpected sense of confidence.
It’s that Haldex four-wheel drive system. No matter
what scrapes the TT gets itself into, you respond to it
physically, your body reacting to its various vibrationsin
order to point it in the right direction. Plant your rightfoot,
release the turbocharger and burst the engine’s torque
above 3000rpm, safe in the knowledge that at least oneof
the TT’s wheels will be in full contact with the road,which
is enough to force it where you want to go.
This is how we’ve always wanted Audis to drive. Ever
since the original ’80s quattro, the all-wheel grip ofthe
sportier Audis has been scuppered by dodgy weight
distribution due to longitudinal engines mounted sofar
forward, the radiators have had to be skewed in alongside
them. People taken in by the Quattro system’s reputation
are often surprised by the reality of leaden understeerand
unmanageably laggy turbo response.
But this TT doesn’t just solve these issues with themore
compact Haldex four-wheel-drive system and a transverse
engine which minimises weight overhangs. It also has
charm. Stripped of sound-deadening, the engine hasa
harsh, rorty edge. Alcantara everywhere gives it thecabin
texture of an ’80s Group B car. As it conquers HolmeMoss
and eyes Wessenden Head through the gathering mist,it’s
convinced me, and it’s done so on the kind of roads the
fêted Ur quattro once made its own en route to WRCglory.
GREAT DRIVES
AUDI TT QUATTRO SPORT
Engine 1781cc, 4-cyl, DOHC
Transmission 4WD, 6-speed manual
Power 237bhp@5700rpm
Torque 236lb-ft@2300-5000rpm
Weight 1390kg
PERFORMANCE
0-60mph 6.4sec
Top speed 151mph
Economy 30mpg
The Modern Classics view
As the sun sets on our epic day in the Yorkshire skyline,it's
hard not be won over by the TT QS. From unpromising
beginnings, Audi managed to distil its sporting essence
into this taut, ultra-concentrated package. If you’re notin
the mood, it’ll punish you with its uncompromising
nature. But that’s the whole point of the Audi TT Quattro
Sport: unlike any previous TT, it’s a car for special drives.
It’s also an absolute bargain when you bear in mind
what you’re getting. The last time Audi made a short-
wheelbase, motorsport-inspired, four-wheel-drive sports
car, it was a Group B homologation special that will now
set you back a quarter of a million. The Quattro Sport
might not be a Group B monster, but it finally makes good
on the TT’s promise and offers a snarling, popping, full-
body-workout Group B-style drive for between £6k and
£10k. It’s a proper sports car all right.
'THERE'S CONFIDENCE...
THIS IS HOW WE'VE ALWAYS
WANTED AUDIS TO DRIVE'
Exclusive and
great to drive.
A heady mix.
THANKS
Audi UK for the
loan of the TT.
