S marks the sport for Audi’s TT

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When Audi wants to produce a sportier version from its model line, the car is designated as an S. For example, the S4 -- a sprightlier A4. Which raises the question: Where has the S-badged TT been all this time? We’re into generation two already.

Detroit in January has suddenly become a little warmer, because that’s where the Audi TTS will be introduced, at the 2008 North American International Auto Show. And interestingly, Audi hasn’t gone for massaging the 3.2-liter V-6 version but has decided to juice up the turbocharged four-cylinder engine.

So power is up to 272 horsepower from 200 and torque now peaks at 258 pound-feet. The tin-top hits 60 mph from standstill in 5.4 seconds; the roadster is only two-tenths of second behind. All U.S.-spec cars will probably have the S-tronic dual-clutch transmission, which is no bad thing.

A version of Audi’s adaptive magnetic damping system (an option found in the R8 super-car) with a more extreme sport mode constitutes the TTS’ standard-issue suspension. And for safety, in go high-performance brakes.

The TTS goes in sale in the fall as a 2009 model, with a sticker price in the region of $60,000.

-- Colin Ryan