If Audi didn't tell me that the TT is all-new for 2008, then I wouldn't have known it -- just going on first glance.

Redoing the TT as an all-new, second-generation model begs the question, "If it ain't broke, why fix it?"

Not to worry; Audi didn't stray from the original design of the sports coupe that was first introduced in 1999. Audi says its first-generation TT has become a milestone in automotive design with the classic core geometric lines of circles and curves. The look of the TT will remain a timeless and instantly recognizable automotive architecture on the road.

For 2008, Audi enhanced these styling cues with an expressive front end, larger air inlets and sharply cut, sloping headlights and wide wheel arches in the rear. The 2008 TT is slightly larger over the first model, resulting in a wee bit more interior room for 2+2 seater.

The coupe is 5.4 inches longer, 3.1 inches wider and just 0.2 inches higher. By the way, with the rear seats folded, the cargo capacity of 24.7 cu.-ft. of volume is capable of carrying two golf bags.

The best thing about the TT is its balance on the road in how smoothly it flattens out in cornering, keeping the ride dynamic for the driver. This is due in part to a retuned and redeveloped sport suspension, and as well, a new electronic stability program that allows the driver to hold and maintain the maximum driving character the coupe offers.

Audi says when a speed of 75 mph is reached, the rear spoiler is extended in a curve motion to improve the downforce for rear axle. In its normal position the electrically operated rear spoiler is neatly tucked in a curved lip that complements the overall round exterior appearance. Standard wheels and tires are 17-inch equipment.

Inside, the interior changes include a large digital speedometer. I liked the new sport-steering wheel with a flattened bottom, similar to the one in the Audi R8. The seats for the driver and front passenger are fitted lower for more authentic, sporty, small car 2+2 seating, but the seats can be adjusted in length and height for a more perfect comfort position.

The 2008 Audi TT lineup features the roadster and coupe models, which are both offered in a choice of front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. Front-wheel drive roadsters and coupes are equipped with the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 200 horsepower and 207 lb.-ft. of torque. The four-cylinder turbocharged TT starts at $34,800.

TT coupes and roadsters with the all-wheel drive "quattro" configuration have the 3.2-liter V-6 engines under the hood. The V-6 generates 250 horsepower and 236 lb.-ft. of torque. My test-drive model was the TT Coupe 3.2 Quattro with the optional six-speed automatic transmission at a base price of $42,900. The TT V-6 with the standard six-speed manual transmission starts at $41,500.

For the best performance, premium fuel should be used in the V-6 engine and super unleaded gas in the four-cylinder model. Fuel economy in this subcompact is rated at 18 mpg city and 24 mpg highway.

Optional equipment of Sirius and Bose audio package ($1,000), a fine Nappa leather seating and trim enhanced interior ($1,100), summer performance tires and 18-inch alloy wheels ($800), adaptive headlights ($800), Bluetooth phone system ($425), iPod ($250) and destination charge of $720 brought the tester's price to $48,020. Safety features on my model included seat-mounted side airbags, knee airbags for both front occupants and dual front airbags.

SPECIFICATIONS

2008 Audi TT 3.2

VEHICLE TYPE: 2+2 AWD subcompact coupe

BASE PRICE: $42,900 (as tested: $48,020)

ENGINE TYPE: DOHC V-6 w/SFI

DISPLACEMENT: 3.2-liter

HORSEPOWER (net): 250 at 6300 rpm

TORQUE (lbs.-ft.): 236 at 2500-3000 rpm

TRANSMISSION: 6-speed automatic

WHEELBASE: 97 in.

HEIGHT: 53 in.

TURNING CIRCLE (curb-to-curb): 36 ft.

CURB WEIGHT: 3,262 lbs.

FUEL CAPACITY: 16 gal.

MILEAGE: 18 mpg city, 24 mpg highway