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"         DSG. Remember these letters. They stand for Direct Shift Gearbox, and it&amp;#039;s the primary thing that makes the TT 3.2 Quattro special. Another is a 3.2-liter V-6, but more on that later.   In simple terms, DSG is a semiautomatic transmission (a manual without a clutch pedal, if you like) that allows for both automatic and manual modes. Unlike systems used by most manufacturers, such as Porsche, Mercedes-Benz and Acura, DSG does not work through a torque converter, which means that it&amp;#039;s basically a manual transmission with an automatic mode, rather than vice versa. BMW has a similar system (called SMG); so do Ferrari, Maserati, Toyota and Aston Martin.   Audi&amp;#039;s DSG provides lightning-quick shifting characteristics (0.2 second, to be exact), similar to those gearboxes mentioned above. The driver chooses gears in a sequential manner by tipping the shift lever forward or back, or pulling on paddles behind the steering wheel. In manual mode, upshifts are immediate and downshifts are equally impressive, with the system automatically blipping the throttle to match engine rpm and road speed.   But what sets DSG apart from the others is its behavior in automatic mode. Unlike the other systems that have a tendency to lurch forward during gearchanges \u2014 one person likened it to being in a row boat \u2014 DSG performs up- and downshifts in an amazingly smooth manner; the sensation from the driver&amp;#039;s seat is no different from that of a full automatic transmission.   Audi accomplished this by incorporating a three-shaft design in the gearbox, which allows variability in the selection of the transmission ratio. A twin multiplate clutch allows for two gears to be engaged at the same time. Here&amp;#039;s how it works, according to Audi: When the time comes for a gearchange, the next gear is preselected while its clutch is kept disengaged. Then the system opens the clutch of the activated gear and closes the other clutch at the same time with slight overlap so as not to interrupt the flow of power. The transition occurs under load, which results in a smooth gearchange. Sound complicated? Well, it is, but what&amp;#039;s important is that every shift in automatic mode is virtually transparent.   Mated to the DSG is Audi&amp;#039;s wonderful 3.2-liter V-6. The combination of the two transforms the very soul of the TT from a chic 2+2 into an asphalt-ripping sports car that&amp;#039;ll keep pace with the Porsche Boxster S.   The TT Quattro has always been a capable handling machine \u2014 thanks to its rigid body, compliant suspension and all-wheel drive \u2014 but with the extra oomph, the car&amp;#039;s driving dynamics come to life. With 250 bhp and 236 lb.-ft. of torque on tap, the TT 3.2 Quattro leaves the line with verve, especially with launch control engaged. Once you&amp;#039;re off the line, the TT 3.2 Quattro accelerates smoothly and briskly to its 6600-rpm redline, accompanied by a pleasant throaty exhaust note. Audi claims that it will run to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 6.4 sec.   The car&amp;#039;s cornering character is first-rate and turn-in is crisp. Thanks to the formidable low- and mid-range punch of the engine and the traction provided by awd, the TT spits out of corners quickly. Body roll is minimal because Audi slightly stiffened the springs and reinforced the anti-roll bars at both front and rear.   With the introduction of the TT 3.2 Quattro at dealerships in the fall as a 2004 model, Audi will offer its stylish coupe in 12 different versions worldwide (four engines, four gearboxes, front- and all-wheel drive, coupe and roadster). This means you can virtually customize the car to your tastes. The TT 3.2 Quattro will stand as the top-of-the-line version, with a price tag of about $40,000 for the coupe and $43,000 for the convertible. "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.roadandtrack.com/new-cars/first-drives/reviews/a9851/2004-audi-tt-32-quattro/>