The history of the TT (Tourist Trophy) started in 1995 when Audi unveiled the first concept at the 1995 Frankfurt Motor Show. It would be a full three years before the market would be introduced to the production model in 1998, but when that happened, it arrived in both coupe and roadster versions. The first generation remained active until 2006, when the company released the second generation TT for the 2007MY.
Compared to the first generation TT, the model unveiled in 2006 featured a completely redesigned exterior, a switch from the Volkswagen Group PQ34 platform to the PQ35, and new, improved engines. At the launch, the TT MK2 was offered with a choice of two inline four-cylinder engines and a V6 carried over from the previous model, but in the years that have followed since then, Audi has enriched the line-up with even more engine choices to satisfy the market.
For the most part, the second generation TT has remained unchanged, but the past couples of years have brought on some tweaks to freshen up the car’s look. In 2011, the TT was given a more powerful bumper, larger air inlets with three-dimensional, sharp edges, and fog lights set in chrome rings. Under the hood, Audi placed new technologies that allowed improved fuel consumption. For 2012, Audi has decided to offer the TT-RS version on the US market, which is enough of a change to warrant some attention.
Hit the jump to read more about the Audi TT.
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Nissan unveiled the 370Z Coupe in 2009 as a replacement for the 350Z, and the roadster version followed one year later. Over its short life, the car has largely remained the same, with only minor modifications made to the list of equipment.
Compared to the 350Z, the new Nissan 370Z features a more aggressive design language, intentionally picking up elements from the 240Z’s design. These elements provide a sleek aerodynamic shape, a "dynamic motion" feel with a dramatic cantilevered roof, and a "low visual gravity."
Both the coupe and roadster versions of the 370Z are offered in standard and Touring variants, with a 332 HP 3.7-liter DOHC V6 engine and choice of a 6-speed manual transmission or a 7-speed automatic transmission. In addition to these options, Nissan also has a Nismo model that delivers a total of 350 HP.
Hit the jump to read more about the 2009-2012 Nissan 370Z.
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The 2012 Honda Pilot is entering a market that’s about as competitive as its ever been. But that’s not as important because it’s coming to the party chalk-full of new features that are sure to attract a wide range of customers.
Honda’s new eight-passenger SUV comes with a wide range of upgrades for 2012, including a refreshed front-end design, enhanced interior features that come with plenty of new technological goodies and a wide-range of safety enhancements, and finally, an increased fuel economy rating compared to its predecessor.
The competitive nature of today’s SUV market has prompted automakers to bring their best offering to the table. In the case of Honda, the 2012 Pilot offers the best of everything they have to offer, complete with four different trim levels - the EX, the LX, the EX-L, and the Touring - and a plethora of new features that include power windows/locks, keyless entry, a seven speaker audio system and front/rear air conditioning, among other things.
Find out more about the 2012 Honda Pilot after the jump.
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The European market got graced with the Volkswagen Golf R at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, but we had to wait two more years before seeing it on our side of the pond. Alas, the time has come and the Golf R’s debut even came with more power, more performance, less gasoline consumption, and a reasonable $33,990 price tag.
The new Golf R uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine that delivers a total of 256 HP, 6 HP more than the previous R32 sold on the US market back in 2008. With this adjustment, Volkswagen states that the Golf R is "the most powerful VW sports performance vehicle ever sold in the U.S."
The Golf R is also more economical, delivering a fuel economy of 19 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway compared with an EPA estimated mileage of 18 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway for the previous R32.
Hit the jump to read more about the Volkswagen Golf R.
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Acura has spiffed up its entry level sedan, the TSX, to give us the 2012 Special Edition TSX. Though Acura will stick to its tried and true 2.4-liter inline-four VTEC power plant with no additional power increases, there are upgrades inside and out.
The exterior features a more aggressive front spoiler giving it a sporty look, reminiscent of their old sports coupe, the RSX. Other cosmetic upgrades include a rear bumper fascia, side sills, and a fancy "Special Edition" badge on the trunklid.
In the cabin, Acura has made "sport-minded appointments" including suede seat inserts with red backing. There is red stitching abound—on the shift knob, seats, and steering wheel—that compliment nicely with the red ambient lighting featured on the gauge cluster, overhead lighting, and footwell lighting. The pedals have also been upgraded to aluminum.
Acura has also released pricing options for the entire TSX range, with the base model starting at $29,810. The Special Edition starts at $30,810 and comes with either a five-speed auto or six-speed manual tranmission. Opt for the Technology Package—upgraded sound system and navigation—and the price jumps to $32,910.
If you want a 280-horsepower V6 model, MSRP climbs to $35,350, or $38,450 with the Technology Package. Wagon models are also available for $31,160, or $34,810 with the tech upgrades.
Hit the jump to see the press release on the Special Edition model.
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