The Detroit Newspapers's view

SAN FRANCISCO — Taking a sharp turn fast requires absolute attention and an excellent car.

Watch your speed as you approach. Downshift. Use the engine to slow your entry into the corner. Listen to that inner voice: “Keep your rpms up, maximize your torque.”

Feel your body push sideways toward the door as you tighten your grip on the steering wheel. Hold, hold, hold — a little longer than comfort allows. Feel the suspension press through the bumps. Keep your line. Let your tires claw into the road; they’ll hold. Intuitively know how many inches your right front wheel is from the cliff face — too close, and you’ll clip the rocks.

Scan through the corner: no bicycles, no oncoming cars — all clear. Squeeze the throttle. Take a breath. Speed up, and do it all over again in another 50 feet.

The 2008 Audi TT convertible and coupe were made for carving up mountainsides like my mother with a turkey on Thanksgiving Day.

The second-generation TTs are powerful, nimble, luxurious and an absolute blast to drive. Whether careening through switchbacks north of the Golden Gate Bridge or cruising on an open highway, both TTs respond perfectly.

Their crisp electromechanical power-assisted steering feels well-weighted and balanced, making the 3,130-pound roadster and 2,965-pound coupe extensions of your hands. Their optional magnetic ride systemuses a special fluid inside the shock absorbers to adjust the ride every few milliseconds, gliding the car on smooth roads or instantly switching to a stiff sports handling mode at the touch of a button.

Graceful and elegant, both cars combine beauty, art and performance.

Let me put it another way: These cars are fabulous.

Both outdo expectations

Cool and clean, the pair exceeds every expectation.

During my drive, I was able to test both the 2-liter turbo coupe and the 3.2-liter all-wheel drive roadster. It’s hard to pick which one I liked better. The vehicles range in price from $35,000 to more than $50,000 — a lot of greenbacks for a German roadster or 2+2 coupe.

All of that performance and comfort doesn’t come cheap, and the Audi TTs are chock full of technology.

From the aluminum space frame to Audi’s Quattro drive system, these cars seamlessly combine the best of meticulous German engineering and high performance that would make even Friedrich Nietzsche optimistic.

First the coupe: During the redesign, Audi added 5.4 inches to its overall length, made it 3.1 inches wider, but only .2 inches taller. The sum total of this is a more stable platform, a more comfortable ride and more interior room.

When building the TT, the Audi used its space frame technology — a process of using aluminum and steel to make cars lighter but stronger — 69 percent of the TT’s body weight is aluminum.

Combine the light, small body with one of two powerful engines, the turbocharged 2-liter four-cylinder or 3.2-liter V-6, and you’ve got a rocket on your hands.

The 200-horsepower turbo offers 235-pound feet of torque at 1,800 rpms, giving the TT excellent giddy-up. The only thing missing is a six-speed manual transmission. While the automatic with sequential shifting works well, a manual should be a price-saving option for car buyers. But either way, the low-end torque makes it great fun for twisty country roads or between stop lights; it can hit 60 mph from a standstill in just 6 seconds.

Naturally, the 3.2-liter V-6 is even faster.

While I typically shy toward more power, the turbo — the same engine in the VW Eos — is excellent and pulled me through the mountains near Napa Valley with confidence and prowess. Better yet, the coupe gets 31 mpg on the highway.

But if you want to have a 0-60 mph time under six seconds, you’ll have to go with the V-6.

No matter what’s under the hood, the new TT is a looker. The coupe keeps its distinctive Audi feel, but casts longer, sharper lines than its rounded predecessor, especially the way the roof gently slopes to the back. The larger grille and sharply cut Xenon headlights (with adaptive light cornering) help define the TT’s face, while the layered tail lamp creates a three-dimensional effect on the back. Rarely will a taillight get strangers to gawk at parked car, but the TT’s will.

Coupe provides luxurious feel

Inside the coupe, every appointment feels, looks and smells luxurious.

The deep set sport seats are comfortable and hold the driver well through tight cornering. The optional baseball optic leather trim package, with its heavy top stitching, returns from the first generation.

Every amenity, from the optional navigation system to the 255 Watt 14-speaker stereo system, is easy to use and operate. Even Audi’s flat bottomed steering wheel gives the TT a special feel.

The only quibble with the interior is the optional iPod connection. First of all, it’s optional. Second of all, it’s in the glove box. The reasoning behind this is to keep the iPod safe, but hiding it away, it’s just annoying.

In the coupe, the back seats are barely big enough to hold a child’s winter coat, much less another person. They’re cute in that useless kind of way. However, fold the seats down and you’ve got a trunk big enough to hold two sets of golf clubs.

Roadster is also fun to drive

Now the roadster: While the roadster shares most of its architecture with the coupe, its roof folds neatly down. It only holds two people, but it is just as much fun to drive.

The black cloth top helps give the roadster a two-tone look with the top up and remains remarkably quiet on the highway.

The base model convertible comes with a manual roof. The power roof opens or closes in 12 seconds — even at speeds up to 25 mph.

A Z fold design allows for the front section of the roof to act as the roof’s tonneau cover so no additional pieces are needed. An electric windscreen can also pop up at the touch of a button.

The performance abilities of the convertible are just as impressive as the coupe. The body feels stiff and the windshield hardly moves when the road gets rough.

Like the coupe, the roadster has an electronic spoiler that automatically goes up when the car tops 75 mph and goes down when you slow down.

The second-generation roadster and coupe transform a good ride into an excellent one and make you long for mountain roads and tight turns.

2008 Audi TT coupe and convertible

Type: A rear-wheel drive two-passenger convertible or 2+2 coupe. Models: Coupe (with 2+2 seating); Roadster (two-seater) Retail price*: $35,575 — $50,000 Engines:

2-liter 4-cylinder turbo, 200 horsepower, 207-pound-feet torque;

3.2-liter V-6: 250-horsepower, 236-pound-feet torque Transmission:

2-liter: six-speed automatic with sequential shifting.

3.2-liter: six-speed automatic with sequential shifting or six-speed manual. EPA mileage

2-liter: Coupe: 23 mpg / 31 mpg Roadster: 22/29

3.2-liter (both types with automatic transmission):18/24

3.2-liter (both types with manual transmission): 17/24 Notes: Expect a six-speed manual transmission to come with the 2-liter engine in the coming years *Includes shipping Report card

Overall: **** Performance: Excellent. Engine is powerful for such a light vehicle. Optional sports tuned suspension package makes both vehicles a hoot to drive. Exterior: Excellent. Sleek lines and distinctive style maintain Audi’s upscale character. Interior: Excellent. Luxury at your fingertips and flat bottom steering wheel makes it even feel different and special. Safety: Excellent. Front and side-curtain airbags as well as electronic stability control. Pros: It’s comfortable and fun to drive; you’ll never want to get to where you’re going. The best deal is the coupe with the 2-liter engine. Cons: Cramped trunk space and steep price tag could keep the TT convertible from being a daily driver. Grading Scale Excellent: **** Good: *** Fair:** Poor: *