Once upon a time Motor Trend had a stable full of sporty, pulse-accelerating, canyon-carving long-term machines. All within a year, we had a long-term Nissan GT-R, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X and a Subaru Impreza WRX STI, a BMW M3 coupe, Dodge Challenger R/T, and a Lexus IS-F. No matter the poison you picked, you were assured to have blast. But as of late, with the exception of our Cadillac CTS-V wagon, our fleet has become somewhat docile. Stacked heavy with versatile hatchbacks and people movers, it has become indifferent, not enthusiastic. The TTS' exterior and interior have also been touched with the magic S division wand. An aluminum-trimmed grill, side mirrors and gas cap cover as well as new rocker panels, bumpers and quad exhaust give it an aggressive but clean look. The interior is shod with black and spectral silver Napa leather and again utilizes aluminum as the choice accent material. As a 6 foot 2 inch, 250-pound mountain of a person, I really enjoy the ample interior space. The double-bubble designed roof really increases headroom and there is plenty of legroom even for someone of my stature with an ape index as big as mine. I love the classic round black-faced gauges and flat bottom steering wheel, it feels classy, and the round air vents are a design cue dating back to the original TT.So the TTS is fun to drive, and nice to look at. Surprisingly, it's easy to live with as well. With the seats folded down you have a decent amount of cargo room. I also love that when the seats are folded up, and the hatch is closed, the view into the cargo compartment is completely blacked out. As a photographer, the idea of having my expensive camera gear out of sight, out of mind really puts me at ease. I can fit two cameras, all my lenses, two tripods, radios and cleaning gear. Also, at an average fuel economy of 23.6 mpg the TTS is fairly frugal for the amount of fun it returns. You may not get even close to the same utility out of the TTS that you will find in most of the other cars in the fleet, but just look at it -- I know I don't care.Front engine, AWD, 4-pass, 2-door coupe 2.0L/265-hp/258-lb-ft turbo DOHC 16-valve I-4
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