Audi do a 3.2ltr quattro engine either in a 6 speed or the S tronic.
Which is a semi automatic gearbox, this enables you to have it shift automatically or to enable a paddle shift or tiptronic style gearshift which is where you have a gear knob that you click forwards to go up a gear and backwards to go down (in case you weren't aware).
With the 3.2 litre quattro you get:
- Ashtray and cigarette lighter at front
- Electronic climate control
- Seat belt reminder
- Brushed matt Aluminium inlays
- 9J x 18 10-spoke design alloy wheels
- Front ISOFIX and front passenger airbag de-activation switch
- Concert II audio system
- Dipping rear view mirror
- Scuff plates with metal insert
- Driver's Information System (DIS)
- Driver and front passenger airbags
- Electronic Stability Programme (ESP)
- Halogen headlights
- Aluminium Laser interior detailing
- Exterior mirror on the right, aspherical
- Door mirrors - electrically operated and heated
- First-aid kit and warning triangle
- Height adjustable front seats
- Front Sports seats
- Manual headlight-range adjustment
- Digital clock with date
- Leather handbrake grip, centre console armrest pad and door handle
- Exterior light styling pack - chrome detailed headlight surrounds and darkened rear light clusters
- Locking wheel bolts
- Radio remote controlled central locking
- Retractable rear spoiler
- Side airbags for front seats
- 9 loud speakers (140 Watt)
- 245/40 R18 Y tyres
- Tool kit
- Model and engine designation at rear
- Tyre Mobility System
- Heat insulating tinted glass
I do agree with you about them being a hairdressers car, however the new shape TT looks like a shorter slightly less agressive Audi R8. They shift as well, 3.2 ltr V6 puts out 250BHP and if coupled with the S tronic gearbox it is intense. The S tronic system employs a DSG setup which is double clutch, 1 clutch controls all of the even gears and the second clutch controls the odd number gears. DSG gives you a fast gearshift, more precisely about 10milliseconds between shifts. there is a link to the DSG system at the bottom for you aswell. Audi also pioneered the DSG system as they come under the VAG banner (Volkswagen Audi Group) who owns VW, Audi, Bugatti etc.etc.
If it is a gentlemans sports car you are after you can pick up some good un's.
Sticking with Audi, pretty much any of the RS's are spot on and give good MPG when driven nicely, but have an amazing turn of speed. RS4 is my faveourite of the class. 4.2 ltr V8 FSI which is the most recent in the family. previous ones had the 2.7 ltr bi-turbo engine, not as fast but still keeps up with porsches.
Lexus are another make to look into, IS200's are quick and luxurious (to a point). They offer ride comfort and 6 disc changer leather seats, all the mod cons, but you can get one with a 3ltr 2JZ-GE I6 (AS300) engine which generates around 220bhp-225bhp, mated to a 5/6 speed gearbox, in a front engine rear wheel drive layout to provide good handling and a smooth ride with more than capable acceleration when needed.
Gimme a shout if you want any advice about cars
hope this helps
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Direct-Shift_Gearbox