Ride of the Week: Michael Carson’s AUDI TT is big power in a small package

As a health and wellness coach and creator of www.fitinseconds.com, Michael Carson knows what it takes to get in great shape. 

Just looking at his frame – he’s like a rock. So when it came to driving, he hand-picked a car that was his version of a speed machine.

It’s true that we pick animals, friends and cars that are just like us and our personality. Convertible Camaros are generally driven by women and men are behind the wheel of classic Morris Minors. And although the rule can be broken, Michael was pretty clear when he decided on this bright white 2013 Audi TTRS.

As a six-speed manual and weighing in at 3,307 pounds, this 2.5 liter, 5-cylinder turbo Quattro coupe produces a hefty 360hp and 345 lb-ft of torque. That’s like a young Mike Tyson wearing a white tuxedo. 

Mods include an APR ECU upgrade to Stage II and APR downpipe adding approximately 80-90 hp and 100 lb-ft of torque to the stock figures.

“A little over three years ago,” Michael said, “I drove my Dinan 135i into the Beverly Hills Audi dealership to look at the TTRS out of curiosity, and I left with it. When stock, it was a bit slower than the 135i. I had it tuned to 430hp, dropped an inch, and that soon changed.”

Michael said all the boxes were checked for him. 

“It looked and sounded unique with carbon fiber side mirrors from the Bugatti Veyron, German precision with a timeless yet future forward design inside and out,” he said. “There were only 200 sent to the US for 2013. Either way, was sold.”

Plus with a superior Quattro all-wheel-drive system at half the cost of its cousins at Porsche, Michael could afford its best to nearly the entire Porsche lineup, after the APR mods. 

The best part of the car, according to Mr. Extreme Fitness? The exhaust. 

When at idle and at 4-7000 rpm, Michael never gets tired of the soundtrack especially in sport mode.

OK, up to this point, I know what you’re thinking: just a guy with a need for speed, working out and driving cool places, right? This is where is gets good. 

Michael’s best short story is the discovery of his dog, named “Freeway.”

“Standing in the center lane of the 90 East on a fine Saturday evening,” said Michael, “this little pup turned my TTRS into a Pet Medivac. After surviving being dropped right in the middle of the freeway, two cars collided over him.” 

Freeway was almost killed and lay nearly lifeless with a broken pelvis. Michael managed to scoop him up and get him quickly to a vet. 

“Five days in intensive care in a shelter, he was all mine,” Michael said. “If it weren’t for the acceleration of the Audi RS providing me the extra seconds to help stop the dozens of other rapidly approaching vehicles from further colliding, I wouldn’t have him in my arms right now.” 

According to Michael, the best thing that’s ever happened to him.

When I met him at Bluffs, we took a spin and shot another Episode 183 of my show, “Fireball Malibu Vlog.” 

I realized how much I love driving with car enthusiasts up Pacific Coast Highway and hearing their stories. All the face-thumping I felt from the car talk was immediately healed by the warmth I felt for Michael’s little Chihuahua, Freeway. Watch the episode for a close-up of his little face, but the stories are what makes us feel alive. It’s what cars do for us and the only thing better than having the experiences like what Michael went through was sharing the story with me.

What do does he dig about driving in Malibu? 

“I love the feeling you get early morning on a clear day driving on PCH past Pepperdine,” he said. “Cruising all the way past Decker Canyon, the coastline almost looks European at times and feels like a departure from the day.”

And his favorite Movie Car? 

“As a young boy I must have played the VHS 2000 times with the opening scene of “Cannonball Run” where the black Lamborghini outruns the police on a stretch of highway. I had the poster over my bed and the 12-cylinder soundtrack in my head.” 

Yeah, it’s a sickness, right? But the best one ever.

Be sure to check out Michael’s site listed above. He’s committed to getting his clients healthy and seems to be doing a great job. 

Thanks for the stories and drive, Mikey. Give that tiny pooch a pet from all Malibuites. You’re both heroes to us.

Want to be featured as my Ride of the Week? Shoot me an email to askfireball@fireballtim.com.