Audi TT coupe owners should be getting a letter soon with details on how to get their cars modified to improve handling, free of charge.

The offer is the result of a recall after a series of crashes last year involving drivers traveling faster than 110 mph on the German Autobahn.

At those speeds, and typically on wet roads, motorists reportedly exceeded the car's handling limitations and experienced oversteer, in which the car's rear end wants to come around and hug the front.

Though there have been no reports of problems other than in Germany and only at very high speeds, Audi will replace the front stabilizer bar on front-wheel-drive TTs and front and rear stabilizer bars on all-wheel-drive Quattro models, add firmer shocks front and rear, and add a rear spoiler free on all models in Europe and the United States.

Audi said the repairs should begin about April 17.

Audi also offered to add its optional electronic stability control system similar to Cadillac's StabiliTrak for $325 in Germany, but decided to make that available to TT coupe owners in the United States as well at that price.

Audi said it was working out details on how to retrofit 2000 models with ESP. Owners will be notified when ESP is ready for retrofit, probably this fall, said Audi spokesman Steve Keyes.

Audi will make ESP standard in all 2001 TT coupes, starting this fall and boost the price by $325.

Owners with questions can call Audi's customer relations toll-free number at 800-822-2834.

Published 4/8/2000