Utilizing Jim T's math and dyno data from Garrett, supplied by John S, I went through the exercise of generating 'walls' of RPM
& torque numbers for the TT 180 engine. Initially the goal was to determine optimum performance up-shift points (read as 'Drag
Race') through the gears. I confirmed through Audi USA the following gear ratios (which are NOT published in either their slick
sales brochure, nor in the owner's manual):
1st: 3.3; 2nd: 1.944; 3rd: 1.308; 4th: 1.034; 5th: 0.838
As described by Jim T (1/26/2K), there is a theoretical rev point at which the wheel torque loss across an up-shift can be
equalized(wheel torque loss at zero). I call this 'torque unity.'

SHIFT TORQUE UNITY RPMS (approx.)
----------- ---------------------------
1>2 unavailable at or below 6600 (31 lb. loss)
2>3 6475
3>4 5980
4>5 5920

Two posters opined on this matter in less empirical terms. Ted's (1/25/2K) seat-of-the-pants experience suggested 1>2 @ 4K; 2>3
@ 5K; 3>4 @ 5.5K; and 4>5 @ 'RED.' Ted's version translates into the 'walls of data' as:

TED'S RPM RPMS DROP TO TORQUE LOSS
----------------------------------------
1>2 4K 2360 226 lbs.
2>3 5K 3360 81 lbs.
3>4 5.5K 4350 16 lbs.
4>5 'RED' 5350 passed thru 'unity' @ ~5920

Marius B's post of 1/26/2K recommended a 5.8K shift point, with a predicted drop to 4K in the next gear:

MARIUS' RPM RPMS DROP TO TORQUE LOSS
-----------------------------------------
1>2 5.8K 3417 110 lbs.
2>3 5.8K 3903 43 lbs.
3>4 5.8K 4585 6 lbs.
4>5 5.8K 4700 2.75 lbs.

Although this thread began as a performance optimizing investigation/validation, addressed more directly at the 'need for speed'
group, I dove into the exercise with an additional agenda. My opportunities -- combined with good judgement and semi-balanced
sensibilities -- for using this knowledge in my small midwestern town -- of flying away from a stop sign at 5K, seeking the 'unity'
torque loss shift points -- are minimal. So, I asked, what are the brackets of sensible and judicious shifting in the day-to-day
driving of my TT, verses chasing the performance optimum? I've divided my thoughts on this into three groups: 'day-to-day' --
safe & conservative -- the cops could watch you wheel through these and not bat an eye; 'fun' and marginally visceral -- makes one
feel some G's and sneaks a peek at torque unity; and 'I wanna race' -- let's push the envelope of the stock 180 TT.

=1>2=
DAY-2-DAY
Get out of this gear soon -- it's too low... shift away before 4K, RPMs drop to ~2350 in 2nd and torque loss is about 225 lbs.
FUN
Run it up to 5900, RPMs drop to 3480 in 2nd, torque loss is under 100 lbs., and you've probably exceeded all reasonable city
speed limits.
RACE
Redline for a great 'hole-shot,' slidin' the clutch at start-up (see Marius B's post of 1/26/2K).

=2>3=
DAY-2-DAY
With data saying 3684 equals 30 mph in 2nd gear, try 4100 where RPMs should drop to ~2760 in 3rd and torque loss is under 100
lbs. I sure like this gear...it speaks to the seat of my pants...so for
FUN
Run it up to 6K where RPMs should drop to ~4035 in 3rd and torque loss is a reasonable 30 lbs.
RACE
Pushing it to ~6475 hits torque unity and RPMs in 3rd should drop to ~4350.

=3>4=
DAY-2-DAY
This one is difficult for me since one can move around town all day in 3rd with this car and look law abiding and feel and sound
good at the same time. I'm experimenting with a range of 3600-3900, with 4th RPMs dropping to the range of 2850-3080, and
torque loss at 45-39.5 lbs. respectively.
FUN
At 5500, RPMs should drop to ~4350 in 4th and torque loss is about 16 lbs. This agrees with Ted's suggestion, and we're probably
exceeding all interstate speed limits by this time!
RACE
Torque unity is at ~5980 with a 4th gear drop to ~4720 revs.

=4>5=
DAY-2-DAY
HAH -- how FAST do you wanna go? We know ~2700 gets us 60 mph in 5th and my TT likes to cruise @ 80 mph under 3500
RPM. Using the numbers, that conservative shift occurs at ~3350 RPM with a drop to 2700 in 5th, and a torque loss of ~35.5 lbs.
FUN
Shucks, we're going pretty FAST already, so I've been experimenting with around 5K, which should result in an RPM drop to
~4050 in 5th and a torque loss of 23.5 lbs. Hey, make sure your radar detector's doing its job here!
RACE
I do not know, but imagine 130 fuel cut-off might happen before torque unity is achieved at ~5920 RPMs in 4th, where RPMs
should drop to ~4800 in 5th. I do know I got 115 mph in 5th the other day and was only a little over 5K -- and felt very safe!

Sorry for being so long-winded, but am interested to hear from others on this, since it IS science combined with art! Hoping others
in warmer climates can provide feedback, since I'm battling too many cops and too much snow here...