The heart of the Audi TT RS Coupé is up front: the 2.5-litre TFSI-series 5-cylinder engine. With 294kW of power and 480Nm of torque, you will pass the acceleration test of 0 to 100km/h in 3.7 seconds. The standard 7-speed S tronic and the quattro permanent all-wheel drive with TT RS-specific tuning are part and parcel of these top performance specs. Audi Sport has received the sought-after International Engine of the Year Award for the 2.5 TFSI engine for the ninth consecutive time.
I used to drive the first model Audi TT and I really enjoyed it, apart from a tendency to oversteer – and more than a touch of turbo-lag. Yet, when one of my witty pals commented: ‘still driving the Noddy car’, I reacted impressionably and sold the TT shortly thereafter. But I had enjoyed it for a year. Maybe Audi heard such comments because TT model 2 was quite different. Less dumpy and more svelte. A compact sports car in every respect. Then came quicker versions like the TT RS.
Now with an even more dynamic look, the new TT RS confidently boasts what it has to offer. Its five-cylinder engine delivers 480Nm, accompanied by the unmistakable five-cylinder sound. The completely redrawn front end and the striking rear are dynamic. The lateral air inlets that extend almost all the way to the front wheel wells make the new model appear extremely wide while a continuous front spoiler drawn up steeply at the lateral ends pulls the front apron down sharply, giving the car its distinctive, motorsport-inspired look.
The blade is painted in body colour as standard, but is also available in a matt aluminium look or gloss black. The RS model has a gloss black inlay in the newly designed side sill. The exterior mirror housings are available in matte aluminium look and gloss black.
At the rear is a newly designed fixed rear wing with side winglets and as part of the aerodynamics concept, it supports RS-typical performance and efficiency. There are vertical design elements on both sides above the new RS-specific diffusor and two large oval exhaust tailpipes create the final picture.
TT RS is available in nine different colours, including the new RS-specific colour Kyalami Green. The fabric top of the TT RS Roadster is only available in black but the Audi exclusive program offers various additional possibilities for individualization of the exterior paint finish.
With five-cylinder, 294kW output, 480Nm of torque and quattro all-wheel drive, the TT RS impresses with inner values and offers an outstanding driving performance. The Coupé sprints from 0 to 100km/h in only 3.7 seconds and maximum speed is regulated at 250km/h or an optional 280 km/h.
The turbo engine draws its power from an engine displacement of 2,480cm3 with maximum torque of 480Nm available between 1,950 and 5,850 pm. The forces of the five-cylinder engine flow via a seven-speed S tronic to the quattro permanent all-wheel drive that distributes the power as needed between the axles via a multi-plate clutch.
Wheel-selective torque control makes handling even more agile and safe. The driver can use the Audi drive select dynamic handling system to influence the quattro drive and other components such as the steering, S tronic, engine characteristic, and exhaust flaps. The four modes available for this are comfort, auto, dynamic, and individual.
Low weight (1,4 kg), and the consistently sport-orientated suspension provide the basic prerequisites for the excellent handling of the TT RS and progressive steering ensures close contact with the road. As an option, RS sport suspension plus is available with adaptive dampers in Audi magnetic ride technology. Their control technology is also integrated into the Audi drive select dynamic handling system.
Controls and display are focused completely on the driver. RS sport seats with a honeycomb pattern in fine nappa leather (with blue, red or black stitching) as well as RS logos on the seats, steering wheel, door sill trims, and selector levers that underline the sporty character of the 2+2 seater. Special RS displays in the standard Audi virtual cockpit with a 12.3-inch screen provide information on tyre pressure, torque, and g-forces. In manual mode, the shift light display prompts the driver to upshift when the maximum engine speed is reached. In addition to multifunction buttons, the RS sport leather steering wheel with shift paddles features two satellite controls for turning the engine on and off as well as the Audi drive select dynamic handling system.
The new RS design package adds Tango Red or Turbo Blue highlights to the car on the air vent doors, the seat belts, and the floor mats with the RS logo. These packages also offer contrasting design elements on the seats and centre console in the chosen colour.
Audi infotainment features include the MMI navigation plus with MMI touch including free text search and natural language voice control. The Audi smartphone interface connects smartphones with the TT RS and can stream content seamlessly to the Audi virtual cockpit (also standard) via USB. A Bang & Olufsen sound system with an output of 680 watts is optional.
Both Coupé and Roadster are now available at Audi Sport Dealerships in South Africa at R1062,000 and R1 113,500, inclusive of VAT and all taxes. A five year and/or 100 000km Audi Freeway Plan is standard.
report by Colin Sharp
