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Audi’s very rapid TT RS is now available locally, with performance figures which embarrassingly shadow some rather accomplished members of the performance car hierarchy.
The big five is back
Aesthetically it does not look awfully different from its other TT siblings.
Mechanically though, the RS, sporting a 2.5l traditionally configured, in-line five-cylinder turbo producing 100kW/litre, seriously shores up the range’s performance credibility.
Peak engine outputs are a neatly rounded 250kW and 450Nm, with the turbo boosting at 1.2bar, and the common-rail, direct injected engine running at an oddly high 10.0:1 compression ratio.
Contemporary shape, traditional quattro performance values - including a rather potent five-cylinder engine.
Three pedals all the way
A surprising technical feature has been Audi's choice of transmission.
Many industry pundits expected Audi’s proliferation of DSG gearboxes to find favour in the TT RS design too, instead, a new, short-throw, six-speed manual gearbox will transfer power to the TT RS quattro drivetrain.
The quattro drivetrain is decidedly rear-wheel drive biased, able to apportion most of the engine’s 450Nm of torque to the rear wheels, via an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch, when traction and acceleration forces demand.
Featuring an engine architecture which equates to a neat 500cc per cylinder, one expects linear, smooth power and, considering the five-cylinder configuration, a unique acoustic quality.
Producing peak torque (450Nm) across a broad engine speed range (1 600r/min to 5 300r/min) tractability is a given.
Acoustically, Audi has refined the TT RS appeal by enabling the venerable centre console mounted Sport button with a function which engages an exhaust mounted butterfly valve - located in the port-side section of the dual-exhaust’s plumbing.
When engaged, this active exhaust system enhances the five-cylinder sound with an even deeper tone under full-bore acceleration.
Properly quick
Ingolstadt claims the TT RS Coupe (1 450kg) drops the 0-100km/h benchmark in 4.6 seconds dead, and it gets even better.
TT RS top speed is limited (for all intents and purposes) in-line with German manufacturing standards to 250km/h.
Audi will offer a factory derestricted alternative for local buyers, which opens up the option of chasing a claimed 280km/h at the long end of drivetrain’s endurance – which makes this a very naughty Audi.
With a top speed potential around 280km/h, that fixed aft spoiler is a welcome addition...
Dynamically certified too
Riding 10mm lower, with revised spring and damper settings, the TT RS rolls on a set of 18-inch wheels shod with 245/45 profile tyres.
Deceleration is managed by ventilated, aluminium rotors front (370mm) and rear (310mm) controlled by four-piston callipers.
ESP has been configured to be entire disengaged on track, yet features a Sport mode too. The latter allows the engine to function unimpeded, and only uses brake modulation (instead of cutting engine power) to keep the TT RS from leaving the road under severe dynamic loads.
Aesthetically the TT RS is distinguished from lesser TTs by a gloss black grille insert, deeper front bumper incorporating larger air ducts, resized side sills and an ornate, fixed rear spoiler.
Owners seeking further product differentiation from lesser TT models (even the ‘S’) can option 19-inch wheels, whilst dynamically the magnetic ride dampers are well worth a tick in the option box too.
Standard cabin features include a neat flat-bottomed multi-function steering wheel, custom TT RS driver info menu (sporting boost pressure, oil temperature and lap timer read-out functionality), Bluetooth, Bose infotainment acoustics and a LED interior lighting package.
Pricing:
Audi TT RS Coupe 2.5T R693 000
The big five is back
Aesthetically it does not look awfully different from its other TT siblings.
Mechanically though, the RS, sporting a 2.5l traditionally configured, in-line five-cylinder turbo producing 100kW/litre, seriously shores up the range’s performance credibility.
Peak engine outputs are a neatly rounded 250kW and 450Nm, with the turbo boosting at 1.2bar, and the common-rail, direct injected engine running at an oddly high 10.0:1 compression ratio.
Contemporary shape, traditional quattro performance values - including a rather potent five-cylinder engine.
Three pedals all the way
A surprising technical feature has been Audi's choice of transmission.
Many industry pundits expected Audi’s proliferation of DSG gearboxes to find favour in the TT RS design too, instead, a new, short-throw, six-speed manual gearbox will transfer power to the TT RS quattro drivetrain.
The quattro drivetrain is decidedly rear-wheel drive biased, able to apportion most of the engine’s 450Nm of torque to the rear wheels, via an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch, when traction and acceleration forces demand.
Featuring an engine architecture which equates to a neat 500cc per cylinder, one expects linear, smooth power and, considering the five-cylinder configuration, a unique acoustic quality.
Producing peak torque (450Nm) across a broad engine speed range (1 600r/min to 5 300r/min) tractability is a given.
Acoustically, Audi has refined the TT RS appeal by enabling the venerable centre console mounted Sport button with a function which engages an exhaust mounted butterfly valve - located in the port-side section of the dual-exhaust’s plumbing.
When engaged, this active exhaust system enhances the five-cylinder sound with an even deeper tone under full-bore acceleration.
Properly quick
Ingolstadt claims the TT RS Coupe (1 450kg) drops the 0-100km/h benchmark in 4.6 seconds dead, and it gets even better.
TT RS top speed is limited (for all intents and purposes) in-line with German manufacturing standards to 250km/h.
Audi will offer a factory derestricted alternative for local buyers, which opens up the option of chasing a claimed 280km/h at the long end of drivetrain’s endurance – which makes this a very naughty Audi.
With a top speed potential around 280km/h, that fixed aft spoiler is a welcome addition...
Dynamically certified too
Riding 10mm lower, with revised spring and damper settings, the TT RS rolls on a set of 18-inch wheels shod with 245/45 profile tyres.
Deceleration is managed by ventilated, aluminium rotors front (370mm) and rear (310mm) controlled by four-piston callipers.
ESP has been configured to be entire disengaged on track, yet features a Sport mode too. The latter allows the engine to function unimpeded, and only uses brake modulation (instead of cutting engine power) to keep the TT RS from leaving the road under severe dynamic loads.
Aesthetically the TT RS is distinguished from lesser TTs by a gloss black grille insert, deeper front bumper incorporating larger air ducts, resized side sills and an ornate, fixed rear spoiler.
Owners seeking further product differentiation from lesser TT models (even the ‘S’) can option 19-inch wheels, whilst dynamically the magnetic ride dampers are well worth a tick in the option box too.
Standard cabin features include a neat flat-bottomed multi-function steering wheel, custom TT RS driver info menu (sporting boost pressure, oil temperature and lap timer read-out functionality), Bluetooth, Bose infotainment acoustics and a LED interior lighting package.
Pricing:
Audi TT RS Coupe 2.5T R693 000
