Audi has taken the wraps off the most powerful TT ever to enter series production - the TT RS.
Audi revealed the TT RS Roadster model in London while at the same time, over 5,000 miles away, the TT RS Coupé made its global debut at the Beijing Motor Show.
Both new additions to the RS line-up are powered by a five-cylinder 2.5 TFSI engine, with an increases in power and torque to 400PS and 480Nm. This translates into ‘supercar-rivalling performance’ says Audi as 0-62mph takes 3.7 seconds, on to a top speed of 174mph. The engine’s lightweight construction measures means the turbocharged engine gains a 17 percent increase in performance.
The powerplant is mated to a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission. Controlled with a selector lever and the standard-fit shift paddles on the sport leather steering wheel, a launch control system can also be called upon to initiate maximum acceleration with minimum tyre slip. There are four modes available; comfort, auto, dynamic, and individual.
The multi-plate clutch in the quattro all-wheel drive system distributes the power between the axles for ’high-grip handling’. Audi says the new TT RS turns into corners with ‘great balance and poise’, thanks to its ‘taut chassis’ and a steering ratio that becomes more direct with increasing steering input, thanks to its RS-tuning.
The body sits ten millimetres lower than the base model, which also applies to the optional RS sport suspension plus with Audi magnetic ride, where the damping characteristic can be changed electronically using Audi drive select.
The TT RS Coupé and the TT RS Roadster are fitted as standard with 19-inch cast wheels or as an option, 20-inch forged lightweight wheels in a 7-spoke rotor design. Both wheel types are available in silver, matt titanium look or gloss anthracite black. Stopping power comes internally ventilated, perforated steel discs. Alternatively, the front brake discs are available in carbon-fibre ceramic.
Matrix OLED (organic light emitting diode) rear lights will be offered for the new TT RS. Audi says these emit an ‘extremely homogeneous, high-contrast light’ which can be continuously dimmed without casting any shadows and does not require any reflectors. This results in a 3D design efficient.
Styling wise the new models feature large air inlets, a newly designed honeycomb grille and quattro logo. Along the flanks, aerodynamically-shaped side sills emphasise the ‘dynamic design’ while at the rear a fixed wing sits on two thin double struts. Alternatively, Audi can deliver the Coupé and the Roadster with an automatically extending spoiler. Under the bumper there is a diffuser insert with four vertical fins, leading to the two elliptical tailpipes of the RS exhaust system at its sides.
On the inside, controls and display are focused completely on the driver. All information is displayed as standard on the fully digital Audi virtual cockpit with 12.3-inch screen. The driver can choose from three views, including a special RS screen that highlights the rev counter and provides information on tyre pressure, torque, and g‑force, among other things. The Audi virtual cockpit also displays a shift light which informs the driver that the engine speed limit has been reached.
For the first time in an RS, the sport leather steering wheel with shift paddles has two operating 'satellite' buttons for turning the engine on and off as well as the Audi drive select driving dynamics system, in addition to multifunction buttons. This means that the driver’s hands stay on the wheel at all times.
UK versions of the TT RS Coupé and TT RS Roadster will be available to order this summer ahead of first deliveries at the end of this year, pricing TBC.
See video of the reveal below: