THE AUDI TT CONTINUES TO attract buyers with its imaginative styling, superb performance and the usual Audi attributes. As it was from the beginning, it is an attractive alternative to the usual performance sports coupes.
The highlight of the new Audi TT RS Coupé is the iconic Audi 2.5-litre turbocharged five-cylinder engine. The heritage of this engine harks back to the legendary (and quite frightening) Sport quattro S1 Group B rally car of the early 1980s.
The sound of the powerplant is almost as iconic as the engine itself, with its unique 1-2-4-5-3 firing order amplified through the standard RS sports exhaust, with active baffles in the rear muffler that can be activated via a dedicated cockpit control.
The engine develops 294kW and 480Nm, and includes technology such as a lightweight aluminium crankcase, dual injection, the Audi valvelift system (AVS) and a high-pressure 1.35 bar (19.6psi) turbocharger. As a result, the TT RS Coupé demolishes the 100 km/h sprint in a phenomenal 3.7 seconds – in the realm of much more expensive super sports cars. Yet despite this, it still delivers modest fuel consumption of just 8.0 litres per 100km.
The new TT RS Coupé shows off an aggressive stance from any angle. At the front, the ‘quattro’ logo sits beneath the wider Singleframe grille, while even larger intakes feed more air to satisfy the cooling demands of the machinery that sits behind them. The standard Matrix LED headlights complement the angular styling.
At the rear, the fixed rear spoiler sits above the optional Matrix OLED taillights. In each rear light are four wafer-thin lighting elements in a 3D design, which display a spectacular, dynamic light show – as well as their usual warning functions.
The TT RS comes standard with a lightweight, seven-speed dual-clutch S tronic transmission, delivering lightning-fast shifts. The tuning of the quattro permanent all-wheel drive system is fully integrated into the Audi drive select dynamic handling system, where the torque delivery is distributed quickly and precisely via an electro-hydraulic multi-plate clutch. The RS-tuned calibration automatically sends more drive to the rear wheels during dynamic driving, to ensure ideal cornering balance.
The TT RS is built using the lightweight Audi Space Frame (ASF) and sits on RS sport suspension plus with Audi magnetic ride as standard. It has a ride height that is 10mm lower than the regular Audi TT. In dynamic mode, Audi magnetic ride resists braking and cornering forces on the car’s attitude, heightening agile and responsive handling. Progressive steering provides responsive cornering in all conditions.
Red eight-piston brake calipers clamp 370mm ventilated rotors at the front of the new TT RS, providing powerful stopping performance, inside 20-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 255/30 rubber.
“The TT RS Coupé exudes our rich Audi brand heritage,” said Shawn Ticehurst, Product Planning and Pricing Director of Audi Australia.
“The iconic Audi 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbo is one of the most celebrated engines in motoring, and its combination of power and soundtrack provides a rare thrill for enthusiasts. Now with even more high-value features as standard, the Audi TT RS has never been more attractive,” said Ticehurst.
As with the rest of the TT range, the TT RS comes standard with the 12.3-inch Audi virtual cockpit, including special RS functions like a larger tachometer, coloured shift lights, as well as g-force and lap timing measurements. Smartphone integration, via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, allows the driver easy control of their device. Audi phone box light wireless smartphone charging is also provided. MMI touch and natural language voice control afford easy command of the high-end MMI navigation plus system. The 680W, 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system ensures sound quality is exceptional.
The Audi TT RS Coupé features a comprehensive array of safety and driver assistance systems including six airbags, active lane and side assist, parking sensors with rear view camera and tyre pressure monitor.
In addition, two RS Design packages are available in either red or blue to further customise the interior of the TT RS Coupé, as well as the sides of the front seats.
The first Audi TT RS Coupé customer deliveries are expected in July. The TT RS is offered with a choice of two comprehensive Audi service plan packages: three years priced at $2,320 or a five-year service plan priced at $3,420.
Not surprisingly, such performance and exclusivity don’t come cheap. The 169kW TT Coupé kicks off for a quite affordable (everything being relative) $79,900, plus on road costs but the RS is considerably more expensive at $134,900.
Pricing (plus on road costs)
| TT Coupé 45 TFSI quattro | 169kW | $79,900 |
| TTS Coupé TFSI | 210kW | $99,900 |
| TT RS Coupé TFSI | 294kW | $134,900 |