Audi unveils new TT RS 12 | 09 | 2016
THE NEW AUDI TT RS will go on-sale at Scottish dealerships later this month, with prices starting at £51,800 in Coupé form and £53,550 as a Roadster.
It’s worth noting these prices place the four-wheel drive TT RS directly against the new Porsche 718 Cayman S, which starts at £48,834, and soft-top 718 Boxster S, which begins at £50,695.
Powered by Audi’s all-new turbocharged 2.5-litre five-cylinder petrol engine, the TT RS delivers 395bhp and has a claimed 0-62mph time of 3.7sec, 0.4sec quicker than the old TT RS Plus with a dual-clutch gearbox.
The Roadster, which carries an extra 90kg in weight, has a claimed 3.9sec, 0.3sec quicker than the outgoing model. Top speed for both new TT RS models is restricted to 155mph: though this can be raised to 174mph.
Both models are fitted with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, plus launch control software and steering wheel-mounted shift paddles.
Sitting 10mm lower than the standard TT, the TT RS also benefits from stiffer springs and dampers, plus standard 19in alloys. If you want ceramic brakes, they’ll set you back around an extra £4000.
Externally, subtle design tweaks include new bumpers front and rear, wider door sills, deeper air intakes at the front end, oval exhaust pipes and a large rear fixed spoiler. A more subtle extendable spoiler is also available as an option.
At the rear of the TT RS, OLED (organic light emitting diode) tail-lights each consisting of four elements, the largest of which features the TT logo and Audi’s four-ring emblem, are also available as an option.
Inside the cabin, there’s super sports seats upholstered in Fine Nappa leather and a TT RS sport leather and Alcantara steering wheel with its new integral ‘satellite’ buttons for engine start/stop and Audi Drive Select functions.
Audi’s fully digital virtual cockpit is also standard. With its 12.3-inch high definition, it provides a choice of three views, including a special RS screen that highlights the rev counter and provides additional performance data plus a shift light which informs the driver when the rev limit has been reached. Upon request, the RS screen can also display individual tyre pressures.
It’s fair to say the TT RS is likely to be something of an ‘exclusive’ model: Audi only expect to sell around 50 models across the whole of the UK, with the Roadster accounting for around 65%.
Related: 2017 Audi A5 Sportback revealed
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Jim McGill