The most powerful Audi TT yet will be able to be ordered from the end of September.
Coupe versions of the 400hp Audi TT RS will cost from £51,800, its Roadster sister from £53,550.
The new TT RS uses a five-cylinder 2.5-litre TFSI petrol engine that is 17 per cent more powerful than its predecessor. The newly developed engine is 26kg lighter, primarily through the use of an aluminium crankcase, and employs dual injection and Audi’s Valvelift technology.
Alongside the 60hp power increase torque goes up from 450 to 480Nm, which translates to a 3.7-second 0-62mph time in the Coupe, 3.9sec in the Roadster and a top speed that can be raised from the electronically limited 155mph to 174mph with the optional Dynamic Package Plus. This also includes a sports exhaust system.
The output comes with a combined cycle fuel consumption figure of up to 34.4mpg and CO2 emissions from 187g/km.
A seven-speed S tronic auto transmission is fitted as standard and this too has been lightened by 2kg. It is allied to the Audi Drive Select adaptive dynamics system which allows the driver to choose between comfort, auto, dynamic and individual modes, altering the progressive steering, throttle, exhaust flaps and the quattro all-wheel-drive system. The latter is also specifically tuned to the RS.
The TT RS ride height is reduced by 10mm over the standard model, sitting on 19-inch five spoke wheels as standard or 20-inch seven-spoke rotor design versions as a bespoke option. The brakes are also specific, vented 370mm discs acted on by eight-piston calipers at the front and solid 310mm discs at the back.
Also on the options list is Audi’s magnetic ride system. This uses dampers filled with synthetic oil in which particles that can be influenced by a magnetic field are suspended. The system can adapt the damper’s characteristics to the profile of the road and style of the driver at millisecond intervals. It too can be modified by the Audi Drive Select.
Body modifications include a single frame grille with a honeycomb mesh, enlarged air inlets, aerodynamic side sills a modified rear bumper with diffuser and a rear wing on thin struts. However owners can choose instead to have their TT fitted with the less blatant extending spoiler used by mainstream versions of the car.
Inside are fitted Nappa leather sports seats, a bespoke leather and Alcantara steering wheel with start-stop and the Drive Select buttons incorporated. The virtual cockpit digital display includes an extra RS screen that emphasizes the rev counter and includes extra performance data and a gear-shift light.
MMI navigation plus and a three-year subscription to Audi’s Connect online services are also included in the specification.
A first for any Audi, meanwhile, is the Matrix Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) rear light option. The 3D design lamps comprise four wafer-thin units, the largest of which bears the TT logo and the four Audi rings. Their homogeneous, high-contrast light can be continuously dimmed, does not cast any shadows and does not require any reflectors.
The standard LED headlights can also be replaced by Matrix LED lamps containing 12 separate controllable LEDs. These form the high beam and can be individually shut off when sensors detect traffic ahead or approaching, to ‘divert’ their beam around other road users.
Keyword: Order books open for most powerful Audi TT