The Audi TT-RS was introduced back in 2009 in Geneva as the highest output version of the TT compact sports coupe wearing the appropriate aggressive bodywork. The RS is powered by a direct injected and turbocharged 2.5 Liter five cylinder engine that makes 335 HP and 330 lb-ft of torque which helps launch the TT-RS from 0 to 60 MPH in only 4.6 seconds on its way to a 155 MPH top speed.
Last year’s picks for the coupe of the year raged a war between the Chevrolet Camaro and the Ford Mustang, but this year things are a bit different. In fact, neither one of these muscle cars made the list, simply because the new Camaro ZL1 isn’t available for purchase just yet.
With the two major muscle cars out of the running, we were still left with a ton of vehicles worthy of some time in the spotlight. Our choices for the top coupes of 2011 are kind of all over the place. From the Audi TT-RS’ return to the States to the Lotus Exige S and its road-going capabilities on the other side of the pond, there’s pretty much a flavor for anybody.
In fact, if we’ve missed one of your favorites, make sure to hit us up.
Hit the jump for our picks for the 2011 Coupe of the Year, in alphabetical order.
Audi is preparing to bring the new generation TT-RS in 2013, but before that happens, the company is sending the current generation out with a more powerful bang. Audi is making plans to unveil a more powerful version of the TT-RS, rumored to be called the TT-RS Plus. This new model will be in line with what BMW did with the 1-Series M Coupe by making it more powerful, lighter, and sportier than the standard model.
The first rumors suggest Audi will be dropping about 132 lbs from the standard 3,300 lb model by eliminating the rear seats and using more carbon fiber elements. The TT-RS Plus will then get a specially designed wheel and a fixed rear wing. As for the power boost, Audi is using a new version of the five-cylinder 2.5L Turbo engine to get an output of 380 HP - providing an extra 20 HP for the newly refreshed TT-RS.
This new setup is similar to what Audi did to the TT when it unveiled the Audi TT Quattro Sport back in 2005. If they follow along the same theme, then the TT-RS Plus should show up with a unique two-tone color combination and a boost in quality for the interior.
Audi of America is celebrating the arrival of the 2012 Audi TT RS with a 4-part video series called the "Ultimate Lap!" The car is being driven by racecar driver, Justin Bell, at the Monticello Raceway in NY.
Part one of the video is called "0-60-0" and displays the Audi’s sprint time. Part 2, called "Slalom," will illustrate the impressive slalom capabilities of the TT-RS. Part 3, "Wet Traction" adds water for an even more impressive driving performance, while part 4 "Apex and Wrap" will show the sports coupe as its taken through a series of corners to test it’s dynamics and stability.
On the American market, the TT-RS is powered by a 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine that delivers a total of 360 HP - an extra 20 HP over the European model. It sprints the car from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.6 seconds.
The Audi R8 LMS has recently been tweaked to be able to enter in the 24H in Daytona, but that project isn’t the only thing coming out of Audi headquarters. Say the R8 LMS’ price tag of 298,000 euro (about $420,000 at the current rates) is a tad too rich for your bank account, Audi has prepared an answer to your problems with the new TT RS race car. The new Audi racer will set racing teams back at €180,000 or about $250,000 at the current exchange rates, which isn’t exactly a bargain, but it’s cheaper than the R8 LMS.
The Audi TT-RS race car is powered by a 2.5-liter five-cylinder turbo engine mated to a sequential six-speed racing transmission to deliver a total of 380 HP. Paddle shifters allow drivers to fully concentrate on the action on the race track, while the sophisticated racing suspension with a wide range of adjustment options improves the TT-RS’ handling and stability.
"In the TT RS Audi is making the next attractive customer sport race car available to interested teams," says Romolo Liebchen, Head of Audi Sport customer racing. "In line with the products our customers have come to expect of us, the TT RS is another car that has been designed for a wide range of racing conditions and easy handling. The TT RS perfectly mastered the load at the 24-hour race while being able to prove its exceptionally forgiving handling characteristics at the 6-hour race in the unpredictable conditions of constantly changing weather."
The Audi TT-RS is a very successful model on the European market, hence the reason why US customers signed a petition to get that bad boy over to our side of the pond. Now, we have our American version which comes with a $56,850 price tag, but the RS story doesn’t look like it will be ending there.
Audi has announced that the TT-RS is just one of the RS models they plan to bring to the USA. Following the more powerful TT, the US will be getting the RS5, which will then lead to a few more other RS models - the RS6 being the most logical next step.
"We’re now taking the first steps with the TT RS and the RS 5," Audi sales head Peter Schwarzenbauer told Bloomberg. "I could indeed imagine that we’ll continue along that route in the future."
Hit the jump for details on the Audi TT-RS American and the Audi RS5.
