Audi revealed today at the Geneva Motor Show the most powerful TT version ever: the TT-RS, in both coupe and Roadster versions. Sales of the Audi TT RS begin in March; deliveries are scheduled to begin this summer.

The RS model distinguishes itself from the rest of the TT line with larger front air vents, twin-spoked alloy wheels, a fixed wing at the back and a new rear diffuser.

Under the hood Audi placed a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine with direct gasoline injection that produces 340 bhp and 330 lb.-ft. of torque. The TT RS Coupé makes the 0 to 100 km/h sprint (0 to 62 mph) in 4.6 seconds, and the Roadster needs a tenth of a second longer. Top speed is limited to 250 km/h (155 mph), but Audi offers an option to raise the limit to 280 km/h (174 mph).

The five-cylinder unit marks Audi's return to the odd numbered engine. This is important for Audi because it's had a long tradition of five-cylinders in performance cars. It dates back to 1976 when Ferdinand Piëch developed the unit for the 5000 series, that was later used in the rally-dominating Quattro cars of the 80s.

Press release after the jump

2010 Audi TT RS

Specifications
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  • Model: 2010 Audi TT RS
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Press release

Audi is once again producing a five-cylinder engine – and a very special one at that. Arriving at dealerships this summer, the TT RS has a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine with direct gasoline injection; it produces 250 kW (340 bhp) and 450 Nm (331.90 lb.-ft.) of torque. The blazing five-cylinder engine enables the TT RS to perform extraordinary feats. In conjunction with
quattro permanent all-wheel drive and a high-performance chassis, the engine makes the compact Audi TT RS a top-notch sports car – available as a coupé or roadster.

Sporty five-cylinder gasoline engines have a long legacy at Audi. The most famous is arguably the turbocharged 2.1-liter engine in the Audi quattro. The first version, which was launched in 1980, offered an impressive 147 kW (200 bhp). And the Sport quattro from 1984, directly inspired by motorsport, delivered a whopping 225 kW (306 bhp). For 25 years, turbochargers and quattro have been a dynamic formula for success.

Audi has resumed using this recipe. Designed from scratch, the five-cylinder engine combines a turbocharger with FSI direct gasoline injection to elevate the TT RS to a high-performance sports car. The TFSI delivers 250 kW (340 bhp) from a displacement of 2,480 cc (151.34 cu in): a specific output of 100.8 kW (137.1 bhp) per liter.

The power-to-weight ratio is also outstanding. In the case of the Coupé, which weighs in at a mere 1,450 kilograms (3,196.70 pounds), the power-to-weight ratio is just 4.3 kilograms per bhp. The Roadster has a weight of 1,510 kilograms (3,328.98 pounds) and a power-to-weight ratio of 4.4 kilograms per bhp – thanks to its extremely lightweight and largely aluminum body constructed as per the Audi Space Frame principle.

The TT RS Coupé rockets from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62.14 mph) in 4.6 seconds; the Roadster needs just a tenth of a second longer. The limited top speed of 250 km/h (155.34 mph) is merely the official figure for both versions; as an option, Audi can increase it to 280 km/h (173.98 mph).

Almost even more impressive is the aggressive pulling power. The maximum torque of 450 Nm (331.90 lb.-ft.) is always available between 1,600 and 5,300 rpm. In addition, the TT RS overtakes without the slightest effort. Last but not least, its engine makes passengers’ skin tingle time and again thanks to its speedy and powerful response, its inspiring free-revving character, and its unmistakably guttural tailpipes: five-cylinder classical music by Audi!

Compact and Lightweight: The Five-cylinder TFSI


As an uncompromising sports-car engine, the 2.5-liter TFSI is ultra-compact. Just 49 centimeters (19.29 inches) in length, it is ideally suited for transverse installation in the TT RS. And its weight of just 183 kilograms (403.45 pounds) also sets a record. The crankcase is made of vermicular-graphite cast iron. This high-tech material unites the utmost in strength with low weight; it has otherwise only been used for the large TDI engines from Audi.

Perfectly placed reinforcements enhance the block’s loadability. The lightweight cylinder head, the pistons, and the connecting rod are lightweight as well as high-strength. The ultra-powerful five-cylinder engine is extremely fuel-efficient, requiring an average of just 9.2 liters/100 km as regards the Coupé (Roadster: 9.5 l/100 km ). Switchable flaps in the intake manifold mix the incoming air in a calculated configuration. Injected at a pressure as high as
120 bar by the common-rail system, the gasoline swirls intensely in the combustion chamber – which in turn cools the walls. This subsequently facilitates a compression ratio of 10.0:1, which is very high for a turbocharged engine. Both of the adjustable camshafts, controlled via chains, also enhance charging efficiency with respect to the air-fuel mixture.

The large turbocharger generates up to 1.2 bar of boost pressure. The intercooler, fed air ideally by the lower segment of the single frame radiator grille, reduces the temperature of compressed air by over 80 percent at full load.

When an Audi TT RS driver pushes the standard Sport button on the center tunnel, a flap installed in the left exhaust tailpipe renders the exhaust noise even more robust and intense while boosting engine responsiveness. An optional Sport exhaust system is available with matt black tailpipe trims and sound flap.

For Purists: The Driveline


The Audi TT RS is the first classic sports car in the Audi RS family. Like the RS 4 and the RS 6, the Audi TT RS was developed by quattro GmbH as a pure, no-holds-barred driving machine. A new six-speed manual transmission conveys the engine’s tremendous power, and permits easy and precise operation thanks to a specially designed shift lever boasting particularly short shift travel. The transmission’s defining characteristics are a high efficiency ratio and a sportily narrow spread of the gear ratios.

The Audi TT RS features quattro permanent all-wheel drive as standard equipment. Its heart lies at the rear axle: an electronically controlled, hydraulic multi-plate clutch. If a situation calls for it, the clutch redirects a majority of the torque input from the front wheels to the rear wheels.

Within milliseconds, a powerful electrical pump in conjunction with an accumulator presses together the clutch’s plates via hydraulic pressure. Additions to the quattro powertrain include a constant velocity joint before the propeller shaft and a compact rear-axle differential – both are heavy-duty components.

The quattro drivetrain grants the Audi TT RS outstanding traction, fascinating dynamics, and superb stability. Winding rural routes or some laps around a racetrack allow the superior handling to shine. The precise and responsive steering, the instantaneous reactions of the chassis, the neutrality at the cornering limit, the grip while exiting a curve, and – time and again – the engine’s thrilling power: every mile in an Audi TT RS exudes the distilled essence of sportiness.

High-tech Excellence from Audi: Chassis and Body

The chassis of the Audi TT RS builds on the cutting-edge foundation of the base TT design. The four-link rear suspension, which handles longitudinal and lateral forces separately, plays a crucial role. The electromechanical steering is highly efficient and the power steering adjusts to the vehicle’s speed. With aluminum in the front and sheet steel in the back, the body’s innovative mixture of materials results in a well-balanced axle-load distribution, excellent crash safety, and the outstanding rigidity which lays the cornerstone for the car’s precise handling.

The standard sports chassis, which lowers the body by 10 millimeters


(0.39 inches), features tightly tuned springs and shock absorbers. The optional Audi magnetic ride adaptive damping system allows the driver to select one of two modes for the shock absorbers by simply pushing the Sport button. Dynamic mode enables the TT RS to hug the road; Comfort mode provides a pleasantly balanced ride perfect for long journeys.

The sportiest version in the TT model line boasts 18-inch wheels fitted with 245/45 tires. They are complemented by mighty ventilated disc brakes, which measure 370 millimeters (14.57 inches) in diameter at the front and 310 millimeters (12.20 inches) at the rear. So that heat dissipates quickly, the front friction rings are perforated. They, in turn, are connected by hollow pins to the aluminum brake discs, which are encircled by black four-piston brake calipers made of aluminum and bearing RS logos.

The Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP) can be switched off partially or entirely. In Sport mode, the engine does not intervene to monitor traction and, correspondingly, the brakes engage later than otherwise. In the second mode, the ESP is fully deactivated.

The Face of Power: The Exterior


At just 4.20 meters (13.78 feet) in length, the vigorously compact Audi TT RS hints at its explosive potential from the very first glimpse. The front spoiler tapers downward into a splitter, reminiscent of a racing car. The large and squared air inlets have diamond-shaped inserts. And the high-gloss black single frame grille with a frame in matt aluminum look and the TT RS badge bear the same styling. The xenon plus headlights with LED daytime running lights notify faraway drivers that an Audi TT RS is approaching.

The sides of the vehicle are accentuated by large wheels in 5 twin-spoke design, vigorous side sills, and exterior-mirror casings in matt aluminum look. At the tail end, the two large oval exhaust tailpipes – spaced apart – are encircled by a diffuser insert. Here, too, is a TT RS badge. A stationary rear spoiler is standard, though customers can opt for one which automatically extends and retracts. Thanks to a drag coefficient of just 0.3, the 2+2-seat coupé and the two-seat roadster glide effortlessly through the wind. Audi offers the TT RS in eight colors. Among them are four exclusive options: Daytona Gray, pearl effect; Mugello Blue, pearl effect; Sepang Blue, pearl effect; and Suzuka Gray, metallic. The Roadster’s soft top comes in black or dark gray.

Exclusive Character: Interior and Equipment Packages


The dynamic exterior of the Audi TT RS is matched by the interior. The leather multifunction sports steering wheel has an especially thick rim, is flat-bottomed, and is covered with perforated leather. Integrated in the instrument panel, the driver information system can display boost pressure and oil temperature as well as a lap timer for chronicling feats at the racetrack. The door handles consist of two slim strips – typical of Audi RS models. An automatic climate-control system and the concert sound system are standard, as are an electrohydraulic soft top and an electric wind deflector for the Roadster.

The entire interior is black. The heated sports seats feature an Alcantara/leather combination with silver contrasting stitching and embossed TT RS logos in the front backrests. Additional badges and logos appear on the steering wheel, in the rev counter, and on the door sill trims. The inlays are made from brushed aluminum. Floor mats feature silver piping trim; footrests and pedals are in aluminum look.

Audi offers TT RS customers a diverse range of optional equipment: variably styled wheels measuring 18, 19 or 20 inches in diameter; bucket seats with folding backrests; seat upholstery in Silk Nappa leather with perforations or Fine Nappa leather with special TT perforations; inlays with Ibis White or Phantom Black paint finish as well as matt aluminum-look inlays for the exterior. In addition, there are high-tech navigation and multimedia systems available. Sales of the Audi TT RS begin in March; deliveries are scheduled to begin this summer.

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Engine

Turbocharged gasoline engines are a traditional Audi domain, and the fivecylinder turbo in the Audi TT RS is a high-performance engine. With a displacement of 2,480 cubic centimeters, it produces 250 kW (340 hp) between 5,400 and 6,500 rpm. Peak torque of 450 Nm (332 lb-ft) is already available at 1,600 rpm and remains constant up to 5,300 rpm.

The basic concept makes an Audi five-cylinder unit an unusual engine. It has a firing interval of 144 degrees and a firing order of 1-2-4-5-3, alternately between directly adjacent cylinders and cylinders that are far apart. This produces the distinctive rhythm and musical sound, which are also the result of the intake and exhaust geometry. A specially designed torsional vibration damper at the front end of the crankshaft compensates for the free moments of the engine.

The 2.5-liter TFSI is extremely compact. Its cylinder spacing measures 88 millimeters (3.5 in); the external main bearings were moved inside. Only 494 millimeters (19.5 in) long, the long-stroke engine (bore x stroke 82.5 x 92.8 millimeters (3.3 x 3.7 in)) is suitable for transverse installation in the TT RS.

Its low weight of only 183 kilograms (403.45 lb) is also a top figure. It helps keep the total weight of the TT RS low and also offers significant advantages for the distribution of axle loads and thus for the car’s handling.

The crankcase is made of vermicular graphite cast iron. This high-tech material that made its name in the large TDI engines combines the ultimate in rigidity with low weight. Audi is the first automaker to use this material for a gasoline engine. Targeted reinforcements on the main bearing seat and the main bearing cover further increase the load-bearing capacity of the block.

The pistons are made of cast aluminum; each of them together with the rings and pins weighs only 492 grams (1.1 lb). Just like the forged connecting rods, they aredesigned to withstand the highest of loads; systematically minimized asymmetries and slightly angled box walls enhance their strength. Sodium-cooled exhaust valves and hardened valve seat rings are used in the cylinder head, which is cast from a high hot-strength aluminum alloy.

TFSI – the winning technology from Le Mans


The powerful five-cylinder engine is surprisingly frugal, requiring an average of just 9.2 liters/100 km (25.57 US mpg) in the Coupé (Roadster: 9.5 l/100 km (24.76 US mpg)). Its high efficiency can be attributed to the combination of FSI direct fuel injection and turbocharging, two of Audi’s core technologies. This TFSI pairing harmonizes perfectly in motorsports, the world’s most demanding test ground: It has powered the R8 race car to five victories in the 24 Hours of Le Mans and 63 victories in 80 other races.

Loads are measured for the injection unit’s controller by means of a pressure sensor in the intake manifold – a particularly precise method of measurement. Pneumatically actuated flaps generate a controlled rotation of the inflowing air in the combustion chamber. The common rail unit injects the gasoline into this roller-shaped “tumble” at a pressure of 120 bar. The fuel is intensely swirled in the combustion chamber and cools the walls, solving a long-standing problem of turbo technology: the risk of knock during combustion. TFSI technology enables a high 10.0:1 compression ratio and correspondingly good efficiency.

The two camshafts also do their part to ensure that the combustion chamber is well filled: They can be hydraulically moved through 42 degrees of crankshaft rotation. They are driven by a two-stage chain drive comprising a particularly quiet sprocket chain, a roller chain and an intermediate timing gear.

The turbocharger is large, with its compressor wheel measuring 64 millimeters in diameter at the outlet. It can theoretically compress 335 liters (11.83 cu ft) of air at full load; the relative boost pressure can be up to 1.2 bar. The turbocharger casing has a separate oil supply and a cooling system serviced by a separate water pump. At full load, the intercooler reduces the temperature of the compressed air and achieves an efficiency of more than 80 percent. The entire admission tract has been optimized for minimal pressure loss and the development engineers succeeded in reducing the exhaust backpressure in the dual exhaust tract.

There is a flap in the left tailpipe. When it is closed, the exhaust is rerouted through the rear muffler and exits through the right tailpipe. The flap opens when accelerating at higher loads and engine speeds. The exhaust now takes the direct route to the outside, producing a fuller, more intense sound.

The driver can open and close the flap as desired by pressing the standard Sport button on the center tunnel, which also makes the engine response more direct or more comfortable. Audi also offers an optional sports exhaust system with black tailpipe trim, including the sound flap, for an even more distinctive sound.

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Drivetrain


A new manual six-speed transmission is responsible for transferring the power in the Audi TT RS. Its shafts and gears can easily accommodate the high forces. A constant-velocity joint able to withstand high temperatures replaces the usual Hardy disk between the bevel box and the cardan shaft. Gear changes are performed swiftly, with precision and ease – just as you would expect on an Audi. The gear throws were shortened, and the shift lever and knob have been matched to the interior design of the TT RS.

The version of the quattro permanent all-wheel drive for transverse engines is standard in the TT RS. The central component of this system is an electronically controlled, hydraulically actuated multi-plate clutch. To further improve the already good axle load distribution, the clutch is mounted on the end of the cardan shaft upstream of the rear axle differential, another newly developed, particularly compact component designed for high loads.

A package of plates running in an oil bath within the center clutch housing can be steplessly pressed together by controlled hydraulic power. The controller constantly analyzes the driving conditions. If the front wheels begin to slip, an electric-powered rotary piston pump instantly builds up oil pressure, which the clutch uses to divert a large portion of the torque to the rear wheels. Thanks to a high-performance pressure accumulator, this process takes just a few milliseconds.

In the TT RS, quattro permanent all-wheel drive offers all of the superior capabilities that have long come to characterize Audi – added grip, slip-free acceleration, driving dynamics, safety and straight-line stability. The TT RS driving machine is dynamic and confidently stable no matter what the driving style or weather conditions.

Chassis


When it comes to the suspension, the TT RS takes advantage of all of the excellent qualities the basic design of the TT has to offer. The front wheel suspension, with a track of 1,555 millimeters (5.10 ft), is a McPherson structure with triangular lower wishbones. The pivot bearing, the subframe and the control arms are made of aluminum; the subframe is bolted to the body at six points for greater rigidity.

The modified characteristic of the variable-assist rack-and-pinion-steering matches the dynamic character of the TT RS. Because the electromechanical system does not require any energy when traveling straight, it is extremely efficient and saves approximately 0.2 liters of fuel per 100 km. The 16.9:1 ratio is sporty and direct.

Thanks to its sophisticated design, the four-link rear axle (track: 1,546 millimeters (5.07 ft) can provide longitudinal and lateral support separately. The longitudinal links absorb the driveline and braking forces, and their relatively soft mounts provides good ride comfort. On the other hand, the three wishbones per wheel – the spring link, the upper wishbone and the tie rod – are attached very rigidly to the subframe, for optimum handling characteristics.

The elastokinematics of the rear links – all made of high-strength steels – are slightly modified from the technical foundation. Separate coil springs and newly developed dampers provide vertical support. The TT RS is 10 mm (0.4 in) lower than the high-volume TT. The developers perfected the setup in exhaustive testing, including many fast laps around the North Loop course at the Nürburgring.

The top-of-the-line TT is available with an optional electronic controller for the shock absorbers – the high-tech Audi magnetic ride system. Circulating within the damper pistons is a synthetic hydrocarbon containing tiny magnetic particles between three and ten micrometers in size. When a current is applied to a coil, a field is generated in which the alignment of the particles changes. They align perpendicular to the flow of the oil and thus prevent it from flowing through the piston channels. The characteristic of the damping thus changes within just a few milliseconds.

The system’s controller analyzes the driver’s style and the condition of the road constantly and adapts the function of the system accordingly. The driver can use the Sport button to switch between the normal characteristic and Sport mode. In standard mode, when oil viscosity is high, the TTS offers a well-balanced, comfortable ride. In Sport mode – with restricted flow – the ride is uncompromisingly stiff with practically no lateral roll. The targeted support of the wheels provides for more neutral self-steering behavior and more precise steering response.

A solid basis: 18-inch to 20-inch wheels


TT RS comes standard from Audi with large, 5-twin-spoke cast aluminum wheels in the size 9J x 18 shod with 245/40 tires. A number of wheels in various designs and sizes up to 20 inches are optionally available. The 19-inch wheels with 255/35 tires are optionally available in high-gloss silver or titanium look.

The large wheels have room for powerful brakes. All four disks are internally ventilated and measure 310 millimeters in diameter at the back and 370 millimeters up front. The front friction rings are perforated for maximum heat dissipation and connected by hollow pins to the aluminum brake disks. Fourpiston calipers, painted black and decorated up front with RS logos, firmly grip the disks. These are also manufactured of aluminum to reduce the unsprung masses.

The ESP electronic stabilization program is designed for dynamic driving and can be deactivated in two stages. In Sport mode, the engine does not intervene to control traction, and the brakes engage later than otherwise. In the second mode, the ESP is fully deactivated.

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Design


From a purely visual standpoint, the TT RS Coupé and Roadster are both charismatic athletes. When standing still, they both appear to be pushing forward. The strong sheet-metal body and the tautly curved surfaces, delimited by sharp lines, give the impression of a sculpture in motion. A series of design highlights impart the TT RS with that air of concentrated power that characterizes a top-ofthe- line model.

As always with Audi, the front end is characterized by the single-frame grille, which is encircled by a matt aluminum-look frame. The grille insert, which bears a TT RS badge, features a shiny black rhombus design – a design mirrored by the large side air intakes. Their widely extended edges draw air into the engine compartment – the left intake routes the air across the gearbox; the right intake routes air to an additional water cooler. The turbocharger draws its intake air through the upper section of the single-frame grille, while the intercoolers sit behind the lower segment of the grille.

The front skirt has been redesigned. Its splitter and the rear spoiler work together to provide perfect aerodynamic balance. Audi offers the splitter, the lip of the diffuser insert and the mounting for the rear spoiler in aluminum look as an option.

The headlamp design is an identifying feature of all current Audi models. Xenon plus lamps are standard on the TT RS. They are accentuated by daytime running lights, whose 12 light-emitting diodes form a straight line. Together with the “wings” (dual plastic wings), the LEDs make the headlamps seem like little technical works of art.

The most striking aspects of the Audi TT RS when viewed from the side are the 18-inch wheels with the large brakes and the flared side sills. The outside mirror housings come standard in matt aluminum look, and optionally in the body color or carbon. Those looking for something special can choose the black styling package, in which the frame of the single-frame grille is also black. The rear bumper includes an integrated diffuser insert that surrounds the two large, oval tailpipes. A TT RS logo also adorns the rear of the car. The TT RS comes standard with a wide, stationary spoiler that increases the downforce on the rear axle and thus improves stability at high speeds. The spoiler of the highvolume model, which automatically extends at 120 km/h (75 mph) and retracts again at 80 km/h (50 mph).

Regardless of which rear spoiler is chosen, the TT RS has a drag coefficient of approx. 0.32 (Roadster: 0.34). The front face measures 2.09 square meters (22.5 sq ft) in all versions – a low value that contributes to the high dynamism in the upper speed range. The Coupé and Roadster are 4,198 millimeters (13.77 ft) long and 1,842 millimeters (6.04 ft) wide. The closed TT RS is 1,342 millimeters (4.4 ft) high; the open version 1,348 millimeters (4.42 ft).

A classic lightweight: The Roadster’s cloth top


An open-topped Audi always has a classic cloth top. Why? Because it is lighter than a folding steel roof, lowers the center of gravity, takes up less room in the trunk and flows harmoniously into the design line. The cloth top of the performance driving machine TT RS Roadster is powered as standard by an electrohydraulic drive.

The top, which includes a large glass rear window, opens and closes in twelve seconds, even while driving at speeds up to 50 km/h (31 mph). When opened, it folds into a Z-shape with its frontmost element forming a fixed cover, eliminating the need for a cover flap or tonneau cover. A mat between the headlining and the outer skin provides good acoustic and thermal insulation. The wind deflector is also very convenient – it opens and closes automatically at the push of a button. The cloth top is available in two sporty colors – dark grey or black. There are eight paint colors available for the body. Four of them are familiar from the TT family – Ibis White; Misano Red, pearl effect; Monza Silver, metallic; and Phantom Black, pearl effect. The following colors are offered exclusively for the TT RS: Daytona Gray, pearl effect; Mugello Blue, pearl effect; Sepang Blue, pearl effect; and Suzuka Gray, metallic.

Body


A true sports car is always a light car, and the TT RS shines in this discipline as well. The Coupé weighs only 1,450 kilograms (3,197 lb); the Roadster 1,510 kilograms (3,329 lb). The power-to-weight ratio of 4.3 and 4.4 kilograms (9.5 and 9.7 lb) per hp speaks volumes about the dynamic potential.

The decisive factor is the construction of the two bodies. Up front they are made of lightweight aluminum components assembled using Audi Space Frame ASF technology. Extruded sections, die-castings and aluminum sheets form an impactresistant structure of exceptional strength. The joint between the roof and the sidewalls of the Coupé are laser-welded as an invisible joint – a visual expression of the precision demanded by Audi. Steel is used at the rear of the floor pan, the doors and the trunk lid. This hybrid construction results in excellently balanced weight distribution.

The body-in-white of the Coupé weighs only 206 kilograms (454 lb), comprising 140 kilograms (309 lb) of aluminum (68 percent) and 66 kilograms (146 lb) of steel (32 percent); an all-steel structure would have weighed almost half as much again. The superstructure of the TT RS Roadster adds only 45 kilograms (99 lb). Components such as the steel bulkhead partition between the passenger cell and severely ribbed side sills provide added rigidity. The windshield frame and the two rollover bars protect the passengers if the car should roll over.

The Roadster and the Coupé are equipped with front airbags that discharge in two stages depending on the severity of the accident. Belt tensioners and force limiters protect the driver and passenger. In the event of a rear-end collision, headrests support the back of the head; head-thorax side airbags stand at the ready in case of a side-impact collision.

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Interior


The neatly sporty interior design, the perfect ergonomics and the unique selection and build quality of the materials are hallmarks of an Audi. In the TT model series, special features provide that extra emotional touch – the curved cupola above the instruments, the instrument faces recessed into tubes, the large control knobs of the automatic air conditioning system and the round air vents.

The TT RS includes additional, lovingly arranged details. A special menu including digital displays for boost pressure and oil temperature as well as a lap time for recording lap times on the racetrack is integrated into the standard driver information system. The display of the optional navigation system plus greets the driver with a special TT RS screen when the ignition is turned on. The leather multifunction sports steering wheel has three spokes and an extra thick ring. It is flattened at the bottom like in a racing car and is wrapped with perforated leather with silver seams.

The sport seats are mounted low. Their large side cushions provide perfect support, and the seats are infinitely adjustable and heated. They come standard in a combination of leather and Alcantara, accented with contrasting silver seams and embossed TT RS logos in the front backrests.

The entire interior is dressed in dynamic black. Matt brushed aluminum inlays are standard; the footrest and pedals are in aluminum look. TT RS logos adorn the door sill trims, the tachometer and the steering wheel, silver welts frame the floor mats, and the door openers – typical for an Audi RS model – comprise two narrow bars.

The TT RS is a sports car with good everyday usability – a major strength of the entire model series. The backs of both rear seats fold down in the Coupé, increasing trunk space from 290 to 700 liters (from 10.24 to 24.72 cu ft). The Roadster, which offers 250 liters (8.83 cu ft) of storage space, can be optionally equipped with a load-through hatch with a removable ski sack.

Equipment


The TT RS is sportily and generously equipped by Audi. Among the highlights of the standard equipment are quattro permanent all-wheel drive, the large 18-inch alloy wheels, the xenon plus headlamps with LED daytime running lights and, in the Roadster, the electrohydraulic top with power wind deflector. The interior is dominated by the leather multifunction sports steering wheel and the sport seats with their leather/Alcantara surfaces. An automatic air conditioning system and concert audio system with CD player are also standard equipment in the German market.

Audi also offers a broad range of convenient optional extras. These include two navigation systems with refined software, a Bose sound system, a parking assistant, a hill-start assistant, cruise control, an interior lighting package with LED lamps and the adaptive light dynamic cornering light system.

Additional features are exclusive to the TT RS, such as the bucket seats with folddown backrest. They are covered in black Fine Nappa leather with contrasting silver seams. The inserts of the seat side sections and the top center strip of the backrest are perforated in the shape of the letters TT. Audi offers the standard sport seats in Silk Nappa leather with perforated embossing – in either black or silver with contrasting seams and perforated inserts in the center strips and on the seat side sections.

Floor mats with TT RS logos, control elements covered in suede and painted inlays in phantom black or ibis white impart the interior with an even more individual note. The Audi exclusive program from quattro GmbH accommodates the wishes of those who are after that extra-special touch. Audi is scheduled to begin delivering the TT RS this summer. The Coupé is Priced at €55,800 and the Roadster at €58,650.