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Audi finally came to their senses back in September 2010 when they decided that it was time for the TT-RS to make its way back to the States, but their most recent announcement may leave some with less than what they bargained for. Along with the TT-RS’ first appearance on American soil at the Chicago Auto Show, came Audi’s announcement that we will only be getting a limited run of 1,000 units of the vehicle. Audi is obviously playing the supply and demand game since 11,500 fans expressed their enthusiasm over the TT-RS in only one month. No official details were given on the car, but Audi did confirm that it would be $10,000 more expensive than the current TTS, priced at $51,000. Sales for the Audi TT-RS will begin at the end of Summer 2011. The Audi TT-RS will be powered by a turbocharged 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine that will deliver an extra 20 HP compared to the European model. With a total of 360 HP, the engine will only be offered with a conventional six-speed manual transmission and will sprint the car from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.6 seconds. We expect to see a greater top speed compared to the European model. UPDATE 07/08/2011: Audi has announced prices for the 2012 TT-RS, a model that signifies the return of the RS nameplate to the U.S. The Audi TT RS will be priced at $56,850 (excluding destination charges, taxes, title, options and dealer charges). By comparison, the Audi TT-S version is priced from $50K. UPDATE 07/27/2011: The first Audi TT-RS sold on the US market has been delivered to Forth Worth Audi dealer in Texas. The first client is veteran race car driver Don Istook. He is one of the more than 11,500 fans to sign the Audi TT RS Facebook petition drive, which helped convince Audi to introduce the 360-hp coupe in the U.S. "Having raced at almost every major track in the U.S. and Canada, I’ve pushed the limits in many cars in my 34 years as a race car driver,” Istook said. “I like my street car to give me some of that thrill. With my new Audi TT RS, I not only get that thrill, but I also get that ’race car’ sound." More details on the Audi TT-RS American model after the jump. Exterior and Interior The TT-RS is the most powerful model in the TT line-up and is distinguished by a high-gloss black single frame grille with a frame in matte aluminum look, xenon plus headlights with LED daytime running lights, large wheels in a 5 twin-spoke design, vigorous side sills, and exterior-mirror casings in a matte aluminum look. On the rear, the car gets a stationary rear spoiler and two large oval exhaust tailpipes – spaced apart – encircled by a diffuser insert. The interior is distinguished by heated sports seats featured in an Alcantara/leather combination with silver contrasting stitching and an embossed TT RS logo, a leather multifunction sports steering wheel, and an aluminum pedal. Engine Under the hood of the new TT-RS model, Audi has placed the same turbocharged 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine as the European model. However, unlike the European model, the American version will deliver an extra 20 HP (up to a total of 360 HP) and will only be mated to a new manual six-speed transmission. The sprint from 0 to 60 mph will be made in just 4.6 seconds, and after removing the speed limiter, we expect a top speed of around 175 mph. Prices On the US market, sales of the new TT-RS will begin in Summer 2011. Audi hasn’t revealed prices for the sports car just yet, but they have confirmed that it will be around $10,000 more expensive then the current TT-S model. We expect the TT-RS to be priced at around $61,000 with only 1,000 customers being able to revel in their purchase due to the limited number of units. Competition The TT-RS has a great look and can provide an impressive performance, but is it enough to stand out in front of some of it greatest competitors like the Nissan 370Z Nismo, the Mercedes SLK350, or the Porsche Cayman R? The Mercedes SLK is powered by a 3.5 liter direct injected engine that delivers a total of 302 HP and sprints the car from 0 to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds, while top speed is limited to 155 mph. With the new generation launched, the SLK Roadster has gained an impressive look and is more powerful than ever, but is still lacking compared to the TT-RS. Another close, but not close enough competitor is the 370Z Nismo. This car is powered by a 3.7-liter DOHC 24-valve V6 aluminum alloy engine that delivers a total of 350 HP at 7,400 rpm with 276 lbs of torque at 5,200 rpm. Top speed is also limited to 155 mph. The Cayman R is powered by a 3.4-liter six-cylinder engine that develops an impressive 330 HP and sprints from 0 to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds, while top speed is 175 mph with manual gearbox, or 174 mph with PDK. The Cayman R is priced at $66,300 and just may be the only real competitor for the TT-RS, based on both look and performance, but it is still a hair shy of the Audi in our opinion. Of course, the Porsche name may be enough for some to walk right past the Audi TT-RS and climb into the Cayman.   More powerful than European model
Aggressive look
Sporty interior
Manual only
Only 1000 units for the US market
Price matches the likes of Porsche which may stunt sales
38 comments: Audi TT-RS American model It is some kind of pricey but reasonable enough for it has the powerful upgrade in its boost. This is going to be a good competition between Audi TT-RS and Mercedes SLK350.
 Well, this American model of 2012 Audi TT-RS is indeed more powerful than the other one the European Model. It really looks classy for a Porsche.
 For a limited number units, goodluck to all Audi enthusiasts. I hope all of you would be able to take home this gorgeous sportscar.
 It seems that they have modified this car in order to passed their strict regulation for car. Well, I guess that’s the reason why its speed performance has boosted only up to 300 hp.
 For a price range between $60K-$70K, this car is definitely reasonable. The engine performance of the TT-RS is very impressive! Plus, the interior seems sportier. However, too bad that it comes up only with single engine options.
 Great looks, great quality, seriously fast, unmatched sound, limited availability, manual only, reasonable price... a classic in the making.
The front seems too big compare to the traditional look of Audi car though I have to say that it looks good in red! However, talking the performance of this car, I think its less powerful for a sportscar just its competitor the 370z.
 I love it! This is one of the best thing that I like about this car it perfectly mixed the luxury and sporty on this car!
 I really love it and I think the red paint job fit to the sporty look of this car! However, I don’t think that it will be necessary discuss this since the R8 is already in the market.
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Posted on
07.26.2011 @ 05:00