Audi->ke14 is preparing to bring out the new generation TT-RS in 2013, but before that happens, the company is sending the current generation out with a more powerful bang. Called the TT-RS Plus, this new model will be offered in both coupe and roadster versions. In Germany, the TT-RS Coupe equipped with a manual transmission will be priced at €60,650 ($80,500 at the current exchange rates) and €62,800 ($83,500 at the current exchange rates) with the seven-speed S tronic . The TT RS Plus Roadster has a list price of €63,500 ($84,500 at the current exchange rates) with the manual transmission and €65,650 ($86,000 at the current exchange rates) with the seven-speed S tronic.

The Audi TT-RS Plus will be the most powerful TT-RS model launched on the market. It is powered by a 2.5 liter five-cylinder turbo engine that delivers a total of 360 HP - an increase of 20 HP over the standard version. As a result, the model will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds with a top speed that has been increased to 173 mph.

UPDATE 03/07/2012: The new Audi TT-RS Plus has made its world debut at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show and we have added a series of live images from the show. Enjoy!

Hit the jump to read more about the Audi TT-RS Plus.

2012 Audi TT-RS Plus

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2012 Audi TT-RS Plus
  • Engine/Motor: five-cylinder Turbo engine
  • Horsepower: 360
  • Torque: 342
  • Transmission: six-speed transmission
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior and Interior

The new Audi TT-RS has a few elements that will further distinguish it from the rest of the line-up. At the front of the vehicle, the single-frame radiator grille features a diamond-pattern mesh in a highly polished anthracite and the trim frame has a matte aluminum-look finish. The side of the Audi has exterior mirrors that are made of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) and the back of the car sports a dual-branch sport exhaust system with black oval tailpipe trims. A special set of 19" cast wheels in a five-arm "Rotor" design finish off the exterior look and are painted black with contrasting red rim flanges. The wheels are combined with a high-performance brake system that includes four-piston fixed calipers in conjunction with perforated brake disks installed on the front axle. An optional Carbon design package is available to give the engine compartment a more exclusive look.

Inside of the Audi TT-RS Plus, the gear knob and selector lever feature an aluminum-look trim ring and a TT RS Plus badge.

Engine

The Audi TT-RS Plus is powered by the usual 2.5 liter five-cylinder turbo engine, but its output has been increased to 360 HP and 342 lbs-ft of torque. The engine can be mated to either a manual six-speed transmission or a seven-speed S tronic with its lightning-fast gearshifts. The model will also be equipped with Audi's quattro permanent all-wheel drive system, which operates with a multi-plate clutch, transfering engine power to the road in supreme style.

When mated to the manual transmission, the standard Audi TT-RS Plus will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds, while the S-tronic gearbox will improve the sprint time by .2 seconds, to 4.1. The roadster version will achieve the 0-60mph sprint in 4.4 seconds with manual transmission and in 4.2 seconds with the S-Tronic. In all cases, top speed is limited to 173 mph.

In terms of fuel economy, the Coupe combined with the S tronic transmission uses an average of just 8.5 liters of fuel per 100 km (27.67 US mpg) and the Roadster model uses 8.6 liters per 100 km (27.35 US mpg).

Prices

In Germany, the TT-RS Coupe equipped with a manual transmission will be priced at €60,650 ($80,500 at the current exchange rates) and €62,800 ($83,500 at the current exchange rates) with the seven-speed S-Tronic. The TT RS Plus Roadster has a list price of €63,500 ($84,500 at the current exchange rates) with the manual transmission or €65,650 ($86,000 at the current exchange rates) with the S-Tronic.

Competition

With the extra 20 HP and all of the other improvements, the TT-RS Plus brings about a new challenge for its competitors. For example, the Nissan 370Z Nismo 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 and 276 lb-ft of torque at 5,200 rpm, 10 HP less than the Audi. Top speed is also limited to 155 mph.

The Porsche Cayman R is surprisingly even less impressive with its 3.4-liter six-cylinder engine that develops 330 HP, 30 HP less than the Audi. The Cayman R sprints from 0 to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds, a full seven seconds slower than the Audi TT-RS Plus. Of course, the Cayman R does have a top speed of 175 mph.