Although the third-generation Audi TT was unveiled in early 2014, it didn't cross the pond to the U.S. until 2015, for the 2016 model year. The high-performance TT-RS will have a similar fate, even though Audi unveiled the beefed-up coupe at the 2016 Beijing Auto Show. It's been a full year since the TT-RS made its global debut and the high-performance two-door is getting ready to come to the U.S. at the 2017 New York Auto Show, meaning it will go on sale for the 2018 model year.

The TT-RS saga began in 2009, 11 years after the Audi TT’s launch and three years after the TT Mk2’s introduction. Available as both a coupe and roadster, it climbed above the TTS in the TT range. The company’s first compact RS was powered by the legendary, 2.5-liter, five-cylinder engine that produced 335 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of twist, and featured revised styling and a sportier interior. The TT-RS came to the U.S. in 2012, when the Plus model was launched. Fitted with an uprated version of the 2.5-liter turbo-five, the TT-RS Plus had a cool 360 ponies and 342 pound-feet on tap.

Already more powerful than a Porsche Cayman, the Plus will be replaced by an even wilder version of the TT equipped with a brand-new iteration of the 2.5-liter, five-cylinder engine. Find out how powerful and quick it is and how it stacks up against Porsche's relatively new 718 Cayman in the review below.

Updated 04/25/2016: Audi dropped the official details on the new TT RS at the 2016 Beijing Auto Show.

Continue reading to learn more about the 2017 Audi TT-RS.

2017 Audi TT-RS

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2017 Audi TT-RS
  • Segment: Array
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 400
  • Torque: 354
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

As predicted by our rendering, the new TT-RS features a design based on the third-gen TT, meaning it borrows the base model’s sharp front grille and redesigned headlamps and bumper. Making the car look far more aggressive than its regular sibling is the honeycomb mesh -- seen on other recent high-performance Audi's -- in the Single frame grille, the larger air intakes in the bumper, and the silver blade-like element at the bottom of the apron.

Beefier fenders and side skirts, carbon-fiber mirror caps, as well as newly designed wheels enhance the TT-RS’ profile. Around back, it employs a redesigned bumper, a fixed rear wing, and two large, oval exhaust tailpipes. Optionally, customers can replace the fixed wing with a retractable element.

Styling aside, the new TT-RS marks the debut of Audi's Matrix OLED technology on series-production taillights. Available as an option on the high-performance compact, each Matrix taillight contains four wafer-thin units which become smaller from the inside out. The biggest of them bears the TT logo and the four Audi rings. What makes this technology special is that Matrix OLEds emit an extremely homogeneous, high-contrast light, which can be continuously dimmed, it does not cast any shadows and does not require any reflectors. The same technology is also available for the headlamps, otherwise equipped with LED technology as standard.

Interior

Much like the previous-generation model, the interior of the TT-RS is based on the standard car's, but enhanced by sportier features. Highlights include red accents on the A/C vents, red stitching on the center console, gear shifter, and doors panels, and a flat-bottom steering wheel with an RS badge. The latter is also wrapped in leather and now has two operating buttons for turning the engine on and off and for the Drive Select function.

All RS models come with a 12.3-inch screen as an instrument cluster. It can be used in three views, including a special RS screen that highlights the rev counter and provides information on torque, g-force, and tire pressure, among other things. The digital cluster also displays a shift light which informs the driver that the engine limit has been reached, just like a rally car. The sportiness of the TT-RS is further enhanced by the carbon-fiber and aluminum trim on the center console and door panels, the sports pedals, and the bolstered seats.

The coupe is also loaded with high-end technology, but most fancy features aren't standard. The options list includes MMI Navigation Plus with MMI Touch, Audi Connect module with Wi-Fi hotspot, and the new Audi smartphone interface technology that displays selected apps from the cell phone directly on the screen. Audiophiles can opt for a Bang-Olufsen audio system that's loud enough to cover the growl of the five-cylinder engine.

Drivetrain

Despite rumors that Audi might drop the 2.5-liter five-cylinder, the new TT-RS continues with the same configuration, albeit with a newly-developed version of the turbo-five with lightweight construction, reduced internal friction, and enhanced output. About 22 pounds lighter than the previous unit, the new 2.5-liter cranks out 400 horsepower, a stout 17-percent increase over last year's powerplant. That's a full 60 horsepower more than the second-gen TT-RS and 40 horses more than the TT-RS Plus, making the second-generation car the most powerful TT ever produced. Maximum torque, delivered from as low as 1,700 rpm, is rated at 354 pound-feet, 22 and 12 pound-feet more than the previous TT-RS and TT-RS Plus, respectively.

With the extra oomph also come better performance ratings. The TT RS needs only 3.6 seconds to hit 60 mph from a standing start, nearly a half-second improvement. Top speed remains limited at a very German 155 mph, but the limiter can be removed upon request for a maximum speed of 174 mph. The five-cylinder engine mates to a seven-speed, dual-clutch S-Tronic transmission with no option for a manual gearbox. The Quattro all-wheel drive system is standard.

Suspension

In addition to being lighter, the new TT-RS also rides on a sportier chassis. The direct steering provides better handling and closer contact with the road, while the optional RS Sport Suspension Plus adds adaptive dampers in magnetic ride technology. The adaptive dampers can be set electronically thanks to a system that's integrated into the Drive Select function. Braking comes from ventilated and perforated steel discs at the front and steel monobloc discs at the rear. Alternatively, Audi offers lighter and abrasion-resistant carbon-fiber ceramic discs.

Safety

The TT-RS comes with the same safety features as the standard TT. The coupe is equipped with driver and front passenger dual-stage airbags, front thorax side airbags, knee airbags, and side head curtain airbags. The standard safety package also includes front passenger detection for airbags, central locking system with safety unlock feature if airbags deploy, anti-lock braking system with electronic brake-force distribution, electronic stability control, safety belt reminder, lower anchors and tethers for children in rear seats, and a tire pressure monitoring system.

Prices

Pricing for the Audi TT-RS starts from $64,900, which is a bit more affordable than I expect. However, at this price point it gets some stiff competition from Porsche and other manufacturers offering sports cars in the United States.

Competitors

Porsche 718 Cayman

Facelifted for 2017, the Cayman gained not only a revised exterior and cabin, but also a new name and brand-new engines. Sold as the 718 Cayman starting 2016, Porsche entry-level sports car ditched the all-engine inline-six unit in favor of turbocharged, four-cylinder powerplants. Currently the most powerful version available, the Cayman S uses a 2.5-liter four-banger rated at 350 horsepower and 309 pound-feet of torque. The coupe hits 60 mph in 4.4 seconds with the six-speed manual, 4.2 ticks with the PDK, and only four seconds with PDK and Sport Chrono. While not as quick as the TT-RS, the 718 Cayman is the more affordable option at $66,300.

Find out more about the Porsche 718 Cayman here.

Nissan 370Z Nismo

Updated for the 2015 model year, the 370Z Nismo gained a more appealing exterior design, and revised interior and suspension. Albeit prettier than its predecessor, the refreshed Nismo doesn't benefit from an upgraded engine. However, the 3.7-liter V-6 and its 350 ponies are enough to give the TT-RS a run for its money. Although it's the slowest of the pack with a 0-to-60 mph sprint of five seconds, the 370Z Nismo is quite nippy on the track, thanks to its exceptional balance. The big news is that Nissan finally added an automatic transmission to the options list, meaning the Nismo can be had with a seven-speed unit that features Downshift Rev Matching and Adaptive Shift Control. Pricing for the 2016 370Z Nismo starts from $41,990. That makes it cheaper than both the 718 Cayman and the TT-RS, and the obvious choice for a tight pocket.

Learn more about the 370Z Nismo in our full review here.

Conclusion

As a gearhead, you can not love the TT-RS for its spectacular inline-five engine, mind-boggling performance, standard AWD and hatchback-like utility. The outgoing model might not be as sharp as its competitors in terms of handling, but that may very well change with the new generation. It might not be as nimble as the 718 Cayman on the race track, but the new 400-horsepower output makes the TT-RS significantly quicker than its Porsche-badged competitors, and not many sports cars can brag about that.

Video

Updated History

Updated 04/12/2016: A new report on the upcoming Audi TT RS suggest the sports coupe will be unveiled later this month at the 2016 Beijing Auto Show. Also, the new TT RS is rumored to be powered by a new 2.5-liter turbo five-cylinder engine that will also be used in the upcoming RS3.

Updated 02/08/2016: Our spy photographers caught the upcoming TT RS out for a new testing session in Sweden. The will debut at either the 2016 Geneva Motor Show, or later in October at the Paris Auto Show.

Updated 01/07/2016: The guys over Autobild were the first ones to get a closer look at Audi's new OLED taillights that will be featured in the upcoming TT RS. Hit "play" to see them.

Updated 01/04/2016: A new report about the upcoming Audi TT RS indicates it will be powered by a turbocharged five-cylinder, 2.5-liter engine that delivers a total of 395 horsepower. A TT RS Performance version will also be offered with a total output of 415 horsepower.

Updated 10/12/2015: Our spy photographers caught the upcoming Audi TT RS testing close to the Nürburgring. When compared to a standard TT it should feature a more aggressive exterior language, typical to the RS models, while under the hood we expect an engine with about 400 horsepower. An official debut should happen in March 2016 at the Geneva Motor Show.

Updated 09/28/2015: The guys over Gumbal caught the upcoming TT RS our for a new testing session at Nurburgring. Enjoy!

Updated 07/20/2015: New reports suggest that the upcoming Audi TT RS will drop the current six-speed manual transmission and will be offered exclusively with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Updated 04/20/2015: While all we have so far on the future Audi TT RS is speculation, we decided to create a rendering of what we think the car will look like. We hope you like it.

Spy Shots

February 8, 2016 - Next Audi TT RS caught testing i Sweden

October 12, 2015 - Audi TT RS testing close to Nurburgring

May 26, 2015 - first testing session

Rendering