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Officially unveiled: Audi TT RS
05 March 2009
Audi finally whipped the wraps off the Audi TT RS for real at the Geneva show this week.
The aggressively styled Audi TT RS coupe and roadster duo hark back to the classic Quattro rally-bred road cars by running a newly developed turbocharged five-cylinder direct-injection petrol powerplant that has been specially tuned to simulate the gravelly exhaust note of the iconic S2 Quattro.
See more pics of the Audi TT RS
The 2.5-litre unit, measuring 490mm in length and mounted transversely, is based around a long-running Volkswagen unit used primarily in the US-market Jetta, although Audi cheekily suggests it shares the architecture of daughter company Lamborghini’s 5.2-litre V10 engine.
Power is put at 335bhp with torque extending to an impressive 331lb ft. It is sufficient to propel the 1450kg Audi TT RS coupe from 0 to 62mph in a claimed 4.6sec – the roadster requiring an added tenth owing to its additional 60kg. Top speed for both models is limited to 155mph.
Power reaches the road via a six-speed manual gearbox and a four-wheel drive system set up to deliver 40 per cent of drive to the front wheels and 60 per cent to the rear. A retuned suspension incorporates firmer springs and dampers, lowering the ride height by 10mm over the standard TT.
Visual upgrades include a gloss black grille insert, deeper front bumper with enlarged air ducts, alloy-look exterior mirror housings, beefed-up side sills and a non-too-subtle fixed rear spoiler. There’s also a new rear valance panel, incorporating a diffuser element and two chromed oval tailpipes.
The Audi TT RS reaches the UK in June, priced at £42,980 for the coupe and £44,880 for the roadster.
Greg Kable
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