The new TT RS models will be launched on the European market in the autumn. No pricing for the Irish market will be announced at this time, but Audi boasts the impressive performance from the new five-cylinder engine will win over many buyers.
A jury of international motor journalists, including Padraic Deane who represents Ireland, has voted the 2.5 TFSI Engine of the Year for the last six years in a row. Now Audi has further developed the five-cylinder engine in all areas – with lightweight construction measures, reduced internal friction and increased power delivery.
As a result, the turbo engine gains a good 17 per cent increase in performance at an unchanged capacity of 2,480cc. At 400hp, it is more powerful than ever before. The maximum torque of 480Nm is available between 1,700 and 5,850rpm. It ensures fantastic pulling power, which accompanies the unmistakable sound. Cylinders positioned directly beside each other and far away from each other fire in alternation.
This brings with it a very special rhythm. The TT RS coupé accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in 3.7 seconds, the Roadster in 3.9 seconds – this corresponds to the level of a supercar. Audi regulates the top speed at 250km/h, or at 280km/h on request.
The forces of the 2.5 TFSI engine flow via a seven-speed S tronic, shifts at lightning speed to the quattro permanent all-wheel drive. The German carmaker says its multi-plate clutch distributes the power freely between the axles. This provides strong grip and immense driving pleasure. Audi claims he wheel-selective torque control makes handling even more agile and safe. Using the Audi drive select system, the driver can influence the quattro drive and other components such as the steering, S tronic, engine characteristic and exhaust flaps. The four modes available for this are comfort, auto, dynamic, and individual.
In addition to its light weight, Audi says the TT RS has its sporty chassis to thank for its outstanding handling. The direct steering provides close contact with the road and makes it a pleasure to drive challenging winding stretches. At the front axle, ventilated and perforated steel discs are in action behind the 19-inch wheels – or 20-inch forged lightweight wheels as an option.
Alternatively, lighter and particularly abrasion-resistant carbon-fibre ceramic discs are available. At the back, a steel monoblock disc is used. As an option, Audi supplies RS sport suspension plus adaptive dampers in magnetic ride technology. In this case, the damping characteristics can be influenced electronically. The control technology is integrated into the driving dynamics system known as Audi drive select.
Large air inlets, a singleframe grille with a newly designed honeycomb grille and quattro logo, a fixed rear wing and two large, oval exhaust tailpipes – the new TT RS coupé and the new TT RS Roadster exude concentrated power. Along the flanks, aerodynamically-shaped side sills emphasise the dynamic design.
Audi says that controls and display in the new TT RS are focused completely on the driver. All information is displayed as standard on the fully digital Audi virtual cockpit with 12.3-inch screen. The driver can choose from three views, including a special RS screen that highlights the rev counter and provides information on tire pressure, torque, and g?force, among other things. The Audi virtual cockpit also displays a shift light which informs the driver that the engine speed limit has been reached.
For the first time in the RS portfolio, the RS sport leather steering wheel with shift paddles has two operating satellite buttons for turning the engine on and off, as well as the driving dynamics system known as Audi drive select in addition to multifunction buttons. This means that the driver’s hands stay on the wheel at all times. The driver can influence the exhaust flap control via the sound button on the centre console.
Audi also offers a huge amount of high-end infotainment technology. The options include MMI navigation plus with MMI touch including free text search and natural voice control, as well as the Audi connect online module with Wi-Fi hotspot. Using Audi phone box, compatible mobile phones can be charged inductively and paired with the on-board antennae for optimal reception.
The new Audi smartphone interface technology displays selected apps from the mobile phone directly in the Audi virtual cockpit. The Bang & Olufsen sound system is a highlight for fans of excellent acoustics.
