THINGS just got super hot for the new look Audi TT RS Coupé and TT RS Roadster, unveiled at the Beijing Motor Show, with a whopping 44kW added to the already beefy 2.5L TFSI engine along with a stunning new design.
The upgraded engine brings the aluminium five-cylinder to 294kW and 480Nm of torque, bundled up with quattro all-wheel drive, improved safety features, and a major boost to styling that includes Matrix OLED tail lights for the first time ever.
The 2017 TT RS Coupé accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds, the Roadster in 3.9 seconds, giving the duo supercar performance, despite the fact Audi regulates the top speed at 250 km/h, or at 280 km/h upon request (who actually needs to drive that fast anyway).
In addition to its light weight, the Audi 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 add to the cool factor in a big way. Along the flanks, aerodynamically-shaped side sills emphasise the dynamic design.
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.
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 multi function 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 center 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 hot spot.
Using Audi phone box, compatible cell 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 cell phone directly in the Audi virtual cockpit. The Bang & Olufsen sound system is a highlight for fans of excellent acoustics.
The new Audi TT RS will arrive in Australia in mid-2017. Further details, pricing and specification will be announced closer to launch.
