Car Reviews Motoring

Audi TT RS Coupé

Avatar photo
Written by Tim Barnes-Clay

Audi’s latest TT RS has never looked so athletic.

The front end and the striking rear give it a dynamic appearance. Lateral air inlets, which have been enlarged, are each divided by vertical strips on the inside and outside and extend almost all the way to the front wheel wells, making the TT RS appear extremely wide. For cooling purposes there are additional radiators located behind the typical RS honeycomb grill.

A continuous front spoiler that is drawn up steeply at each side pulls the front apron down sharply, giving the car its distinctive, motorsport-inspired look.

At the rear, a fixed rear wing with side winglets catches the eye. As part of the aerodynamics concept, it supports RS-typical performance and efficiency. There are vertical design elements on both sides above the RS-specific diffuser. Two large oval exhaust tailpipes create the signature RS finish.

LED headlights are standard. The optional matrix LED units regulate the high beams intelligently and with great flexibility. Also available are Matrix OLED reversing lights (organic light emitting diode) with a 3D design which distribute their extensive light with extreme precision. When the ignition is switched on, the OLED reversing lights put on a spectacular display. A red 12 o’clock marker on the steering wheel rim also serves to highlight its performance potential.

A 2.5-litre TSFI five-cylinder lumps powers the car. The engine produces 400PS, and when combined with quattro all-wheel drive, the TT RS sprints from 0 to 62mph in only 3.7 seconds. Sounds thirsty, right? Well, no, the Audi isn’t bad at all, returning a combined fuel consumption of 34.9 to 35.8mpg.

Musical accompaniment is provided by the typical five-cylinder sound: 1-2-4-5-3. Due to this ignition sequence, ignition alternates between adjacent cylinders and those far apart from one another. This unique rhythm will be music to your ears if you’re a horsepower purist.

The forces of the powerplant flow via a seven-speed S tronic to the above-mentioned quattro permanent all-wheel drive that distributes the clout between the axles via a multi-plate clutch. Wheel-selective torque control makes handling even more agile.

You can use the Audi drive select dynamic handling system to 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.

The low weight and the appropriately firm suspension provide the basic prerequisites for the exemplary handling of the Audi TT RS. The progressive steering adapted specifically to the RS ensures close contact with the road. At the front axle, ventilated and perforated steel discs are in action behind the wheels.

Inside, the controls and display are focused completely on you, the driver. The RS sport seats as well as the RS logos on the seats, steering wheel, door sill trims, and selector levers underline the dynamic character of the 2+2 seater. Special RS displays in the standard Audi virtual cockpit with a 12.3-inch screen provide information on tyre pressure, torque, and g-forces.

Audi also offers a great deal of infotainment features. The options include MMI navigation plus with MMI touch, including free text search and natural language voice control, as well as the Wi-Fi hotspot and the Audi connect online module. What’s more, the Bang & Olufsen sound system provides an excellent audio experience on board with an output of 680 watts.

Dads, you might want this as your weekend getaway car, but the truth is, if you have little ones, you won’t be left alone for long. The TT RS hasn’t got big rear seats, but you’ll fit a tot or two in them. And then there’s the front passenger seat, which offers oodles of room for adults or big kids alike. Oh, and we can’t forget the boot – we promise you, you’ll get more in there than you bargained for – including a tot’s buggy – if you need to!

To find out more about this stunning model, click here.

Leave a Comment