MOTORING NEWS - Audi Sport has presented the most powerful TT ever, featuring a muscular body, newly developed five-cylinder engine and an unmistakable sound.
Upping the ante, Audi has developed the five-cylinder engine in all areas with lightweight aluminium construction measures, reduced internal friction and increased power delivery.
As a result, the turbo engine gains 17% in performance at an unchanged capacity of 2 480cc. At 294kW, it is more powerful than ever before. The engine's maximum torque of 480Nm is available between 1 700rpm and 5 850rpm.
The TT RS Coupé accelerates from 0 to 100km in 3,7 seconds – this corresponds to the level of a supercar. Audi can govern the top speed to 250km or will raise the top speed to 280km upon request.
Despite increased performance, the fuel consumption of the TT RS Coupé is just
8,2 litres per 100km. At less than 50cm in length, the 2,5 TFSI engine is extremely compact and is 26kg lighter than the previous model.
QUATTRO DRIVE
The power of the 2,5 TFSI engine flows via a seven-speed S tronic, which shifts at lightning speed, to the quattro permanent all-wheel drive.
Its multi-plate clutch distributes power fully variably between the two axles. This ensures strong grip and plenty of driving pleasure. Wheel-selective torque control makes handling agile and safe. The driver can use the Audi drive select 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 selection are comfort, auto, dynamic and individual. In addition to its light weight, the Audi TT RS has its sporty chassis for outstanding handling.
At the front axle, ventilated and perforated steel discs are in action behind the standard 19" wheels or optional 20" forged lightweight wheels. Lighter and abrasion-resistant carbon-fibre ceramic discs are available at an additional cost. As another option, Audi supplies the RS sport suspension plus with adaptive dampers in magnetic ride technology which can be influenced electronically. The control technology is integrated into the Audi drive select dynamic handling system.
ATHLETIC DESIGN
Large air inlets, a grille with a newly designed honeycomb pattern and quattro logo and two large, oval exhaust tailpipes at the back means the new TT RS Coupé exudes an aura of concentrated power. Along the flanks, aerodynamically shaped side sills emphasise the sporty design. The TT RS is available with either a fixed rear wing or a retractable rear spoiler at no additional cost.
The cockpit with its slim instrument panel has clean lines. Particularly striking are the round air vents, which occupy a central position in the instrument panel and house the controls for automatic air conditioning. All information is displayed as standard on the fully digital Audi 12,3" screen. The driver can choose from three views, including a special RS screen that high-lights the tacho-meter and provides information on tyre pressure, torque and G-force. The tacho-meter also serves as a shift indicator.
For the first time in the RS portfolio, the RS sport leather steering wheel with shift paddles has two satellite controls for turning the engine on and off as well as the Audi drive select dynamic handling system.
e RS-specific seat upholstery is available in three colour combinations: black and grey, black and red or Murillo brown. The optional RS design package in red adds colour accents to the interior, including on the air vents, seat belts and floor mats.
PRACTICAL
The new Audi TT RS is a sports car but also useful for everyday driving. The luggage compartment has a basic capacity of 305 litres which can be increased to 712 litres by folding down the rear seat backs. The Audi TT RS Coupé is priced at R963 000, standard with a five year, 100 000km Audi Freeway Plan and inclusive of all taxes. Launched in November, the Audi TT RS Coupé is available at Audi Sport dealerships around South Africa.
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