New Audi TT RS review

The latest additions to this range of the 2+2 seater Coupe and the two-seater, fabric roof Roadsters are RS versions with quattro all-wheel drive.

This is the first time RS power and technology has been included in the TT range although quattro drive has – most noticeably with the 3.2-litre, 250PS models.

Firing up these particular quattros is a new 2.5-litre, five-cylinder turbocharged 340PS, 450Nm, petrol engine and fans of rallying or the TV programme Ashes-to-Ashes will know all about the legendry quattro of the eighties and its 2.2-litre, 220PS/309Nm five-cylinder petrol engine and of course Audi’s signature quattro all wheel drive.

Adding a 340PS turbocharged direct injection petrol engine which delivers 450Nm of torque from just 1,600rpm into the renowned aluminium and lightweight steel hybrid bodyshell of the TT gives a massive 234PS of power per tonne but being all-wheel drive just 85PS of power at each wheel so traction is guaranteed.

In its sector of premium brand competitor models such as the BMW Z4, the Mercedes-Benz SLK and the Porsche Cayman, the TT is the only range to offer all wheel drive.

Describing the new RS versions of the TT is all about figures, power, torque with the 155mph top speed, derestricted at extra cost by a dealer, going up to 174mph for track use.

In normal road use the 0-62mph time is just 4.6 seconds. The combined fuel economy is 31mpg, the CO2 emissions 214g/km and there is a 6-speed short throw, close ratio manual transmission.

In short, Audi claims it is the fastest car in its class for top speed and acceleration, the most economical and the cleanest for CO2 emissions. As for price? The TT RS Coupe quattro, which will take 80% of UK sales, costs £42,985 and the Roadster with its electrically operated fabric roof costs £44,885.

Just 160 TT RS Coupe models and 40 Roadsters will be available in the UK this year and 320 Coupes and 80 Roadster in 2010. For the record the UK is the largest market in the world for TT sales.

Apart for the R8 V8 and R8 V10 supercars the new TT RS models are the only cars in the Audi range where quattro all wheel drive doesn’t appear to blunt or absorb too much power.

Due to the lightweight bodyshell, 61% aluminium and 39% steel, all the 340PS of power and more importantly the 450Nm (332lb ft) of torque available from a very low 1,600rpm, means this car is the real deal performance wise.

The weight balance is perfect thanks to the aluminium/steel hybrid body design and the quattro drive gives optimum traction from all the wheels. The engine is responsive from zero or from much higher three figures so at whatever speed you are driving the performance is just brilliant and economical.

In real life town, country and motorway, wet and drive conditions this week my test cars averaged 27.9mpg, very close to the published 31mpg figure.

In addition there is the sonorous soundtrack emitted by the exhaust system of the five-cylinder engine and the Sport button not only allows the throttle response to be sharpened further it opens a flap in the left exhaust tailpipe to intensify the exhaust tone.

When the extra cost optimal magnetic ride damping system is specified the Sport button also activates this system’s sport setting to maximise composure and agility.

I’m not a fan of the magnetic ride system, generally Audi’s suspension settings with large alloy wheels and, low profile tyres makes the ride firm enough without being too unsettled.

The TT RS models of course have an Electronic Stabilization Programme which does not seem to dull feedback to the driver and more importantly is doesn’t retard engine power output as traction control does because all four wheels are being driven.

So we have monumental power to weight ratio, we have style, we have ‘designer’ exhaust notes and the TT RS models also have large air-gulping front intakes, extended side sills and 18-inch 5 twin-spoke alloy wheels, the fixed rear spoiler and enlarged oval tailpipes.

As Audi says the latest TTs signal intent but with a degree of restraint that is in keeping with Audi RS tradition.

Customers wanting to keep the lowest possible profile can even opt to replace the fixed rear spoiler, not the car’s most attractive feature, with a more discreet version which raises and retracts automatically.

Inside, the TT sports interior is finished exclusively in black, with brushed aluminium inlays and aluminium footrests and pedals providing contrast and RS logos adorning the heated Silk Nappa leather sports seats, the thickly-rimmed flat-bottomed steering wheel, the rev counter and the door sill trims.

True to Audi RS form, the standard Driver’s Information System has additional displays for boost pressure and oil temperature, and also includes a lap timer for circuit use.

Customers looking for maximum designer tweaks to suit their image can add 19-inch wheels, bucket seats with folding backrests, black or matt aluminium styling packs and even Ibis White or Phantom black painted interior inlays at extra cost, in addition to the latest navigation and multimedia options.

This TT RS is still a fashion icon, but now it has enough power to put fire into its belly. “Fire up the quattro indeed” as the saying goes – even TT owners can say that now.

Audi TT RS MILESTONES

Audi TT RS Coupe (main selling model)

Price: £42,985 + options as tested £50,115

Engine/transmission: 2.5-litre, five-cylinder, turbocharged, direct injection petrol, 340PS, 450Nm (332lb ft) of torque from 1,600rpm, 6-speed close ratio manual gearbox with quattro all wheel drive

Performance: 155mph (174mph derestricted), 0-62mph 4.6 seconds, 31mpg (27.9mpg actual), CO2 214g/km, VED tax band K £215

For: New 2.5-litre engine for its high torque from low engine speed, performance plus but still relatively economical for fuel consumption, safe and consistent handling, gives stylish TT a ‘macho’ image.

Against: Of course its pricey, rustic design rear spoiler, limited knee room under the steering wheel for the long legged.

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