Audi put the finishing touch to the TT family with the sportier RS variant. Its 400 CV extracted from the in-line five-cylinder engine, as well as a most capable set-up, make this model one of the most fun of the entire range of German models.
Audi launched the first generation of the TT on the market more than 20 years ago. Since its arrival, the small German coupé has been able to dazzle locals and strangers thanks to its very fluid, striking and, above all, attractive lines. That first generation had its performance peak on the 3.2 gasoline engine that emanated 250 hp along with the firm’s classic quattro drive. More than two decades later, the TT is still with usalthough notably modernized and with a variant signed by the most sporty department of the brand.
The first Audi TT RS came along with the second generation of the model, in 2010. A more aggressive aesthetic and more generous benefits they made the model a step beyond anything known so far within the Audi coupe range. This mechanical variant could be purchased with a fixed roof or, alternatively, a convertible with a canvas roof.
Subsequently, the third generation of the Audi TT returned to present a high-performance RS variant, which was also marketed in a coupé or convertible variant. However, over the years, the canvas roof variant has disappeared from the catalog and currently only the coupé version can be purchased.
The sportiest variant of the German model leaves us with a renewed and much more aggressive aesthetic than its range brothers. In the first place, larger and more generous aerodynamic intakes have been inserted in the front to be able to provide ventilation to the block of five cylinders and 2.5 liters of sieve that is housed under the front hood. On the grill itself you can identify the TT RS badge and “quattro” at the bottom of it.. In fact, this will be one of the clearest aesthetic differentiations with respect to the more accessible alternatives.
In the profile are distinguished larger wheels, with options between 19 or 20 inches, specifically. Inside these are some perforated brake discs, which can be “bitten” by calipers decorated in black or, alternatively, in red. The wheel arches, despite what many may think, are not modified compared to other variantsbecause they always present those bulges by which the image of the model is already characterized.
However, if we take a look at its rear, it will not leave anyone indifferent. First of all, it is more than likely that particularly striking is its generous fixed spoiler located above the tailgate, and which can be seen through the rear-view mirrors while driving. In the lower area of the rear there is a diffuser that embraces the double oval exhaust outlet; all decorated in shiny black. Finally, its taillights will be LED as standard, although optionally you can choose ones with OLED technology with a three-dimensional appearance that suits you particularly well.
Generally speaking, the Audi TT RS features a color palette made up of eight shades for your exterior, where the Kyalami Green color will be the exclusive option for the sportiest variant of the coupe. Additionally, Audi offers the customization of certain elements for finishes in glossy black or matt aluminum.
Going into the passenger compartment of the small coupé, we find a double row seating arrangement (2+2)where all the protagonism is for the front occupants, since the rear seats will be mainly destined to accommodate children, pets or as an auxiliary trunk, since its space is quite limited even though the front seats are adjusted in a very forward position. The aforementioned second row is approved for a maximum of two occupants.
In the main row there are two sports seats that have a very good grip for all types of physiognomies of its occupants. These will be upholstered in Nappa leather or optionally in Alcantara. The RS logos are placed on the backrest, which we also find in other interior spaces.
However, one of the most striking things in the cabin will be the complete absence of a central infotainment screen. Audi took a significant risk by incorporating all its functions on the digital instrument panel. This leaves us with a much cleaner dashboard of elements, but something more complex to get to its operation. The air conditioning can be turned on, off or regulated through controls arranged in the ventilation outlets themselves.
The aforementioned digital instrumentation panel has a diagonal of 12.3 inches and through it you will be able to manage practically all the already known functions that are usually located on the central panel, such as the connection to Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, navigation, etc… Its management can be carried out through the controls arranged on the arms of the steering wheel or, alternatively, through those housed on the center console next to the gear lever. On the steering wheel there are also the start or driving mode selection buttons (Comfort, Auto, Dynamic and Individual). Definitely, Audi presented a cockpit entirely focused on its driverthus guaranteeing the minimum need to divert the gaze to other elements.
The trunk of the Audi TT RS, despite what it may seem, is very usable, because its forms are very square and it is deep; enough to transport up to 3 cabin-type suitcases or a daily purchase. Its volume of minimum capacity is 305 liters expandable by folding down the second row of seats.
Getting fully into the most characteristic terrain of the Audi TT RS we find that under its hood is housed the well-known 2.5-liter in-line five-cylinder petrol block that is capable of delivering up to 400 hp and 480 Nm of maximum torque between 1,700 and 5,850 rpm. All this power is transmitted to the asphalt via the 7-speed automatic gearbox and permanent quattro all-wheel drive. The total weight of the car is just 1,500 kilos in running order.
Through the exhaust tails exist two sound options, “Sport” or “Standard” selectable through a specific button located on the center console or via the driving modes themselves. The latter will mainly affect the sensitivity of the pedals (particularly the accelerator), the stiffness of its steering and its damping (provided it is equipped with the so-called “RS Sport Plus sports suspension”), as well as the speed in the change. of marches.
Driving test
It is possible that the Audi TT RS is one of the most addictive cars that the brand currently has for sale – and there are quite a few. I, in particular, was able to test this sports car a few weeks ago during the event held by the firm at the Navarra Circuit and where we went to test the entire sportier range. Of all of them, and saving the clear distances, the TT left me with one of the best driving sensations. A couple of months later I can confirm these good feelings in all areas.
small size car barely reaches 4.2 meters in length; sensations of an authentic “giant killer” sports car, since its 400 hp perform in a truly spectacular way; and, finally, a set-up as expected by Audi’s sportiest department.
Its seats are very low and cozy, as they are totally focused on gripping and holding the body in a moment of ecstasy. on a curved road or on the asphalt of a track. The steering wheel, in its lowest position, is at the height of the driver’s chest, just as the view is located just at the height of the steering wheel. The position is classic for a racing car. If we add to this a generalized rigidity in all its controls, a generous gear lever knob or the brutal sound that emanates from its exhaust tails, we will have the perfect recipe for a very fun Sunday.
Nevertheless, the Audi TT RS is not an uncomfortable car or one that can be considered impractical in daily use (depending on the specific case). Their seats are quite comfortable and their suspensions can be very hard (Sport mode) or somewhat less hard (Comfort mode); because if, even in its softest mode the TT RS is stiffer than many other misnamed “sports” models.
The steering is really direct and is capable of making it possible to refine the cornering to the maximum on a curved road. This coupled with suspensions with a minimum travel they make the sensation at all times be that of driving a kart with registration -and some more cylinders-. The noise when turning up and squeezing each of its gears is priceless, something that we could already verify has decreased in decibels if we compare it with its renewed brother, the Audi RS 3, something that makes you feel even more sorry for the disappearance of the convertible variant; enjoying all this with the sky as a roof should be a real joy.
Its gearbox responds really quickly to all the driver’s requirements and from the first moment the accelerator pedal is pressed, the response is immediate. Specifically, from 3,500 revolutions, the sound begins to be all crazy, crazy that reaches its maximum point at 6,500 revolutions. Although, of course, it will not be necessary to go to the red zone of the rev counter, since just by passing in an apparently calm way, the looks, the smiles and the thumbs will go up at all times. This car cool and that is something that is felt not only by those who drive it, but also by those who appreciate it from the outside.
Going into the thankless topic of fuel consumption, I must say that the TT RS is as we would expect, a “guzzler” car. In the city its consumption will be easily around 15 litres. the continuous stop-start-accelerateare not a good recipe for efficiency and low consumption levels. On the highway, being careful with the right pedal, the sports coupé will be able to present figures of around 7.5 liters. That yes, being very careful, because at the moment in which we want to do a completely normal driving, although respecting established speed limits, gasoline consumption will stabilize at 9 liters.
Conclusion and prices
The Audi TT RS is in danger of extinction. This means that in the coming months, Audi will withdraw it from the market without a replacement to take its place. For this reason alone, it should already be a sufficient excuse to get a unit of this little toy. Although as long as you can afford to pay the 93,180 euros that the base model costs or the many extras that can be added from its luxurious catalog of extras. Nevertheless, despite the hefty figure on the final bill, said disbursement will not hurt in the least.