The performance hero of the Audi TT range has been unveiled today at the Beijing Motor Show. The all-new 2017 TT RS coupe and roadster are the latest models to join the Audi RS line-up, bringing on board the brand’s highly acclaimed five-cylinder inline turbocharged petrol engine.
The boosted five-pot, which also powers the exhilarating RS3 hot hatch, develops 294kW (400hp) of power (44kW more than before) and 480Nm of torque available between 1,700 and 5,850rpm. Further refined in all areas including lightweight construction measures, reduced internal friction and increased power delivery, the turbo engine gains 17 percent increase in output compared to the previous unit.
Paired to a seven-speed dual clutch S tronic transmission, the TT RS coupe sprints from 0 to 100km/h in a supercar-taming 3.7 seconds, with the heavier TT RS roadster accomplishing the feat in 3.9 seconds. Top speed is regulated at 250km/h, but can be liberated to 280km/h with an option pack.
The ballistic performance is accompanied by an equally engaging soundtrack. Cylinders positioned directly beside each other and farthest away from each other fire in alternation. This brings with it a very special rhythm.
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.
Available as an option, the RS sport suspension plus adaptive dampers in magnetic ride technology can vary damping characteristics electronically. The control technology is integrated into the Audi drive select system.
For the first time in a production Audi, Matrix OLED technology (organic light emitting diode) is used in the rear lights as an option. These emit an extremely homogeneous, high-contrast light. The light can be continuously dimmed, it does not cast any shadows and does not require any reflectors – this makes the OLEDs in 3D design efficient, light and visually impressive.
Each rear light in the TT RS contains four wafer-thin units which become smaller from the inside out. The biggest bears the TT logo and the four Audi rings. The TT RS has LED rear lights and LED headlights as standard. Alternatively, the latter are available as intelligently controlled Matrix LED units.
Visually, the third-generation TT RS is distinguishable from its lesser siblings through 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. Along the flanks, aerodynamically-shaped side sills emphasise the dynamic design.
Inside, the TT RS features Audi’s victual cockpit 12.3-inch digital instrumentation as standard. 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.
The Audi virtual cockpit also displays a shift light which informs the driver to shift up. 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 selecting the drive modes. The driver can also influence the exhaust flap control via the sound button on the center console.
The new Audi TT RS will arrive in Australia in mid-2017. Further details, pricing and specification will be announced closer to launch.