Evidently, every little bit of power matters for Audi, which has just lifted the covers off a new version of the TT RS featuring some subtle mechanical and styling upgrades. The new model is called the TT RS Plus and will be available in both Coupe and Roadster formats.
At the heart of the new flagship TT lies a modestly beefed up version of the regular RS' 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder engine that gains 20PS (20bhp) more power and 15Nm (11.06 lb-ft) more torque lifting output to 360PS (355bhp) and 465Nm (342.97 lb-ft). A new sound flap promises to improve the five-pot's aural beat.
Like the model it is based upon, customers can choose between a six-speed manual gearbox and a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission that comes with a launch control function to optimize acceleration from a standing start. Power is channeled to all four wheels through Audi's quattro permanent all-wheel drive system.
According to Audi, the TT RS Plus Coupe with a manual transmission tips the scales at 1,450 kilograms (3,196.70 lb).
The increase in performance allows the Coupe with the S tronic to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h (62mph) in 4.1 seconds (manual gearbox: 4.3 seconds), and the Roadster in 4.2 seconds (manual gearbox: 4.4 seconds). All four versions of the car have a limited top speed of 280km/h (174mph).
In a less interesting note for your average TT RS Plus buyer, the Coupe with S tronic consumes 8.5lt/100 km (27.7mpg US), while the Roadster makes do with 8.6 liters per 100 km (27.4mpg US).
Stopping power is provide by the same braking system found on the base RS model and which includes four-piston fixed calipers in conjunction with perforated brake disks up front. Audi offers the magnetic ride adaptive damping system as an option.
Visually, the TT RS Plus stands out thanks to the new front grille with matte aluminum-look frame and a diamond-pattern mesh in polished anthracite, new 19-inch wheels with contrasting red rim flanges shod in 255/35 tires all around and the exterior mirror caps that are made out of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer.
A carbon cover for the engine compartment and the new aluminum knob on the gear or S tronic selector lever complete the upgrades.
In Germany, the TT RS Plus Coupe with a manual gearbox costs €60,650 or €62,800 with the seven-speed S tronic, while the TT RS plus Roadster has a list price of €63,500 or €65,650 respectively.
Audi did not say if or when it will offer the TT RS Plus in North America.
4 Comments:
Beautiful! Never been much of a TT fan but ... damn! This is hot! 360 horse is not too bad either :)
Wonder if this is this generation model's parting shot? There are renderings showing-up (supposedly from Audi) that if accurate take the TT to a much higher level. A more masculine styling and virtually no real styling clues for this one—more styling clues from the R8 than any other model.
The aerodynamics on the TT are supposed to be really good, I wonder what the drag limited top speed would be with 360 hp minus the spoiler, I imagine it would begin to approach 190 mph.
Fuel consumption is rather unimpressive for a 2.5 L engine though. It should be somewhere in the mid 30s. Audi and Volkswagen both need to do better in this area.The color matching wheels are a nice touch, I'll take mine in yellow. This car finally has the horsepower to make it move properly, but it would be nice if Audi came out with a twin turbo version, a serious burner with horsepower somewhere in the 480hp area. This platform is capable of giving the 911 a run for its money.
I imagine the engine does okay on fuel until that turbo spools up. Same story with a friend's STI - 2.5 flat four - worse mileage than the TT.
Post a Comment