What's the news?
Audi whipped the covers off its new 400hp TT RS models at the Beijing Motor Show last night, launching the Coupe and Roadster variants at the same time. They're faster than their predecessors, debut OLED lights for Audi and come with a fancy steering wheel inspired by that of the Audi R8 supercar.
Exterior
It's easy to spot the fixed rear wing and new style of alloy wheels (19-inch standard, 20-inch optional) that mark out the Audi TT RS. They're complemented by two large oval exhaust outlets, restyled side sills and a new nose featuring larger air intakes, a honeycomb grille and the 'quattro' script. LED headlights and rear lamps are standard, but these can be upgraded to Matrix LED units up front and OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) technology at the back - a first for the brand.
Interior
The Audi TT RS features the same Virtual Cockpit display as the regular TT models, but comes with an extra view called the RS screen, highlighting the rev counter and providing other information like g-force and engine output. There's also a 'change up' light - for sporting reasons I should add, not green... More obvious than that is a new flat-bottomed steering wheel inspired by that in the Audi R8. It comes with two satellite buttons, one red for turning the car on and off and the other to choose a mode from the Audi drive select system. The button for the sports exhaust is located on the centre console.
Mechanicals
Audi has retained the characterful turbocharged five-cylinder petrol engine for the new TT RS, but a significant amount of work has been carried out on the 2.5-litre unit. Maximum power is now 400hp, while 480Nm of torque is available from 1,700- to 5,850rpm. The only transmission offered is a seven-speed dual-clutch S tronic automatic, sending power to all four wheels of course. Carbon ceramic brake discs are on the options list, as is RS sports suspension featuring adaptive damping.
Anything else?
Performance figures for the TT RS include a 250km/h limited top speed (or 280km/h 'on request') and 0-100km/h in just 3.7 seconds for the Coupe - or 3.9 seconds for the Roadster. Irish pricing will be released later in the year, closer to the car's on-sale date. For reference, the Audi TTS costs from €63,100.