UNLIKE many other mainstream manufacturers, Audi’s performance division has been given a little more licence when it comes to handing out identity badges representing a model’s standing in the sporting pecking order.
For example, a standard Audi that has been given a dose of extra performance, a suitable enhancement of trim and a subtle reworking of the body, usually earns itself an S badge. RS badges, however, are reserved for everso- slightly over-the-top creations that are the most extreme incarnations of the model in question.
Superimposed on the compact and sleek lines of the Audi TT, the RS treatment has been accorded to a car that not only aims to solidify the performance credentials of the company’s compact sportster, but also shake the dust off the legendary personality, and specifically the sounds, of the original Audi Quattro.
As with the TT S, the RS version rides 10 mm lower than the standard car and is instantly recognisable by its matt aluminiumfinish side mirrors. The hottest TT yet is given a more menacing look thanks to a larger air intake grille (no longer incorporating foglamps) deeper sills, a large fixed rear wing, and two large oval exhaust tailpipes protruding from each corner of the rear diffuser.
Red-flanked RS branding is placed strategically on the nose and tail of the car, as well as on the black brake calipers. Our test unit came fitted with optional five-spoke 19-inch alloy wheels (18-inch rims are standard).
There aren’t too many clues in the cabin as to the extra performance potential of the RS. Besides the TT RS logo inlays and alcantara trim, the standard seats, with electric adjustment, are the same as those found in the TT S, and they are supremely comfortable and offer good support.
A thick-rim, flat-bottomed, multifunction steering wheel fits nicely in the hands and the otherwise stock-standard instrument cluster gains digital turbo boost and oil temperature readouts, as well as a lap timer function. As with all RS models, the interior door handles are distinctive twin-bar items. SatNav is standard fitment along with rear park sensors.
Harking back to the 1980s glory days when the mighty Audi Quattro dominated the international rally scene using high performance turbocharged five-cylinder engines, the TT RS has been given an all-new 2,5-litre turbocharged five-cylinder power-unit to tickle the aural senses with its unique beat.
Generating 250 kW of power at 5 400 r/min and 450 N.m of torque between 1 600 and 5 300 r/min, this compact, lightweight (183 kilograms) engine uses Audi’s stratified direct injection technology.
Mated exclusively with a new short-shift, close-ratio, six-speed manual transmission, one of the highlights of this new motor, aside from its impressive shove, is its throaty and hoarse exhaust note, amplified further once a Sport button is pressed. This button also heightens the sensitivity of the throttle pedal.
Even with the three-stage ESP traction control system switched out completely, no hint of wheelspin was evident as the TT RS settled back on its haunches before blasting off the line during our acceleration test routine.
An impressive best 0-to-100 km/h time of 4,87 seconds was recorded on the day. The impressive pulling power of this engine from low down on the rev band was evident during our in-gear overtaking acceleration tests, the figures proving more impressive than those achieved by the naturally-aspirated Porsche GT3 tested in our April 2010 issue.
An uprated braking system, including two-piece, cross-drilled, 370 mm ventilated front discs, ensures that the TT RS stops as impressively as it accelerates.
A few uncharacteristic squeaks and rattles in our test car’s cabin hinted at some previous hard test mileage, but also highlighted just how taut the chassis of the TT RS is. Audi’s magnetic ride suspension technology is standard fitment on the RS and, without driver input, constantly monitors and adjusts the suspension damping to suit conditions.
The all-wheel drive system provides a 80:20 split front to rear in normal driving conditions but the Haldex diff can send up to 100 per cent of torque to the rear when required.
Steering is nicely weighted and offers precise and accurate turn-in. Grip levels are high and the TT RS always feels secure and squat on the road. Even with traction control left in its most sensitive setting, we never once felt the system take over.
Clever use of aluminium and steel in the body and other components has allowed engineers to achieve a near-50:50 weight distribution and the car’s resistance to understeer is one of the benefits.
TEST SUMMARY
Audi intends to hunt down some prized scalps with the latest in the RS line – and why not? Based on the success of other S and RS models, not to mention the impressive R8, the Ingolstadt marque has reason to be quietly confident.
The price tag of the TT RS is lofty, but then so are the performance figures. However, the numbers alone may not be enough to lift it above rivals in this segment.
The TT RS is a very fast piece of kit but, even with a comprehensive standard specification level and very well put-together interior, we’re not convinced that it feels special enough to warrant the premium over the S model.
Having said that, its exclusivity (only a limited number of these cars is likely to be seen on South African roads) will definitely work in its favour.
And this car certainly does upset the performance apple cart, thanks in the main to the healthy dose of trueblood Quattro heritage running through its differentials.