AUDI TT RS
TT turns wild
Coupe' and cabriolet become the brand's first sports cars to get the RS treatment
- Published: 13/03/2009 at 12:00 AM
- Newspaper section: Motoring
Hmm... the design doesn't really rouse as a how a hot TT should...
We agree. But that has always been part of the RS dose: understatement - just like in BMW's M and Mercedes-Benz's AMG cars. But look closely in these pictures and you'll note the differentiated air intakes, huge mag wheels, twin exhausts and rear diffuser and spoiler.
- Uh... the interior also seems to be hardly untouched...
Same philosophy mate. Let's not forget that RSs are based on mainstream models, so there are limitations in modifications. Perhaps the most unique features are the bucket seats, while the rest are details like RS badges and metal-like finishes.
- I heard it's powered by a five-cylinder turbo engine...
Right, as you may have read in last week's Geneva motor show report. Audi wants to evoke the 1980s when it made the 2.1-litre turbocharged inline-five subsequently followed by the 2.2 used in the S4 and S6 of the 1990s. This time, it's a 2.5-litre engine with one turbo breathing in 1.2 bar of pressure to push power to 340hp.
- And it fitted into the TT's engine compartment?
Right, in transverse layout, thanks to a length of just 49cm. In fact, this engine is a development of the one used by Volkswagen in American models like the Jetta and Beetle.
- Tell me, exactly why a different engine and not the TT's existing four-pot?
Maybe putting too much strain on the 2.0-litre unit would make the car suffer from excessive turbo lag. Note in the graphic that the TT-S has already lifted maximum torque to a higher engine speed. But Audi's reason is that it also wants to offer drivers that classic five-pot engine note, aside the heritage part. In fact, the entire TT range is now ideally laid out when it comes to performance and economy concerns without an engine discrediting another, that is, you pay for power.
- I see the TT RS has a manual gearbox...
Audi is only offering a six-speed manual shifter, so the TT RS is for purists, not cat-walkers. However, we believe that a lack of an automatic gearbox (DSG twin-clutch, to be precise) could hinder its sales potential in Asian markets including Thailand. Reasons of torque shouldn't be an issue, because even the monster's of monsters quad-turbo 16-cylinder engine of the Bugatti Veyron has DSG.
- I can live with that deficiency. How much will it cost?
Approximately B6.8-7m in Thailand including tax which is in the vicinity of BMW's old Z4 M and new Z4 35i, cheaper than the pricey Merc SLK55 AMG and Porsche Cayman S/Boxster S but dearer than the Nissan Fairlady 370Z, which has already hit the Thai grey market - the same way the TT RS should do so.
BELOW Only a manual gearbox is available. BOTTOM Bucket seats are the most unique of features.
- Can the TT RS really be compared to these opponents?
Okay, the TT RS isn't rear-drive like in its intended rivals and has a platform shared with the VW Golf and its Skoda and Seat siblings. But Audi's Quattro all-wheel-drive is tuned with a 40:60 distribution to give a rear-drive feeling (whose stability control can be completely deactivated). So technically speaking, the TT RS is comparable.
What it must beat
Audi TT RS
Price: B7m (est)
Engine: 340hp 2.5-litre turbo inline-five
Gearbox: six-speed manual
0-100kph: 4.5sec
We think: Being the only one to come with four-wheel drive instead of rivals' rear-drive format shouldn't spoil the fun. No auto option for cat-walkers and no official imports planned, but you know where to head for.
- BMW Z4 35i
Price: B7m (est)
Engine: 306hp 3.0-litre twin-turbo inline-six
Gearbox: seven-speed dual-clutch automatic
0-100kph: 5.1sec
We think: Although second-generation Z4 has yet to spawn M version, the 35i model is quick enough to cope with its rivals and is only 0.1sec slower than the first-gen Z4 M, which has an aging 343hp 3.4-litre six-pot engine.
- Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG
Price: B9m
Engine: 360hp 5.5-litre V8
Gearbox: seven-speed automatic
0-100kph: 4.9sec
We think: Once the quickest car here, but not anymore after the birth of the TT RS. It's the only one not to offer a manual transmission for purists to choose from. Official imports have ceased.
- Nissan 370Z
Price: B5.5m (grey market)
Engine: 332hp 3.7-litre V6
Gearbox: seven-speed automatic
0-100kph: 5.0sec
We think: A fresh alternative that has already landed on Thai shores, with official imports slated later this month. It should be a hoot to drive but with civility like in the Bimmer. Trump card is its lowest in-class price.
- Porsche Cayman S
Price: B12m
Engine: 320hp 3.4-litre flat-six
Gearbox: seven-speed dual-clutch automatic
0-100kph: 5.1sec
We think: With the recent styling and mechanical tweaks, the Cayman S should be the best car to drive here - at a price. The Boxster S is the answer to the TT RS Roadster, while Nissan will also offer a soft-top next year; BM and Benz have folding hard-tops only.
