Audi TT RS unleashed in Australia

By Tim Beissmann | December 15th, 2009

Audi has today unleashed the hottest version of its TT range on Australian soil, the RS coupe – a 250kW turbocharged rocket.

A completely new five-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission cranks out 450Nm of torque (100Nm more than the TTS), propelling it from 0-100km/h in just 4.6 seconds, wiping a massive 1.4secs off the TTS manual’s sprint time.

Audi Australia managing director, Joerg Hofmann, has been waiting since March’s Geneva Motor Show to deliver the hot coupe down under and expects to sell around 80 units per year.

“Our RS models, while niche, are always very popular for buyers wanting the ultimate in performance.

“The TT RS offers superb, pure sports car styling with exceptional grunt.

“It is without doubt a very fun car to drive,” Mr Hofmann said.

The TT RS continues the tradition of powerful five-cylinder engines from Audi, and offers enhanced driving dynamics and handling characteristics over the TTS thanks to its Magnetic Ride sports-tuned suspension and low ride height.

But Hofmann insists the RS is more than just an expensive go-cart.

“The new generation TT is larger, longer and lighter than its predecessor, and even with its superb performance, the TT RS still manages to offer efficient driving and low CO2.

“These traits will certainly appeal to Australian buyers.”

Weight is up just 35kg over the TTS through the use of a largely aluminium body construction, resulting in a combined fuel consumption figure of 9.2 litres/100km and CO2 emissions of 214g/km.

RS design elements are visible at every angle from the diamond-look radiator grille, large side air inlets and aluminium-brushed external mirrors, to the wing spoiler, unique diffuser insert and oval tailpipes.

The Australian version also comes with 19in alloys, DVD-based navigation system, Fine Nappa leather bucket seats and hill start assist.

Starting price for the top-spec Audi TT RS coupe is $133,700 (manufacturer’s RRP not including dealer, statutory and on-road charges).

The Real Car Fanatic

Okay screw the S5 cabriolet, I want one of these.

Tomcat173

It looks brilliant – though not quite as brilliant as the S5.

Surely more can be had for 134000 big ones?

hmmm

you’d be the quickest hairdresser in town

Brad

Maybe hairdressers have good taste since that car looks pretty damn good.

Shak

it aint a drop top. therefore hairdressers would avoid it.

Jazrod

When you see it in your rear-view mirror, you crap yourself – It looks vicious… But once it drives past, it looks no different to an ordinary TT… Audi really need to spice up it’s rear-end but without ricing it up!

Jazrod

Btw, I’m in love with the coupe! Would love one as a daily driver…

Technofreak

Would own one fo’ sure
Dan

“propelling it from 0-100km/h in just 4.6 seconds, wiping a massive 1.4secs off the TTS manual’s sprint time.”

Erm, think you might need to check this again. Audi quotes 5.4 to 100kph for the manual TTS (5.2 for the s-tronic). So the difference is well under a second.

Philthy

No, Audi Australia website says “It can sprint from zero to 100 km/h in less than five seconds and has an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h.”
The Real Car Fanatic

Philthy, he is refering to the Audi TTS manual, not the TT RS

You are reading the press release on the Audi news page no doubt?

Valet Dabess

that thing is quick! but it cost too much the fuel constumption is pretty damn good though but it cost too much

The Real Car Fanatic

What price do you put on exhilaration?

Yanzo

idk maybe it’s just cause i’m not rich

The Realist

Sorry I’ll take an S5 over this. This car looks like $80K not $140K.
http://img199.imageshack.us/img199/9203/fordripsoffpeugeot.jpg Martin

Maybe it is a little bit expensive, over all. But think about it this way, you are getting AM DB9 0-100 time for half the price and fuel consumption.

http://www.carjuice.com.au yeeha

who buys an AM DB9 just for it’s 0-100 time?

http://img199.imageshack.us/img199/9203/fordripsoffpeugeot.jpg Martin

Where did I say people buy the DB9 just for its 0-100 time?

The Real Car Fanatic

Nah not expensive, I’m sure there aren’t many cars that can accelerate to 100 in 4.6 for that kind of money.

Andrew M

XR6T Isnt far off that time and under that price many times over

I think it reinforces how good a value our aussie machines are considering the sub 5 sec times

At least Audi has grown in the design department over the years.
Wind the clock back 15 years and Audi just seemed bland for mine, now they have some nice designs. (bar the rear of this one)

http://img199.imageshack.us/img199/9203/fordripsoffpeugeot.jpg Martin

Even if it is stunning value for money, it’s still a Falcon. Not to get into yet another argument on this site. But it is cheaper for a reason.

I really want to like the Turbo Falcons, but I can’t get past the looks, I know underneath it’s all decent, but still, the looks and shiny interiors. Hopefully next model .

Andrew M

My comment was in direct reply to the statement

“I’m sure there aren’t many cars that can accelerate to 100 in 4.6 for that kind of money.”

You can argue other points if you want, but what I said was certainly true.

The Real Car Fanatic

The Audi has yet another advantage over the XR6T, it would completely annihilate the bigger RWD car around any circuit, guaranteed. No the only other car for around that money or less that I can think of is the Lotus Exige Cup 260 which has greater acceleration.

eter

I was thinking Lotus too. And I’d prefer the Lotus, if I had to get a 2 seater, even if the Audi is a better car. Actually, if I was going to spend money on a car suited to the track (which I wouldnt, coz I am too old and they are too hard to live with) I’d just shell out the extra for a GTR.

The Real Car Fanatic

True, but the Audi is a 2+2. I couldn’t put my kids in the back of a Lotus as much as I would want one.

jon

There is a massive difference between acceleration and how good a car handles and performs. I mean who couldn`t build a car that accelerates quickly, really it isn`t rocket science. But still its taken Aussies ages to produce fast Taxis. The least the bogan Taxis producers could do is give their blind faithful something for the ridiculous money they spend.
Tomas79

So you call 90′s Audis bland, but Falcons not?!
Seriously, take those ford glasses off!!

UMWAHT

it’s still expensive.. see how much they cost in the U.S and U.K, do the currency conversion and it’s still heaps. not just the TT RS this goes for every single car

The Real Car Fanatic

Economies of scale UMWAHT play a big part in that, as well as import duties and taxes. The more people available to buy a product the cheaper it becomes.

http://www.caradvice.com.au OSU811

one of my favorite cars at the moment!!! love the look of these things, and with the sound/torque of the 5cyl engine would be a brilliant sports car!! for that money its cheaper than an M3 coupe and I would buy one of these over the bmw any day…
Neo Utopia

I myself would be quite happy with the TTS manual, orange please. For an extra $35,000 this seems a bit too much for a TT in my opinion, but those of us who have the spare dosh then this is definately a modern day clasic, just in a bit of an ubiquitous shape that’s all.
Andy

In europe they have already started modifying these cars, with a new exhaust and ECU retune, they have managed close to 350 killer wasp.. ended up testing faster the the v10 audi R8