Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Cars
  3. News

Audi’s TT RS lets its inner rally car out with 400-horsepower engine

Stephen Edelstein
By

The current-generation Audi TT has won plenty of praise for its copious technology and mature styling, but enthusiasts still want more. They’ve been waiting for a new, high-performance TT RS model like the one that turned the previous-generation TT into a serious sports car.

Well, the wait is over. The next Audi TT RS debuts this week at the 2016 Beijing Auto Show, and it looks ready to give Audi corporate cousin Porsche a run for its money. Available in both coupe and convertible form, the new TT RS boasts plenty of gadgets, but also lots of raw power.

The TT RS once again uses a 2.5-liter, turbocharged five-cylinder engine, an oddball configuration that references Audi’s domineering Coupe Quattro rally cars of the 1980s. In its latest iteration, the engine produces 400 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. All-wheel drive is standard, along with a seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission. Audi says the TT RS coupe will do 0 to 62 mph in 3.7 seconds, while the convertible takes 3.9 seconds. Top speed is limited to 155 mph, but Audi will raise it to 173 mph if you ask.

Related

On the handling side, the TT RS gets upgraded suspension and brakes, as well as the Audi Drive Select control system, which allows drivers to toggle between different settings. Adaptive magnetic dampers are also available as an option. Already offered on everything from Corvettes to Ferraris, they can adjust firmness rapidly by running an electric current through fluid filled with metallic particles.

The TT RS looks downright aggressive thanks to some styling changes. There are larger air intakes, oval exhaust outlets, and a big rear spoiler to let people know this car means business. The RS is also the first series-production Audi to use the company’s Matrix OLED tech, albeit only on the taillights. The fancy lights probably won’t be offered in the U.S. due to regulatory issues.

On the inside, the TT RS gets the “virtual cockpit” display that remains a standout feature on the regular TT. The display replaces both the traditional gauge cluster and center-stack screen with one 12.3-inch screen in front of the driver. For the TT RS, Audi added a special “RS” screen that highlights the tachometer and displays relevant information like tire pressure and g-forces. There’s also a virtual shift light, and the TT RS is the first RS model with a multifunction steering wheel.

The Audi TT RS goes on sale in Europe this fall, but likely won’t reach the U.S. until next year.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Stephen Edelstein
Stephen Edelstein
Contributing Editor
Stephen is a freelance automotive journalist covering all things cars. He likes anything with four wheels, from classic cars…
Best electric car charger deals: $100 off home charging stations
The handle of the Grizzl-E EV charger plugged into a vehicle.

A few years ago, electric vehicles were pretty rare or cost a fortune, but with more and more of the larger car brands getting into the game, there are a lot of excellent and even budget-friendly choices nowadays. That said, the electrical network for charging your cars might not be that widespread, so instead you'll have to rely on charging your car at home. Luckily, there are a lot of excellent car chargers at a discount, so if you've just bought an EV or want to upgrade your current charging solution, be sure to check out our favorite deals below.
Shockflo EV charger — $205, was $220

This EV charger by Shockflo is a Level 2 EV charger, which offers six times faster charging than a standard charger. It delivers 24 miles with just one hour of charging, and it can act as a mobile charger you can throw in the trunk or be mounted to a wall. It has an LCD display with useful information like charging rate, voltage, and charging time, as well as LED indicator lights that lets you know charging progress and errors.

Read more
Mercedes-Benz EQG: range, price, release date, and more
Concept image of the larger electric G-Wagon

The G-Class is going electric. We already knew that Mercedes-Benz was working on an electric, small-size G-Wagon, but it looks like the company is also working on a larger G-Class SUV, in the form of the EQG. In fact, Mercedes has gone as far as to show off a concept version of the off-roader.

While there's much we don't know about what will become the production model of the EQG, Mercedes has also shared a lot about it. Curious about whether the Mercedes-Benz EQG could be the EV for you? Here's everything we know so far.
Design
Fear not -- the EQG will retain many of the design aspects of the G-Class that you already know and love but with a modern face-lift. The EQG will keep the boxy design that gives the G-Class a classic look but with some additional modern styling, at least if the concept version is anything to go by.

Read more
Rivian R2 vs. Kia EV9: battle of affordable electric SUVs
Kia EV9 GT-Line Three Quarters

The long-awaited Rivian R2 has finally been announced, and it's an excellent option for those who want an electric SUV that doesn't completely break the bank. Sure, the R2 isn't cheap -- but it's a whole lot cheaper than most other EVs out there, especially when it comes to SUVs. But Rivian isn't the only company trying to tackle the problem of the budget electric SUV. The Kia EV9 is finally available, and it too offers a modern design and a range of helpful features.

Given the fact that the Rivian R2 and Kia EV9 are two electric SUVs in a similar price range, you might be wondering which is better for your needs. That's why we put the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 head-to-head.
Design
Both the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 are actual SUVs -- not crossovers pretending to be SUVs, like plenty of other EVs out there. The two vehicles offer big, boxy designs and plenty of interior space, making them excellent options for families or those who need that extra storage.

Read more