The blazing five-cylinder engine enables the TT RS
to perform extraordinary feats. In conjunction with quattro permanent all-wheel
drive and a high-performance chassis, the engine makes the compact Audi TT
RS a top-notch sports car available as a coupé or
roadster.´Sporty five-cylinder gasoline engines have a long legacy at
Audi. The most famous is arguably the turbocharged 2.1-liter engine in the
Audi quattro. The first version, which was launched in 1980, offered an
impressive 147 kW (200 bhp). And the Sport quattro from 1984, directly inspired
by motorsport, delivered a whopping 225 kW (306 bhp). For 25 years, turbochargers
and quattro have been a dynamic formula for success. Audi has resumed using
this recipe. Designed from scratch, the five-cylinder engine combines a
turbocharger with FSI direct gasoline injection to elevate the TT RS to a
high-performance sports car. The TFSI delivers 250 kW (340 bhp) from a
displacement of 2,480 cc (151.34 cu in): a specific output of 100.8
kW (137.1 bhp) per liter. The power-to-weight ratio is also outstanding.
In the case of the Coupé, which weighs in at a mere 1,450 kilograms
(3,196.70 pounds), the power-to-weight ratio is just 4.3 kilograms
per bhp. The Roadster has a weight of 1,510 kilograms (3,328.98 pounds)
and a power-to-weight ratio of 4.4 kilograms per bhp thanks to its
extremely lightweight and largely aluminum body constructed as per the Audi
Space Frame principle. The TT RS Coupé rockets from 0 to 100 km/h
(0 to 62.14 mph) in 4.6 seconds; the Roadster needs just a tenth of
a second longer. The limited top speed of 250 km/h (155.34 mph) is
merely the official figure for both versions; as an option, Audi can increase
it to 280 km/h (173.98 mph). Almost even more impressive is the aggressive
pulling power. The maximum torque of 450 Nm (331.90 lb.-ft.) is always
available between 1,600 and 5,300 rpm. In addition, the TT RS overtakes
without the slightest effort. Last but not least, its engine makes
passengers skin tingle time and again thanks to its speedy and powerful
response, its inspiring free-revving character, and its unmistakably guttural
tailpipes: five-cylinder classical music by Audi!
Compact and Lightweight: The Five-cylinder
TFSI
As an uncompromising sports-car engine, the 2.5-liter
TFSI is ultra-compact. Just 49 centimeters (19.29 inches) in length,
it is ideally suited for transverse installation in the TT RS. And its weight
of just 183 kilograms (403.45 pounds) also sets a record. The crankcase
is made of vermicular-graphite cast iron. This high-tech material unites
the utmost in strength with low weight; it has otherwise only been used for
the large TDI engines from Audi. Perfectly placed reinforcements enhance
the blocks loadability. The lightweight cylinder head, the pistons,
and the connecting rod are lightweight as well as high-strength. The
ultra-powerful five-cylinder engine is extremely fuel-efficient, requiring
an average of just 9.2 liters/100 km [25.57 mpg] as regards the
Coupé (Roadster: 9.5 l/100 km [24.76 mpg]). Switchable
flaps in the intake manifold mix the incoming air in a calculated configuration.
Injected at a pressure as high as 120 bar by the common-rail system,
the gasoline swirls intensely in the combustion chamber which in turn
cools the walls. This subsequently facilitates a compression ratio of 10.0:1,
which is very high for a turbocharged engine. Both of the adjustable camshafts,
controlled via chains, also enhance charging efficiency with respect to the
air-fuel mixture. The large turbocharger generates up to 1.2 bar of boost
pressure. The intercooler, fed air ideally by the lower segment of the single
frame radiator grille, reduces the temperature of compressed air by over
80 percent at full load. When an Audi TT RS driver pushes the standard Sport
button on the center tunnel, a flap installed in the left exhaust tailpipe
renders the exhaust noise even more robust and intense while boosting engine
responsiveness. An optional Sport exhaust system is available with matt black
tailpipe trims and sound flap.
For Purists: The Driveline
The Audi TT RS is the first classic sports
car in the Audi RS family. Like the RS 4 and the RS 6, the Audi
TT RS was developed by quattro GmbH as a pure, no-holds-barred driving machine.
A new six-speed manual transmission conveys the engines tremendous
power, and permits easy and precise operation thanks to a specially designed
shift lever boasting particularly short shift travel. The transmissions
defining characteristics are a high efficiency ratio and a sportily narrow
spread of the gear ratios. The Audi TT RS features quattro permanent all-wheel
drive as standard equipment. Its heart lies at the rear axle: an electronically
controlled, hydraulic multi-plate clutch. If a situation calls for it, the
clutch redirects a majority of the torque input from the front wheels to
the rear wheels. Within milliseconds, a powerful electrical pump in conjunction
with an accumulator presses together the clutchs plates via hydraulic
pressure. Additions to the quattro powertrain include a constant velocity
joint before the propeller shaft and a compact rear-axle differential
both are heavy-duty components. The quattro drivetrain grants the
Audi TT RS outstanding traction, fascinating dynamics, and superb stability.
Winding rural routes or some laps around a racetrack allow the superior handling
to shine. The precise and responsive steering, the instantaneous reactions
of the chassis, the neutrality at the cornering limit, the grip while exiting
a curve, and time and again the engines thrilling power:
every mile in an Audi TT RS exudes the distilled essence of sportiness.
High-tech Excellence from Audi: Chassis and
Body
The chassis of the Audi TT RS builds on the cutting-edge foundation of the
base TT design. The four-link rear suspension, which handles longitudinal
and lateral forces separately, plays a crucial role. The electromechanical
steering is highly efficient and the power steering adjusts to the
vehicles speed. With aluminum in the front and sheet steel in the back,
the bodys innovative mixture of materials results in a well-balanced
axle-load distribution, excellent crash safety, and the outstanding rigidity
which lays the cornerstone for the cars precise handling. The standard
sports chassis, which lowers the body by 10 millimeters
(0.39 inches), features tightly tuned springs and shock absorbers.
The optional Audi magnetic ride adaptive damping system allows the driver
to select one of two modes for the shock absorbers by simply pushing the
Sport button. Dynamic mode enables the TT RS to hug the road; Comfort mode
provides a pleasantly balanced ride perfect for long journeys. The sportiest
version in the TT model line boasts 18-inch wheels fitted with 245/45 tires.
They are complemented by mighty ventilated disc brakes, which measure 370
millimeters (14.57 inches) in diameter at the front and 310 millimeters
(12.20 inches) at the rear. So that heat dissipates quickly, the front
friction rings are perforated. They, in turn, are connected by hollow pins
to the aluminum brake discs, which are encircled by black four-piston brake
calipers made of aluminum and bearing RS logos. The Electronic Stabilization
Program (ESP) can be switched off partially or entirely. In Sport mode, the
engine does not intervene to monitor traction and, correspondingly, the brakes
engage later than otherwise. In the second mode, the ESP is fully deactivated.
The Face of Power: The Exterior
At just 4.20 meters (13.78 feet) in length, the vigorously compact
Audi TT RS hints at its explosive potential from the very first glimpse.
The front spoiler tapers downward into a splitter, reminiscent of a racing
car. The large and squared air inlets have diamond-shaped inserts. And the
high-gloss black single frame grille with a frame in matt aluminum look and
the TT RS badge bear the same styling. The xenon plus headlights with LED
daytime running lights notify faraway drivers that an Audi TT RS is approaching.
The sides of the vehicle are accentuated by large wheels in 5 twin-spoke
design, vigorous side sills, and exterior-mirror casings in matt aluminum
look. At the tail end, the two large oval exhaust tailpipes spaced
apart are encircled by a diffuser insert. Here, too, is a TT RS badge.
A stationary rear spoiler is standard, though customers can opt for one which
automatically extends and retracts. Thanks to a drag coefficient of just
0.3, the 2+2-seat coupé and the two-seat roadster glide effortlessly
through the wind. Audi offers the TT RS in eight colors. Among them are four
exclusive options: Daytona Gray, pearl effect; Mugello Blue, pearl effect;
Sepang Blue, pearl effect; and Suzuka Gray, metallic. The Roadsters
soft top comes in black or dark gray.
Exclusive Character: Interior and Equipment
Packages
The dynamic exterior of the Audi TT
RS is matched by the interior. The leather multifunction sports steering
wheel has an especially thick rim, is flat-bottomed, and is covered with
perforated leather. Integrated in the instrument panel, the driver information
system can display boost pressure and oil temperature as well as a lap timer
for chronicling feats at the racetrack. The door handles consist of two slim
strips typical of Audi RS models. An automatic climate-control system
and the concert sound system are standard, as are an electrohydraulic soft
top and an electric wind deflector for the Roadster. The entire interior
is black. The heated sports seats feature an Alcantara/leather combination
with silver contrasting stitching and embossed TT RS logos in the front
backrests. Additional badges and logos appear on the steering wheel, in the
rev counter, and on the door sill trims. The inlays are made from brushed
aluminum. Floor mats feature silver piping trim; footrests and pedals are
in aluminum look. Audi offers TT RS customers a diverse range of optional
equipment: variably styled wheels measuring 18, 19 or 20 inches in diameter;
bucket seats with folding backrests; seat upholstery in Silk Nappa leather
with perforations or Fine Nappa leather with special TT perforations; inlays
with Ibis White or Phantom Black paint finish as well as matt aluminum-look
inlays for the exterior. In addition, there are high-tech navigation and
multimedia systems available. Sales of the Audi TT RS begin in March; deliveries
are scheduled to begin this summer.
The equipment, specifications, and prices stated
herein refer to the model line offered for sale in Germany. Subject to change
without notice; errors and omissions excepted. |