Autoblog

First 2012 Audi TT RS delivered in Texas

Steven J. Ewing — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 16:31:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Performance, Audi

Ladies and gentlemen, the 2012 Audi TT RS has officially landed in the United States. And there was much rejoicing.

Audi has announced that one Don Istook has purchased the very first American-spec TT RS from Fort Worth Audi in Texas. Istook is a longtime Audi enthusiast, having raced Quattro coupes in the mid-1980s, and in more recent times, S4 and TT models.

The 2012 Audi TT RS is priced from $56,580 (excluding $875 for destination), and it marks the return of the automaker's RS performance line to Yankeeland. The last RS model available on these shores was the RS4 (rest in peace, you stunner). The TT RS will no doubt continue the tradition of Audi's performance monsters, boasting 360 horsepower and 343 pound-feet of torque from its 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder engine. Follow the jump for the official press blast.

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First 2012 Audi TT RS delivered in Texas originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Jul 2011 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Audi TT RS priced from $56,850*

Zach Bowman — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 16:29:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Performance, Audi, Luxury

2012 Audi TT RS - Click above for high-res image gallery

Audi has finally released U.S. pricing on the company's 2012 TT RS. Buyers looking to jump into the 360-horsepower coupe can plan on handing over $56,850 (*plus any applicable destination charges) for the pleasure of ownership. That pricing scoots the mean little Audi well under the Porsche Cayman S at $62,100, though the topless Boxster S narrows that gap somewhat with a price tag of $58,600. Of course, both of those lithe sports cars are down by about 50 ponies compared to the new Quattro terror, which helps give the edge from stop light to stop light. The German automaker says that the 2012 TT RS can scoot to 60 mph in a scant 4.1 seconds.

That's moving right along, especially considering that the BMW 1 Series M Coupe does the same sprint in 4.7 seconds. It's also about $1,600 cheaper, but who's counting? For comparison's sake, the 265-hp TTS starts at $47,000, itself already a big leap over the $38,300 base 211-hp TT.

With so many diminutive, excellent German racers about, the North American enthusiast's world is clearly a better place than it was just a few years ago. Hit the jump to check the full press blast and be sure to check out the high-res gallery.

Continue reading 2012 Audi TT RS priced from $56,850*

2012 Audi TT RS priced from $56,850* originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Jul 2011 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Audi TT 2.0 Quattro Coupe

Michael Harley — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Audi, New Car Reviews

Least Costly TT Gives Entry-Level A Very Positive Meaning

2011 Audi TT 2.0 Quattro Coupe - Click above for high-res image gallery

Audi invited us out to a California track a little more than a year ago for some hot laps in its new TT RS. Fresh out of development, the enthusiast-tuned variant of its ever-stylish coupe was fitted with a turbocharged 2.5-liter five-cylinder sending 340 horsepower to every corner through Audi's Quattro all-wheel-drive system. Quick, nimble and offered only with a six-speed manual, the gussied-up two-seater was not only the ultimate expression of the chassis' capabilities, it was a gift to those with a passion for driving.

Last September, after a successful Facebook petition, Audi decided to bring the TT RS to the States. As word of the announcement spread, we're guessing that more than a few Porsche Boxster and Mercedes-Benz SLK owners felt chills go up their spines.

Fourteen months after blasting around Willow Springs Raceway in the talented TT RS, we found a TT 2.0T Quattro sitting in our driveway. For those unfamiliar with Audi's lineup, the 2.0T is relegated to the bottom of the pole as the least expensive and least powerful model in the franchise.

So... just how would we swallow the entry-level coupe with the taste of the wondrous TT RS still fresh in our mouths? As it happened, we were pleasantly surprised.

Continue reading 2011 Audi TT 2.0 Quattro Coupe

2011 Audi TT 2.0 Quattro Coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Jun 2011 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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MTM launches its 472-horse Audi TT RS with a 194 mph run at Nardo

Noah Joseph — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 18:28:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Audi

MTM Audi TT RS - Click above for high-res image gallery

You'd be forgiven for believe the Audi TT RS is fast enough. By most accounts it is, packing a 340 horsepower, turbocharged inline five, it's good for a four-and-a-half-second sprint to sixty and a 174 mph top speed. But if you're going after the triple-century metric mark (close to 200 mph), you're going to need a little something extra.

So says MTM. And they ought to know. The German tuning house has a history of taking Audis to the V-max and beyond, having brought an RS6 Avant to 344.2 km/h in 2009, a radical twin-engine TT to 393.6 in 2007 and a Bentley to 331 in 2008.

In an effort to take the TT RS past the 300 mark without the need for breaching the 500 hp mark, MTM tweaked the ECU, modified the turbo spools and fitted a new exhaust system - along with new wheels, tires and brakes. The result of the engine mods was 472 hp, enough to get its customized TT RS up to a GPS-certified top speed of 312 km/h (just under 194 mph) at Italy's Nardo test track. And they'll sell you the modifications too, for a price: €14,500 for the engine mods and another €9,973 for the suspension and wheel work, taxes and installation included.

Having proven their point about power:speed ratios, MTM's also working on a 500+hp version. We can hardly wait to see what they'll manage with that one, but for now you can check out the images in the gallery below and the details in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: MTM Audi TT RS 20th Anniversary

[Source: MTM]

Continue reading MTM launches its 472-horse Audi TT RS with a 194 mph run at Nardo

MTM launches its 472-horse Audi TT RS with a 194 mph run at Nardo originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Oct 2010 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi TT RS headed to America after Facebook petition success

Chris Paukert — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 12:39:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Audi

Audi TT RS - Click above for high-res image gallery

Audi has just announced that it will begin importing the hottest version of its little sports car, the TT-RS, in the third quarter of next year.

The product move comes after Audi whipped up a Facebook petition page that gathered in excess of 11,500 signatures in just a month's time.

The move to import the 360-horsepower Porsche Boxster and Mercedes-Benz SLK AMG-fighter isn't much of a surprise - after all, Audi has been courting the media with test drives for months, and an Audi executive at last week's launch of the A7 Sportback in Sardinia hinted that a decision was to be revealed in a few days.

No word yet on what pricing or the options list will look like, but only the hard-hatted coupe will make it to these shores - the Roadster will remain forbidden fruit.

Gallery: Quick Spin: 2010 Audi TT RS

Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 AOL

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Audi TT RS headed to America after Facebook petition success

Audi TT RS headed to America after Facebook petition success originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Sep 2010 12:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi S7 likely headed for Paris, TT RS for U.S. decision imminent

Chris Paukert — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 21:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Paris Motor Show, Hatchback, Audi, Luxury

2011 Audi A7 Sportback - Click above for high-res image gallery

Autoblog is driving the stunning new Audi A7 Sportback at its international media launch this week in Sardinia, and the scuttlebutt around the hotel bar is that a hotter performance variant, the S7, will make its debut at the Paris Motor Show in the coming weeks.

With garden-variety U.S. A7 five-door powered by the latest evolution of Audi's supercharged 3.0-liter TFSI six-cylinder engine backed by a ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic, it will be interesting to see what the higher-performance S7 brings to the party. As is often the way with such things, Audi representatives here on the Mediterranean island are stopping just short of confirming the debut altogether, and they certainly aren't telling us what will lurk under in the engine bay of the all-wheel drive hatchback.

Like other German automakers, Audi has pledged to back down from the cylinder-count escalation wars that have marked the last decade of its performance products, so we certainly aren't expecting a further derivation of the Lamborghini-sourced 5.2-liter V10 engine found in the current S6. The company has also been veering away from its excellent 4.2-liter FSI engine as seen in the R8 and S5 coupe, so it's possible that this engine won't make it into the S7 as well. Sister brand Bentley has already confirmed that the 2011 Continental GT will be available with a V8 engine for the first time, and it's broadly suspected that the new engine will be a direct-injected 4.0-liter turbo, and an Audi-fied version of that powerplant is expected to filter down throughout the S6/S7/S8 range.

Even though North American A7s will funnel their 296 horsepower exclusively through a paddle-shift eight-speed automatic, the model range is available with a seven-speed S Tronic dual-clutch cogswapper in European markets, and it's likely that Audi would save this more sports-oriented gearbox for the higher-performance S7. A six-speed manual is also a possibility.

Will the sporty S7 slantback make it into our showrooms? Again, Audi of America reps won't confirm it, but they are clearly vying to receive the car, and with only one powertrain confirmed for the A7 bodystyle in our market, it would make sense that a second powertrain package like that of the S7 would join the stable. As the U.S. A7 will carry a 2012 designation and won't be available until late spring, don't look for the S7 to hit U.S. dealers any time soon.

As you'll likely remember, Audi USA has been aggressively lobbying its German counterparts for more performance models as of late, having only recently confirmed the white-hot RS5 coupe for the States. The RS5 won't show until 2012, sadly, but still on the table is the importation of the TT RS, and a decision on that model is likely to be handed down within the next few days. Further, you may recall that Audi of America actually went so far as to create an online petition on its Facebook page asking brand fans to urge for its importation, and it even tempted members of the U.S. media ('Hi!') with local test drives in California.

While we're all waiting for further word on the S7 and TT RS, there's at least a new high-res gallery of the A7 Sportback to keep us entertained. Check it out below.

Gallery: Audi A7

Audi S7 likely headed for Paris, TT RS for U.S. decision imminent originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Sep 2010 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi creates petition to bring TT RS to U.S.

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 08 Aug 2010 12:34:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Etc., Audi, Luxury

The Audi TT RS wasn't meant for U.S. consumption, but the door hasn't quite closed on that possibility. When Audi of America let us drive the 340-horsepower coupe (it's faster and cheaper than a Porsche Cayman S), it earned all kinds of thumbs up. Still, Ingolstadt needs to know you really want it, so now you can register your desire via a new Facebook petition.

Audi hasn't said how many signatures are needed before importing the TT RS is deemed a "go," but your signature can't hurt - this one's all carrot, no stick. If you need a reminder of the possibilities, have a look at the TT RS in the gallery of high-res photos below. Hat tip to Danielle

Gallery: Quick Spin: 2010 Audi TT RS

[Source: Audi on Facebook]

Audi creates petition to bring TT RS to U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 08 Aug 2010 12:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Quick Spin: 2010 Audi TT RS performs, assuming Audi AG decides to deliver

Michael Harley — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Audi, Quick Spins, Racing

2010 Audi TT RS - Click above for high-res image gallery

There is only one Audi TT RS in the entire United States right now. And here we are, hurling the black coupe down the front straight at Willow Springs Raceway at 132 mph. We've been invited out to the sunny California desert on a pristine day to flog the hottest-ever Audi TT back-to-back against its TTS sibling, along with a few stints in the all-new S4 and R8 V10 for good measure.

The TT RS isn't simply another upgraded model in the automaker's diversified lineup. The TTS (and the other standard performance models) come from the Audi AG Sport division, while the TT RS was incubated and hatched by Quattro GmbH - the team who brought us the nefarious R8, RS4 and RS6. And while we've seen the TT on our shores with four- and six-cylinder powerplants, the new five-cylinder engine marks a significant departure for the front-engine coupe and convertible (even as it pays homage to the original 1980s-era Audi Sport Quattro).

So what makes the TT RS special and how does it fit into the current TT lineup? More importantly, how does the enthusiast-tuned package work under demanding track conditions? We intend to find out while answering a very important question for Audi: Should it bring the TT RS to the States?

Gallery: Quick Spin: 2010 Audi TT RS

Continue reading Quick Spin: 2010 Audi TT RS performs, assuming Audi AG decides to deliver

Quick Spin: 2010 Audi TT RS performs, assuming Audi AG decides to deliver originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Apr 2010 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Audi TT RS headed to Canada in limited numbers, as is rear-drive BMW X1

Steven J. Ewing — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 11:28:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Crossover, Audi, BMW, Canada

Audi TT RS - Click above for high-res image gallery

When Audi launched the TT RS, we were initially told that the automaker had no plans to bring it to the States. And while rumors have cropped up that suggest otherwise, we still don't have the official word from Audi about whether we'll ever get the chance to experience the 335-horsepower TT. However, our friends to the north can apparently rejoice - Audi will reportedly be bringing the TT RS to Canada, albeit in very limited numbers (250 units, to be exact). It is not yet clear whether those 250 units will be in coupe or convertible form - or both.

Additionally, Monvolant reports that Canadian consumers will be able to spec a rear-wheel drive BMW X1 when the crossover goes on sale next year - a configuration that will not be available in the States. Canada is likely to only receive X1s equipped with BMW's 3.0-liter inline-six, good for around 260 horsepower.

We aren't very upset about the fact that U.S.-spec X1s will only have all-wheel drive. However, if Audi is going to tease us by bringing 250 examples of the too-hot TT to this continent, the least it could do is spec a few for U.S. (or just Autoblog) consumption. Thanks for the tip, Martin!

Gallery: Audi TT RS and Roadster

Gallery: 2011 BMW X1

[Source: Monvolant (translated)]

Report: Audi TT RS headed to Canada in limited numbers, as is rear-drive BMW X1 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Mar 2010 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Legalize It: Horchaus federalizing non-U.S. Audis for North America

Jonny Lieberman — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 19:24:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Performance, Europe, Audi, Canada

All your dreams do come true - Click above for high-res image gallery

We're going back and forth on this one. Do we file it under "We'll believe it when we see it" or "Pinch me I'm dreaming"? Either way, we get to sub-tag it, "Thank God for rich friends." That's right y'all, Audi is allowing Horchaus, the Canadian distributor MTM, to federalize some special four-ringers for American consumption. These are the real deal, hopped-up German Audis, straight from the tweaker factory.

As we're sure you all know, Audi keeps a whole bunch of extra spicy models back in Europe. Why? The excuses typically involve some song and dance about Americans not wanting high performance station wagons (as if), though in the case of the RS4 Avant (arguably the most desirable car we can't buy), the U.S. prohibition was because the rear-mounted battery didn't pass DOT certification...

So which cars can we now get via Horchaus? The RS4 Avant, RS4 Convertible, S3, the RS6 sedan and RS6 Avant, Q7 V12 TDI and TT RS. And there's something else to note: Since Euro-tuner MTM is involved in the equation, these cars can be pumped up a bit over stock. One example would be the twin-turbo V10 in the RS6 upped from a paltry 580 horsepower to a more appropriate 735 hp.

That said, Horchaus's pricing announcement is leading us back to the "We'll believe it when we see it" category. Using nothing but a straight Euros-to-dollars conversion rate, the RS6 would cost you about $150,000. However, Horchaus is saying it can be yours for just $107,600. Here's where it gets hinky. Supposedly Horchaus can sell you a R8 V10 5.2 FSI for $98,000, which is mucho less expensive than Audi USA sells them for (the last one we drove cost $172,250). We don't believe this last bit. Still, will us Americanos be able to get two of the hottest wagons in the world? Si senor, si.

UPDATE: After collaborating with a few colleagues who've spoken with people at both Audi Canada and Audi of America, along with Audi AG, we're a little unsure how a few of the vehicles listed could make it to the States and be legalized. The RS4 and S4 Avants shouldn't be a problem, as both have had their engines federalized and the S4 Avant has been crash-tested for the U.S. requirements. The RS6 Avant and its V10 engine have not, so importation of that beast is hardly cut and dry. We'll continue poking around and update this post as necessary.

Gallery: Audi RS6

[Source: IEDEI ]

Legalize It: Horchaus federalizing non-U.S. Audis for North America originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Feb 2010 19:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Audi TT RS, RS5 coming Stateside

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 20:01:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Audi, Rumormill

Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2010 Audi TT RS

Audi's PR department has continued to toe the line that TT RS is not meant for Stateside consumption. However, MotorTrend's unnamed Audi insiders are saying the 335-hp coupe will make it to the U.S., albeit several months after its European introduction.

According to the report, Audi USA has decided to delay the introduction of the hottest TT so the new 265-hp TT S can gain traction in the U.S. - or more accurately, before the RS variant steals the show. But that's not all we have to look forward to.

The RS5 is still in the pipeline and MT pegs output of the 2+2 at around 500 hp, with a rear-bias Quattro system and a torque-vectoring rear differential joining upgraded brakes and a suitably aggressive body kit. We've already seen spy shots of the RS5 making runs around the 'Ring with its Bauhaus sibling, although there's still considerable debate about what lies under the hood, particularly after a video surfaced of the RS5 taking hot-laps around the Nordschleife.

While we're still suitably cautious about the TT RS' future in the States, Audi is considering bringing over the A4 Allroad - a model that was originally developed for our friends abroad - so there may be hope left for some more RS love in the U.S.

Gallery: Geneva 2009: 2010 Audi TT RS

Gallery: Audi RS5 - spy shots

[Source: MotorTrend]

Rumormill: Audi TT RS, RS5 coming Stateside originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Mar 2009 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva 2009: 2010 Audi TT RS

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Audi

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Audi TT RS

Disappointment comes in a variety of forms and this one carries an RS badge. The 2010 Audi TT RS may not be the baby-R8 rumored to appear in Geneva, but with a turbocharged, direct injected 2.5-liter five-cylinder putting out 340 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, it's the next best thing - too bad it'll never make it to the States.

When deliveries begin this summer, our friends abroad will be able to row their way through the six-speed manual gearbox to a 0-60 time of 4.6 seconds for the coupe and 4.7 for the convertible. Audi's quattro system features an electronically controlled, hydraulic multi-plate clutch to shift power fore and aft and an optional magnetic ride damping system can be toggled between "Comfort" and "Sport." Exclusive 18-inch wheels are fitted with 245/45 tires, while 14.57-inch discs are mounted in front and 12.2-inch in back, each clamped by four-piston calipers.

Inside, a flat-bottomed multi-function steering wheel joins a short-throw shifter and Alcantara coated sport seats that need to be sat in to be appreciated. See it all in the gallery below and hit the break for the painfully detailed press release.

Gallery: Geneva 2009: 2010 Audi TT RS

Continue reading Geneva 2009: 2010 Audi TT RS

Geneva 2009: 2010 Audi TT RS originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Mar 2009 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi TT RS official pics, details hit the web

Alex Nunez — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 14:05:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Audi

Click above for a gallery of the Audi TT RS

Forget the teasers. Here's the rest of the car. When it premieres in Geneva next month, the Audi TT RS will arrive in both coupe and convertible bodystyles. Both are powered by a 340-horsepower, 331 lb-ft, 2.5-liter turbo five cylinder. The driver rows a six-speed stick, and quattro channels power to all the wheels. 0-62 mph takes under 5 seconds. As the teaser shots hinted, look for more aggressive front and rear fascias, LED driving lamps, and a fixed rear spoiler. As with other RS cars, the brakes and suspension are also beefed up. Inside? Typical good stuff from Audi -- you know the drill. If you missed the engine sound clip yesterday, hit the play button below. You won't be disappointed. Sadly, there are no plans to offer the hottest TT to enthusiasts on this side of the Atlantic. Bummer. We'll drool over the car in person when the festivities get underway in Geneva next month.

Gallery: Audi TT RS and Roadster

[Source: CarScoop]

Audi TT RS official pics, details hit the web originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 21 Feb 2009 14:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva TTeaseRS: Audi dangles first TT RS close-ups, audio file

Alex Nunez — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Audi

Click above to view Audi TT RS teasers

~~We're not getting the Audi TT RS~~ There's a 50/50 change we'll get the Audi TT RS here in the United States, and frankly, if we don't that sucks. Ingolstadt has released the first "teaser" details on the über-TT, which will get the full dog-and-pony next month at the Geneva Motor Show, and it sounds like a good time waiting to happen.

The TT RS will make "well over" 300 horsepower from its turbocharged 2.5L five-cylinder. Expect it to go like stink, handle like a slot car, and make people write flowery new paeans to quattro. Look for the usual RS cues like monster-sized oval exhaust outlets and even more aggressive intakes up front. As the photos demonstrate, TT RS also sports LED driving lights and a fixed rear spoiler.

Oh, it sounds wicked, too. Just listen for yourselves. We'll be on hand next month to cover the big reveal in person.

Gallery: Audi TT RS and Roadster

[Source: Fourtitude]

Geneva TTeaseRS: Audi dangles first TT RS close-ups, audio file originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Feb 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi TT-RS teaser supposedly surfaces ahead of Geneva

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 10:28:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Audi

The pre-show prognostication surrounding Audi seems to be coming true. First came yesterday's preview of the A4 allroad quattro and today, a teaser hit the Web showing a blacked-out and be-winged rear end bearing the TT-RS logo.

Although ~~we're skeptical about the image's authenticity~~ we've confirmed that the image is a fake, we've be assured by Audi that a second model will share the stage with the lifted and bodykitted A4.

If the Audi TT-RS does debut in Geneva, expect a turbocharged, 2.5-liter five-cylinder putting out around 350 hp and 330 lb-ft of torque to all four wheels through a six-speed manual or S tronic gearbox. New front and rear fascias will join the fixed rear wing, along with 18-inch aluminum wheels, a duo of oval exhaust tips, magnetic dampers and an interior swathed in alcantara and leather.

Gallery: Audi TT-RS - spy shots

[Source: Autoblog.it (no relation)]

Audi TT-RS teaser supposedly surfaces ahead of Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Feb 2009 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Audi TT-RS caught taking in the Arizona sun

Noah Joseph — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 16:31:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Performance, Audi

Between the TT and the R8, Audi makes some pretty enticing sports cars. But there's a huge gap in the middle there, and the latest spy shots show a new derivative coming up to close the gap. Tentatively known as the TT-RS, the adrenaline-snorting top-shelf version of the stylish little Audi is expected to pack 350 horsepower thanks to a pair of sequential turbochargers driving all fours via a six-speed manual.

The undisguised bodywork on the test vehicle - spied undergoing hot weather testing in Arizona - looks suitably aggressive, while the output should close the distance between the 272-hp TT-S and the 420-hp R8, as well as compete directly with the 295-hp Porsche Cayman S. We don't have a launch date for the TT-RS confirmed yet, but the super-coupe looks just about ready judging from the spy shots, leaving us to wonder if we might see it as early as the Paris Motor Show in a month and a half.

[Source: World Car Fans]

Spy Shots: Audi TT-RS caught taking in the Arizona sun originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Aug 2008 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Audi TTRS, RS5 on their way

John Neff — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 12:42:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Audi

We usually trust the guys at Fourtitude.com when talking about Audi because, well, that's their thing. So when they say that an upcoming über TTRS is in the product plans for Audi's U.S. lineup, we're inclined to believe. The all-Audi website is betting that the super coupe will be powered by a beefed-up, turbocharged five-cylinder engine, which is not surprising considering that sister brand Volkswagen makes great use of a 2.5L five-cylinder in its lineup. For Audi, however, this engine would be producing upwards of 350 horsepower despite a rumor that it is even smaller in displacement at 2.3 liters. Of course, it will feature Audi's FSI direct injection system and Valvelift variable valve timing systems, which will improve both economy and power. Expect torque to be prodigious.

Meanwhile, speculation on the RS version of the Audi A5 is less certain, with a number of engines mentioned by other media outlets as being the car's mill of choice. A twin-turbo V10 (unlikely), a naturally-aspirated V10 FSI (possible), forced-induction 4.2L FSI V8 (maybe), and the RS4's 4.2L V8 (could be) are all candidates and all promise 400+ horsepower.

After the unmitigated success of the R8, we have total faith Audi can produce a pair of RS coupes that keep our blood boiling. We're particularly excited by the prospect of a TT coupe with 350+ horsepower, as we've yet to drive a version of the bauhaus coupe that we felt was fast enough.

[Source: Fourtitude.com]

Rumormill: Audi TTRS, RS5 on their way originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Feb 2008 12:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy shots: Audi TT-S

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 18:57:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Audi

The first generation TT offered two choices: coupe and convertible. And while that technically counts as two different versions, an enthusiast who actually plans on driving the car knows that that's really just one choice of car. Audi has loosed the variation machine on this second generation TT, however, doubling the possible selections, with coupe and convertible joined by TT-S and TT-RS flavors.

The TT-S is next on the catwalk, and shots have surfaced showing off the grille and goods, mainly in the form of a more brutish face boasting a serious chin spoiler, quad pipes out the rear, and the inclusion of LEDs under the headlamps. The 2-seater will get a 270-hp heart, with 258 lb-ft ready to churn. It will hold the road with -- and hopefully turn in better because of -- a stiffer suspension.

The RS-badged TT is claimed to get a 5-cylinder turbo with 308 horsepower. Make no mistake, we are card carrying fans of souped up Audi. But the TT 3.2 quattro with S-tronic has a base MSRP of $42,900, with the Roadster another $3,000 skyward. By the time Audi adds the premiums for the S and RS, the car will be playing around in Boxster/Cayman territory. We just hope the driving experience proves that's where the car belongs.

[Source: Motor Authority]

Spy shots: Audi TT-S originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Dec 2007 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi says more RS models quickly on their way

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 16:25:00 EST

Filed under: Audi

Quattro GmbH, Audi's high-performance subsidiary, is responsible for all manner of RS, S, S-line and "Exclusive" hotness for the automaker and has seen a substantial increase in sales over the last seven years. Back in 2000, it sold about 2,500 units. In 2007, it has produced just over 360,000 models imbued with Audi's distinct brand of performance street cred. Those numbers are expected to further rise with even more models being S- and RS-ified, including the R8, which is currently being produced at a rate of 27 vehicles per day.

Auto Motor und Sport sat down with Werner Frowein, the director of Quattro GmbH, where he let loose that the former strategy for RS model production will be laid to waste in the coming years. Traditionally, RS cars are produced in the last two years of the vehicle's lifecycle, but a new shift in production will allow new models to benefit from the RS-treatment after the first two years of their run. The TT-RS and RS5 are two of the models on the horizon, while an RS version of the R8 has been rumored since its introduction earlier this year. More RS is hardly a bad thing, unless premium gas prices continue their northward trajectory.

[Source: Auto Motor und Sport via World Car Fans]

Audi says more RS models quickly on their way originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Nov 2007 16:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Audi TT RS nearing final approval

Alex Nunez — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 07:55:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Europe, Audi

According to Britain's Autocar, the Audi TT RS is waiting for a nod from Audi brass. Here's hoping the suits start making like bobbleheads and greenlight the über TT soon. The skinny, according to Autocar, goes like this. The TT RS will be powered by a turbocharged version of the 2.5L 5-cylinder currently found under the hood of the VW Jetta. The high-po 5-banger will dish out a stiff 350 horsepower, a full 100 more than the current TT 3.2 quattro range-topper.

The mag speculates that the RS will be a coupe-only offering whose styling borrows elements from the extreme-looking TT Clubsport show car the automaker trotted out at the Wörthersee meet earlier this summer (gallery below). Autocar also spoke to an insider who claims to have heard the 2.5 turbo, and word is that the sound recalls that of the fabled capital-Q Quattro. If that's accurate and it sounds anything like this, it'll be a four-wheeled piece of Heaven on Earth. Expect a 5-second 0-60 sprint and a governed top end of 155 mph. Autocar also tells us to expect a TT S powered by a hopped-up version of the 2.0 TFSI motor making 261 horsepower. Please hurry, Audi.

[Source: Autocar]

Gallery: Audi TT clubsport quattro concept

REPORT: Audi TT RS nearing final approval originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Sep 2007 07:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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