Autoblog

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

The first gen Audi TT was known as a beauty, but hardly a beast. In many a comparo it was passed over for the top spot because its relatively heavy curb weight kept it from keeping up with the pack. Enter the Audi TT RS scheduled to arrive by the end of the year in Europe and likely never in the U.S. Auto Express reports that Audi is boring out the TT's 3.2L V6 to 3.6L, which should produce a stout 350-hp. Quattro all-wheel drive will, of course, be standard along with better brakes and a stiffer suspension. In an effort to shed some of those pounds that used to slow the TT down, Audi will be replacing the car's steel doors and hatch with aluminum ones. The RS will also look evil fast with bigger flared fenders, a front splitter and mesh air intakes, as well as what we're guessing will be rather large rolling stock. 0-60? Less than five seconds. Damn. Starting price? Around $75,000. Damn.

Note: the above pic is a fanboy's photoshop rendering from MonsterMonster.

[Source: Auto Express]
[Image Source: MonsterMonster]