Autoblog

MTM Audi TT RS packs up to 424 horsepower, 185 mph top speed

Drew Phillips — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Audi

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

German tuner MTM has a long history with Audi's inline-five. In fact, company founder Roland Mayer helped develop the turbocharged five-banger for the Sport Quattro back in the mid-80s, and MTM produced a 400 horsepower version of the motor as one of their earliest performance packages. Nearly 20 years later the technology and the cars have changed, but MTM is still doing its thing.

Its latest project is Audi's TT RS, which boasts 340 horsepower and 332 lb-ft torque in stock trim. MTM is offering three stages of engine packages ranging from 404 to 424 horsepower courtesy of tweaks to the engine control unit and and an upgraded exhaust system. Naturally, the Stage Three kit provides a substantial boost performance, including a top speed of 185 mph and a 0-100 km/h time of just 4.2 seconds. A variety of other upgrades are available as well, including MTM's 19-inch Bimoto wheels, 15-inch brakes with eight-piston calipers, and lowering springs. Follow the jump for the official press release and check out the high-res gallery below.

Gallery: MTM Audi TT RS

[Source: MTM]

Continue reading MTM Audi TT RS packs up to 424 horsepower, 185 mph top speed

MTM Audi TT RS packs up to 424 horsepower, 185 mph top speed originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi drops more photos and info on "Shelley", the autonomous TT-S

Sam Abuelsamid — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 10:42:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Technology, Audi

Autonomous Audi TT-S "Shelley" - Click above for high-res image gallery

We first heard about the latest autonomous driving project from Stanford University and the Volkswagen Group a couple of weeks ago. Audi has released some more information on the car, a TT-S coupe that, like its predecessors, Stanley and Junior, has a name: Shelley. Shelley's being developed to climb Colorado's Pikes Peak without any driver intervention during the annual hill climb next July. (Stanley and Junior were created for the DARPA Grand Challenge and Urban Challenge.)

Audi and Stanford's Dynamics Design Lab have managed to dramatically reduce the size of the equipment necessary for the car and its control system to detect the surroundings and respond accordingly. That it can all fit into the compact TT's body while sprouting just a trio of sensors from roof is quite an accomplishment. One of the goals of this year's effort is to have the car perform the way it would with a professional rally driver at the wheel, including drifting on the gravel. As of its name, "Shelley" refers to the nickname of Michelle Mouton, the most successful female rally driver of all time and the first woman to win at Pikes Peak, a feat she accomplished behind the wheel of the legendary Audi Sport Quattro in 1985.

Gallery: Audi autonomous TTS - "Shelley"

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Audi drops more photos and info on "Shelley", the autonomous TT-S

Audi drops more photos and info on "Shelley", the autonomous TT-S originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 08 Nov 2009 10:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Avus Performance tÜRns Audi TT-RS into 460-hp "Neu-Ur-Quattro"

Frank Filipponio — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 19:59:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Audi

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

Avus Performance has just whipped the cover off their pumped up Audi TT-RS, a 460 horsepower, matte black self-described "Ur-Quattro" for the new millennium. While it evoking the legendary Quattro Coupe might be a bit of marketing hyperbole, it similarly features a turbocharged inline-five and should perform spectacularly well. Heck, it could probably give the Sport Quattro rally cars a run for their money. We wouldn't dare compare it to the S1, though. Still, this version of the already-hot TT-RS is positively smoking.

Even in stock form, the turbo-five in the TT-RS puts put out a healthy 340 horses, enough to scoot it from 0-60 mph in 4.6 seconds. By the time Avus finishes tinkering with it, however, their uprated TT-RS produces 460 hp and 472 lb/ft. Credit for the 30% horsepower boost comes via turbo and ECU tweaks, along with a new free-flow exhaust system with racing cats. So-equipped, the coupe's 0-60 time tumbles to just 3.8 seconds and top speed rises to 194 mph. Forget the Ur, that makes it about as quick as the R8 V10 5.2 FSI.

Thankfully, Avus' makeover isn't just confined to the engine bay. The tuner adds adjustable coilovers and a set of gloss black 20-inch Sportec Mono wheels wrapped in chunky 255/30-20 Hankook S1 Evo rubber. Said another way, they ought to do a whole lot more than just look pretty. Handling has been improved, yet so has the ride quality thanks to the adjustable suspension, say company officials. That added tweakability should allow one to maximize performance on track days without totally grenading everyday comfort.

The whole package minus the horsepower boost runs about 9,700 Euro (around $14,300). Avus asks that you contact them for specific pricing on the engine mods.

There's a sizable high-res gallery below and the full press release for your inspection after the jump.

Gallery: Avus Performance TT-RS

[Source: Avus Performance]

Continue reading Avus Performance tÜRns Audi TT-RS into 460-hp "Neu-Ur-Quattro"

Avus Performance tÜRns Audi TT-RS into 460-hp "Neu-Ur-Quattro" originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Oct 2009 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi A3 1.6 TDI shines during opening stages of efficiency challenge, scores 78.4 mpg (U.S.)!

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 18:29:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Hatchback, Audi, Diesel

Audi A3 1.6 TDI - Click above for high-res image gallery

Audi has kicked off its latest efficiency marathon in northern Norway this week with a fleet of A3, A4, A5, Q7 and TT models to demonstrate what they can do in the real world. Leading the pack in terms of minimal fuel consumption is the new A3 1.6 TDI. On the road in Norway in the opening stage, the drivers managed to squeeze out an astounding 78.4 mpg average from the 1.6-liter diesel engine. Next up was the A4 2.0 TDI e sedan, which went an average of 60.3 miles on every gallon (U.S.) of diesel.

In addition to the high efficiency models, Audi also opted to include several high performance models this time around to show that even they can get very good fuel efficiency when driven sedately. The 340-horsepower TT-RS averaged 32.22 mpg, while the utterly absurd Q7 V12 TDI with its 500 horsepower diesel V12 managed a startling 27.03 mpg. That's nearly as good as what we achieved with the V6-powered Q7 TDI on last year's U.S. Mileage Marathon, so it's not too shabby for a big SUV that would probably pull a house off of its foundation

Gallery: Audi Efficiency Marathon A to B

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Audi A3 1.6 TDI shines during opening stages of efficiency challenge, scores 78.4 mpg (U.S.)!

Audi A3 1.6 TDI shines during opening stages of efficiency challenge, scores 78.4 mpg (U.S.)! originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Sep 2009 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi to reveal TT-RS Roadster at Leipzig Motor Show

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 13:59:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Audi, Misc. Auto Shows

2010 Audi TT-RS - Click above to enlarge

Audi rolled out the fixed-head version of its new TT-RS a couple of weeks ago at the Geneva Motor Show, but a topless version was nowhere in sight. There's a reason for that: this weekend at Germany's Leipzig AMI show, the automaker will be expanded the stylish coupe with a open-top version.

Predictably, the TT-RS Roadster gets the same 340-horsepower, turbocharged 2.5-liter five cylinder as the coupe, which in this case should get the topless TT-RS to 62 mph in just 4.7 sec by putting the power down through all four wheels. The brakes also get a major upgrade with cross-drilled rotors all around, as does the suspension.

Elsewhere on the Audi stand in Leipzig, the A5 and S5 Cabrio and A4 all-road quattro will get their German premieres. Press release after the jump.

Gallery: Audi TT RS and Roadster

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Audi to reveal TT-RS Roadster at Leipzig Motor Show

Audi to reveal TT-RS Roadster at Leipzig Motor Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Mar 2009 13:59:00 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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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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Audi TT-RS, A4 Allroad rumored to appear in Geneva

Noah Joseph — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Geneva Motor Show, Audi

Click either image for a high-res gallery

Until the Frankfurt Motor Show returns to Germany later this year, the Geneva Motor Show is the closest thing to home for Germany's automakers, and Audi's not about to let the opportunity pass it by. So we're expecting the four-ringed circus to roll in from Ingolstadt with several significant premiers.

First up, the long-awaited and highly-anticipated debut of the Audi TT-RS. The highest level of the stylish little coupe, is expected to pump some 340 horsepower from its 2.5-liter turbo five through Audi's quattro all-wheel-drive system and S-tronic dual-clutch gearbox. Audi is also expected to take the wraps off of the first A4 Allroad, which follows its A6-based big brother by modifying the A4 Avant wagon with extra body cladding and higher road clearance. Lastly, we're expecting to see the final, production version of the A5/S5 cabrio, replacing the previous A4 cabrio with the sleeker coupe-based variant. Who knows, maybe Audi will even give us a glimpse of its new R15 racer, slated to debut around the same time at Sebring.

Gallery: Audi TT-RS - spy shots

Gallery: 2009 Audi A4 Allroad - spy shots

[Source: topcarblog.ch]

Audi TT-RS, A4 Allroad rumored to appear in Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Jan 2009 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi TT-RS headed to Geneva Motor Show

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 11:51:00 EST

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

Audi-philes have even more reason to rejoice now that news comes in of an imminent TT-RS launch next March at the Geneva Motor Show. The standard-fare TT offers plenty of punch, and the TT-S spices things up a bit with a high-pressure version of Audi/VW's 2.0L forced-induction four banger. Sometimes, way too much is, ya know... just enough, and for speed freaks, Audi has apparently green-lighted an ultra-hot version as well. The RS will bring the vaunted inline-five engine configuration back under the hood of an Audi, and it's a turbocharged unit derived from the mill that normally sees duty in Jettas and Golfs. If that doesn't sound like a good enough bloodline, think of it as half of Lamborghini's V10. With as much as 340 ponies corraled through a six-speed gearbox and quattro all-wheel drive, expect the TT-RS to be hottest four-ringer this side of an R8.

[Source: Car and Driver]

Audi TT-RS headed to Geneva Motor Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 29 Nov 2008 11:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Audi TT-RS and RS5 caught testing

John Neff — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 12:01:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, Audi

Click above for high-res gallery of Audi TT-RS spy shots

A pair of Audi RS performance cars have been caught testing and show what the German brand has planned for these ultimate examples of the TT and A5. The TT-RS was snapped in production ready form and shows off some serious design tweaks including two gaping intakes flanking the already gaping corporate Audi grille, chunky fender flares at all four corners and a pair of large oval exhaust tips embedded in the rear bumper. Powering the TT-RS is expected to be a twin-turbo 2.5L five-cylinder engine producing between 350 and 390 horsepower, which will easily make it the fastest production TT ever.

Click above for high-res gallery of Audi RS5 spy shots

The next car is the RS5, and less is known about this model since it was snapped wearing the guise of an S5. Caught on the Nurburgring in Germany, this RS5 mule is wearing an RS-inspired front end, but confuses the camera lens with its lacked of flared fenders and quad exhaust tips where one would expect an RS model's typical dual ovals. Still, there wouldn't be much of a reason for Audi to test the current S5 on the 'Ring, so what we're looking at must be an RS5 mule. What will power the RS5 is still speculation and could be either the 4.2L V8 from the RS4, a twin-turbo V8 or the Gallardo-based V10 from the RS6.

Gallery: Audi TT-RS - spy shots

Gallery: Audi RS5 - spy shots

[Source: KGP Photography]

Spy Shots: Audi TT-RS and RS5 caught testing originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Oct 2008 12:01:00 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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Audi considering mid-engine layout for next-gen TT?

Michael Harley — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 12:32:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Audi, Rumormill

Not the next-gen model, but click above for Audi TT-S high-res gallery

Audi's next-gen TT may be getting a significant re-design, with a mid-engine placement if the swirling speculation around the interwebs is true. Now in its second-generation, the TT sits on Volkswagen's PQ35 platform (shared with the Volkswagen Eos and Tiguan) meaning customers are offered a front-engine chassis with a front- or all-wheel drive powertrain. When stacked against the front-engine BMW Z4 and mid-engine Porsche Boxster/Cayman, the current Audi TT holds its own... but that isn't keeping Ingolstadt engineers content. They realize that if they switch to a mid-engine design, like the one found on the amazing Audi R8, balance and handling will improve. Plus, Audi's quattro all-wheel drive system can be tailored with even more rearward torque bias. The third-gen TT, however, isn't set to debut until 2013. With Porsche moving closer to purchasing Volkswagen, a long lead may work to Audi's advantage as they'll have to convince the automaker from Stuttgart that a mid-engine TT won't chew into Boxster/Cayman sales.

Gallery: Audi TT-S

[Source: World Car Fans]

Audi considering mid-engine layout for next-gen TT? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Jul 2008 12:32:00 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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