Base 2dr All-Wheel Drive quattro Coupe
2012 Audi TT RS

Planting The RS Flag On American Soil Audi has made it clear that it's only a matter of time before we finally get the chance to enjoy a wider slice of the company's RS offerings in the United States. The German automaker has already confirmed that next year will see the arrival of the RS5, and additional models are presently being discussed for U.S. introductions. But Audi has already fired the first shot in its effort to redefine what the RS badge means to American consumers with its 2012 TT RS. With 360 horsepower squeezed from a turbocharged 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine and just 3,300 pounds to sling around the track, the coupe isn't just the best TT ever made, it's possibly the most desirable steed in the Audi stable at the moment. We can already hear the clattering of a thousand keyboards banging out something along the lines of, "OMG R8 STFU," but allow us to elaborate. With a power-to-weight ratio of 9.2 pounds per horsepower, a top speed of 174 mph and a conservative 0-60 mph time of 4.1 seconds, the TT-RS is a pitch-perfect weapon. So perfect, in fact, that Audi officials admit that the meanest of the TT clan can outpace its R8 brethren on most tracks unless the eight cylinder gets a straight long enough to properly stretch its legs. Do we have your attention? Did we mention that the 2012 TT RS is only available with a manual transmission? How about now? The 2012 Audi TT RS is differentiated from its slightly more demure sibling, the TT S, thanks to a few subtle aesthetic adjustments. Designers have given the brawnier brother a high-gloss, diamond-pattern version of the Audi single frame grille up front, as well as a lower fascia with two massive air inlets. Those intakes are fully functional with the left feeding an auxiliary radiator and the right ushering cool air toward the gearbox. Down low, a unique body-color diffuser lends the vehicle an aggressive feel, though our tester came equipped with an aluminized version for a little bit more style. We prefer the contrast. Speaking of aluminum bits, the vehicle's side view mirrors are also draped in the faux-metal finish. For extra cash, Audi also offers a slick carbon-fiber veneer for the side-view mirrors, and the option also includes a power-folding function. We would just as soon stick with the standard garb. Audi also offers a 19-inch, five spoke wheel design in three finishes, including a slightly wild red and black scheme only available on select colors. Around back, the TT RS wears a unique rear diffuser and lower valance set with two ovoid exhaust ports. Under normal operation, all of the vehicle's exhaust is channeled through the right outlet, but should the system develop higher pressure under hard acceleration, the left port opens for more performance and a markedly throatier sound. The driver can also activate the dual-mode exhaust by pressing the S button on the center console. Each TT RS comes …
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