If you want to go fast in style, but don’t intend to break the bank while you’re at it, small performance coupes are your best bet. Instead of putting your hard-earned money on something exotic like a Lamborghini Huracan or an Audi R8, why not go for something more affordable like the Audi TT RS? You see, it’s nearly half the price of a proper supercar, but isn’t half on thrills. In fact, with the kind of firepower on offer, the TT RS can deliver fun in bucket loads.
While the TT RS promises enough oomph for performance car enthusiasts, it isn’t the only mid-size sports car that’s on the market. With potent rivals such as the Porsche 718 Cayman, Chevrolet Corvette, BMW Z4, and more, the TT RS has its work cut out. Having said that, the TT RS definitely has a couple of tricks up its sleeve. And, in this article, we’re going to find that out.
So, what does this pocket-rocket from Audi offer to enthusiasts?
Audi TT RS Design: Ride In Style
Though the Audi TT has been around since 1998, it got the ‘RS’ treatment only in 2009 with the second-generation model. The first Audi TT RS went on sale in global markets starting 2010 and it subsequently made its debut in the U.S. market in 2011. In fact, the story behind its U.S. launch is quite interesting. Audi didn’t plan on launching the TT RS in the U.S., however, after an online petition called ‘Bring it [TT RS] to the U.S.’ gathered more than 11,500 signatures in a month, the company decided to bring the hottest version of the compact sports car stateside.
In 2016, Audi brought out the second version of the TT RS, based on the third-generation MQB-platform of the regular TT models. The new TT RS went on sale in the U.S. market beginning 2017. Apart from a couple of tweaks here and there, the current 2021 TT RS is mechanically identical to the car launched in 2017.
While the current TT RS has been around for a while, you can’t really call it an old car. Suffice it to say, even after years, it looks stunning in every way. Its petite proportions, hunkered-down stance, massive 20-inch wheels, and super sexy coupe looks coupled with RS-specific design elements give the TT RS a purposeful and menacing demeanor.
Audi TT RS Powertrain: A Pocket-Rocket With Symphony Of Five
If you’re sold on the design of the TT RS, wait till you hear about what lurks under that swanky bonnet. Pop the hood and you’ll find a fire-breathing 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder gasoline motor. This five-pot motor develops 394 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque. Power is channeled to all four wheels via a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic and Quattro-AWD. A 0-60 mph sprint will take 3.6 seconds!
Of course, cynics amongst you will complain that it’s the same old engine and there’s no manual version on offer (the previous-gen TT RS was sold only with a 6-speed manual gearbox in the U.S.), however, these shouldn’t be deal-breakers. You see, the 2.5-liter engine is a masterpiece as it has received the ‘Best Engine’ award for a record nine times in the 2.0-liter to 2.5-liter category at International Engine of the Year awards between 2011-2018. As for the demise of the manual gearbox, yes, it’s indeed a loss, but then Audi doesn’t offer the TT RS with stick-shift anywhere in the world, thanks to low demand. In fact, after this generation, Audi will discontinue the TT nameplate as we know it. In the future, it will return as an all-electric car. So, instead of ranting about what’s on offer, you should embrace the 2021 TT RS as it is very possibly the last of its kind.
Audi TT RS Interior: A Driver-Focussed Cockpit That Oozes Quality
Like the exterior, the interior of the TT RS also has a sense of occasion. In typical Audi fashion, it’s exquisitely designed. Since this is a proper driver’s car, the TT doesn’t have a central touchscreen or infotainment display. All the in-car functions and menus have moved to the brilliant 12.3-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit driver display.
The TT RS comes with S sports seats at the front (yes, this is a 2+2 Coupe, albeit the rear bench will be very cramped for adults) in fine Nappa leather with honeycomb pattern stitching and RS embossing. Standard features include a Bang & Olufsen sound system, carbon fiber inlays, MMI Navigation Plus with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless phone charging, lane-keeping assist, and more. RS tuned suspension, full LED headlamps, and Audi Drive Select driving modes are also offered as standard features.
Audi TT RS Price: One For All
Audi ships the 2021 TT RS in a single trim, and it’s priced at $73,545. Sure, the price does seem high, but then the TT RS comes with a lot of standard kits. That’s not to say that there aren’t optional extras on offer. However, unlike other Audi models, the optional packages don’t cost a bomb. In fact, most just bring cosmetic updates. Like you can have the badges and Audi rings finished in black for $300, or opt for RS Selection interior for $1,450 that allows you to have red or blue accents inside the cabin.