Audi has given us some of the most desirable sports cars over the years. Yes, BMW did inject us with "sheer driving pleasure" but Audi gave us cars that are crave-worthy, no matter the generation! Audi R8 V10 stands on top of this list (which is also getting a very similar and explosive send-off), but it is far too exclusive for many to own. At less than half the R8's MSRP, we have had a very naughty and underrated Audi among us - the TT RS. This is one of those iconic sports cars that you would never miss.
It all started in 1995 when Audi showcased a Bauhaus-inspired sports car at the Frankfurt auto show. In 1998, it was put into production as the Audi TT with very few design modifications. It became an instant hit and the timeless design is a prime reason. But then with performance models of the TT wreaking havoc, the brutish five-cylinder engine in the RS models gained serious attention. It was then that the ultimate "affordable" two-door Audi experience came into being.
The Audi TT RS Iconic Edition is a celebration of the TT nameplate that started off as a humble curvy sports car and has evolved into a thrilling curvy sports car. The TT has gained a similar reputation to the Volkswagen Beetle in terms of design and stands between entry-level supercars when it comes to performance. Sadly, Audi discontinued the TT RS in the US, but it went out with a bang with the 2022 TT RS Heritage Edition. The TT RS Iconic Edition is forbidden fruit for us, with just 100 units for Europe.
Celebrating 25 years of being an iconic sports car, the aggressive Audi TT RS Iconic Edition is a befitting and exclusive ode to the original Bauhaus-inspired TT.
Design So Cool That The 1998 Silhouette Still Shines In The Iconic Edition
The Audi TT RS Iconic Edition reminds us of the first-gen TT that came out in 1998. And that is a testimony to how cool the design was. The limited-edition TT RS continues to flaunt the smooth and curvy character lines despite having a lot more aggression than the original Bauhaus-inspired Tourist Trophy car. The current-gen TT is in its most aggressive form, thanks to the menacing fascias and the wedgy LED design. But Audi has elevated the TT RS's visual appeal with an exclusive Nando gray paint job.
The gray is contrasted with the grille, front splitters, side sill bits, and rear diffuser which are finished in glossy black. The Iconic Edition also flaunts unique 20-inch glossy black wheels with a seven-spoke design. Adding more drama behind the wheels are black brake calipers to sync with the exterior makeover. The rear fascia gets "Iconic Edition" badging that reminds you of the special Audi that this TT RS is.
Audi TT RS Iconic Edition Gets Some Sharp Aero Upgrades
The TT RS Iconic Edition also gets some serious aero upgrades that are said to have been fine-tuned in a wind tunnel. The "sharp" bits include a front splitter, dive planes on either side of the front bumper, a front diffuser, a fixed rear carbon fiber spoiler, and a meaty rear diffuser. All of these aero-bits are finished in contrasting black shade that also adds a demonic visual appeal to the package.
Audi TT RS Iconic Edition Interior Is Driver-Centric And Exclusive
The TT RS Iconic Edition interior gets an exterior-vibing dark theme as well. The sports seats are RS-spec and come wrapped in a combination of black Alcantara and Jet Gray Nappa leather. The seats flaunt honeycomb stitching and "Iconic Edition" Is embroidered onto them in a contrasting shade of calendula yellow. The armrests and center console are also wrapped in Jet Gray leather and stitched in contrasting calendula yellow to follow a common theme.
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The door trimmings are wrapped in black Alcantara which elevates its lux appeal further. Technology features are mostly unchanged from the standard Audi TT RS and this special Audi packs ambient lighting and a Bang & Olufsen audio system. The subtle yellow treatment is found in other places as well, including the cool RS leather-wrapped steering wheel as a marking to show the center of the steering. Another unique bit on the inside is a numbered badge hidden under the center console to flaunt the Iconic Edition's exclusivity.
Iconic Edition Gets Its Grunt From The Unmistakable 400 HP Five-Cylinder
We are very happy that Audi didn't fiddle with the powertrain for the TT RS Iconic Edition. Its five-pot motor is the standing ovation to the TT's legacy. Taking care of the adrenaline rush is the iconic 2.5-Liter turbocharged five-cylinder engine that churns out 395 hp and 353 lb-ft of torque.
The engine's grunt is sent to all four wheels, courtesy of the Quattro AWD system, via a seven-speed S Tronic automatic transmission. The Iconic Edition does 0-62 mph in 3.7 seconds and has a top speed of 174 mph.
Audi TT RS Iconic Edition Is An Exclusive Hurray To A Dying Star
It is a fact that Audi is openly working on the TT's successor. But it won't be anything like the distinctive-sounding sports car. Love it or hate it, things are taking an "electric" turn, and so is the TT! The gas-powered Audi TT's demise is imminent. The TT RS bid adieu to the US last year.
And the Iconic Edition seems to the one of the last exclusive "hi-five" to this legendary sports car. Offered only for the European market, the Audi TT RS Iconic Edition is also priced "exclusively" at €113,050 or £87,650 (~$109,000). That's over a $30,000 equivalent difference as compared to a standard TT RS across the pond.
Source: Audi