Car of the Day - Audi TT RS

Car of the Day - Audi TT RS

Audi - a turbocharged 5 cylinder engine - and Quattro drivetrain, enough said really. It is a combination that is both unique and hugely successful. The legacy of the original fire-breathing Quattro Rally Cars is continued in a package that is far more beautiful than originals ever were.

The TT supporters have been screaming for an aggressively focused performance version since the original generation one car was first shown. The TT style has always been love it or hate it and while the second generation design may have toned down that polarity somewhat, the fact that the performance has never really lived up to the sporting looks has given the detractors plenty of ammunition to disparage the car.

Now with the new 2.5 litre in-line 5 cylinder that has found its place in the TT RS there is power to match the looks. The turbocharged engine develops 250 kW (340 bhp) and 450 Nm (331.90 lb.-ft.) of torque. That torque is available from 1,600 through to 5,300 rpm making the acceleration range wide and the car always ready for any passing or overtaking maneuver. Specific output is an impressive 100.8 kW (137.1 bhp) per liter.

Audi have managed to keep the weight down with the Coupe version of the RS tipping the scales at 1,450 kilograms (3,196.70 pounds) and the convertible comes in at 1,510 kilograms (3,328.98 pounds) The body and “Audi Space Frame” are constructed predominantly of aluminium. This lightweight construction coupled with the 250 kW available gives a 0 -60 of 4.5 seconds.

If only Audi Sport did a full customer Rally version.

Rod Halligan