Ingolstadt, 2009-03-03
The Audi TT RS:
A Pure Driving Machine developing 340 bhp
Audi
is once again producing a five-cylinder engine – and a very special one
at that. Arriving at dealerships this summer, the TT RS has a
turbocharged 2.5-liter engine with direct gasoline injection; it
produces 250 kW (340 bhp) and 450 Nm (331.90 lb.-ft.) of torque. The
blazing five-cylinder engine enables the TT RS to perform extraordinary
feats. In conjunction with quattro permanent all-wheel drive and a
high-performance chassis, the engine makes the compact Audi TT RS a
top-notch sports car – available as a coupé or roadster.
Sporty
five-cylinder gasoline engines have a long legacy at Audi. The most
famous is arguably the turbocharged 2.1-liter engine in the Audi
quattro. The first version, which was launched in 1980, offered an
impressive 147 kW (200 bhp). And the Sport quattro from 1984, directly
inspired by motorsport, delivered a whopping 225 kW (306 bhp). For 25
years, turbochargers and quattro have been a dynamic formula for
success.
Audi has
resumed using this recipe. Designed from scratch, the five-cylinder
engine combines a turbocharger with FSI direct gasoline injection to
elevate the TT RS to a high-performance sports car. The TFSI delivers
250 kW (340 bhp) from a displacement of 2,480 cc (151.34 cu in): a
specific output of 100.8 kW (137.1 bhp) per liter.
The
power-to-weight ratio is also outstanding. In the case of the Coupé,
which weighs in at a mere 1,450 kilograms (3,196.70 pounds), the
power-to-weight ratio is just 4.3 kilograms per bhp. The Roadster has a
weight of 1,510 kilograms (3,328.98 pounds) and a power-to-weight ratio
of 4.4 kilograms per bhp – thanks to its extremely lightweight and
largely aluminum body constructed as per the Audi Space Frame principle.
The
TT RS Coupé rockets from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62.14 mph) in 4.6 seconds;
the Roadster needs just a tenth of a second longer. The limited top
speed of 250 km/h (155.34 mph) is merely the official figure for both
versions; as an option, Audi can increase it to 280 km/h (173.98 mph).
Almost
even more impressive is the aggressive pulling power. The maximum
torque of 450 Nm (331.90 lb.-ft.) is always available between 1,600 and
5,300 rpm. In addition, the TT RS overtakes without the slightest
effort. Last but not least, its engine makes passengers’ skin tingle
time and again thanks to its speedy and powerful response, its
inspiring free-revving character, and its unmistakably guttural
tailpipes: five-cylinder classical music by Audi!
Compact and Lightweight: The Five-cylinder TFSI
As
an uncompromising sports-car engine, the 2.5-liter TFSI is
ultra-compact. Just 49 centimeters (19.29 inches) in length, it is
ideally suited for transverse installation in the TT RS. And its weight
of just 183 kilograms (403.45 pounds) also sets a record. The crankcase
is made of vermicular-graphite cast iron. This high-tech material
unites the utmost in strength with low weight; it has otherwise only
been used for the large TDI engines from Audi. Perfectly placed
reinforcements enhance the block’s loadability. The lightweight
cylinder head, the pistons, and the connecting rod are lightweight as
well as high-strength.
The
ultra-powerful five-cylinder engine is extremely fuel-efficient,
requiring an average of just 9.2 liters/100 km [25.57 mpg] as regards
the Coupé (Roadster: 9.5 l/100 km [24.76 mpg]). Switchable flaps in the
intake manifold mix the incoming air in a calculated configuration.
Injected at a pressure as high as 120 bar by the common-rail system,
the gasoline swirls intensely in the combustion chamber – which in turn
cools the walls. This subsequently facilitates a compression ratio of
10.0:1, which is very high for a turbocharged engine. Both of the
adjustable camshafts, controlled via chains, also enhance charging
efficiency with respect to the air-fuel mixture.
The
large turbocharger generates up to 1.2 bar of boost pressure. The
intercooler, fed air ideally by the lower segment of the single frame
radiator grille, reduces the temperature of compressed air by over 80
percent at full load.
When
an Audi TT RS driver pushes the standard Sport button on the center
tunnel, a flap installed in the left exhaust tailpipe renders the
exhaust noise even more robust and intense while boosting engine
responsiveness. An optional Sport exhaust system is available with matt
black tailpipe trims and sound flap.
For Purists: The Driveline
The
Audi TT RS is the first classic sports car in the Audi RS family. Like
the RS 4 and the RS 6, the Audi TT RS was developed by quattro GmbH as
a pure, no-holds-barred driving machine. A new six-speed manual
transmission conveys the engine’s tremendous power, and permits easy
and precise operation thanks to a specially designed shift lever
boasting particularly short shift travel. The transmission’s defining
characteristics are a high efficiency ratio and a sportily narrow
spread of the gear ratios.
The
Audi TT RS features quattro permanent all-wheel drive as standard
equipment. Its heart lies at the rear axle: an electronically
controlled, hydraulic multi-plate clutch. If a situation calls for it,
the clutch redirects a majority of the torque input from the front
wheels to the rear wheels.
Within
milliseconds, a powerful electrical pump in conjunction with an
accumulator presses together the clutch’s plates via hydraulic
pressure. Additions to the quattro powertrain include a constant
velocity joint before the propeller shaft and a compact rear-axle
differential – both are heavy-duty components.
The
quattro drivetrain grants the Audi TT RS outstanding traction,
fascinating dynamics, and superb stability. Winding rural routes or
some laps around a racetrack allow the superior handling to shine. The
precise and responsive steering, the instantaneous reactions of the
chassis, the neutrality at the cornering limit, the grip while exiting
a curve, and – time and again – the engine’s thrilling power: every
mile in an Audi TT RS exudes the distilled essence of sportiness.
High-tech Excellence from Audi: Chassis and Body
The
chassis of the Audi TT RS builds on the cutting-edge foundation of the
base TT design. The four-link rear suspension, which handles
longitudinal and lateral forces separately, plays a crucial role. The
electromechanical steering is highly efficient and the power steering
adjusts to the vehicle’s speed. With aluminum in the front and sheet
steel in the back, the body’s innovative mixture of materials results
in a well-balanced axle-load distribution, excellent crash safety, and
the outstanding rigidity which lays the cornerstone for the car’s
precise handling.
The
standard sports chassis, which lowers the body by 10 millimeters
(0.39 inches), features tightly tuned springs and shock absorbers. The
optional Audi magnetic ride adaptive damping system allows the driver
to select one of two modes for the shock absorbers by simply pushing
the Sport button. Dynamic mode enables the TT RS to hug the road;
Comfort mode provides a pleasantly balanced ride perfect for long
journeys.
The
sportiest version in the TT model line boasts 18-inch wheels fitted
with 245/45 tires. They are complemented by mighty ventilated disc
brakes, which measure 370 millimeters (14.57 inches) in diameter at the
front and 310 millimeters (12.20 inches) at the rear. So that heat
dissipates quickly, the front friction rings are perforated. They, in
turn, are connected by hollow pins to the aluminum brake discs, which
are encircled by black four-piston brake calipers made of aluminum and
bearing RS logos.
The
Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP) can be switched off partially or
entirely. In Sport mode, the engine does not intervene to monitor
traction and, correspondingly, the brakes engage later than otherwise.
In the second mode, the ESP is fully deactivated.
The Face of Power: The Exterior
At
just 4.20 meters (13.78 feet) in length, the vigorously compact Audi TT
RS hints at its explosive potential from the very first glimpse. The
front spoiler tapers downward into a splitter, reminiscent of a racing
car. The large and squared air inlets have diamond-shaped inserts. And
the high-gloss black single frame grille with a frame in matt aluminum
look and the TT RS badge bear the same styling. The xenon plus
headlights with LED daytime running lights notify faraway drivers that
an Audi TT RS is approaching.
The
sides of the vehicle are accentuated by large wheels in 5 twin-spoke
design, vigorous side sills, and exterior-mirror casings in matt
aluminum look. At the tail end, the two large oval exhaust tailpipes –
spaced apart – are encircled by a diffuser insert. Here, too, is a TT
RS badge. A stationary rear spoiler is standard, though customers can
opt for one which automatically extends and retracts. Thanks to a drag
coefficient of just 0.3, the 2+2-seat coupé and the two-seat roadster
glide effortlessly through the wind. Audi offers the TT RS in eight
colors. Among them are four exclusive options: Daytona Gray, pearl
effect; Mugello Blue, pearl effect; Sepang Blue, pearl effect; and
Suzuka Gray, metallic. The Roadster’s soft top comes in black or dark
gray.
Exclusive Character: Interior and Equipment Packages
The
dynamic exterior of the Audi TT RS is matched by the interior. The
leather multifunction sports steering wheel has an especially thick
rim, is flat-bottomed, and is covered with perforated leather.
Integrated in the instrument panel, the driver information system can
display boost pressure and oil temperature as well as a lap timer for
chronicling feats at the racetrack. The door handles consist of two
slim strips – typical of Audi RS models. An automatic climate-control
system and the concert sound system are standard, as are an
electrohydraulic soft top and an electric wind deflector for the
Roadster.
The
entire interior is black. The heated sports seats feature an
Alcantara/leather combination with silver contrasting stitching and
embossed TT RS logos in the front backrests. Additional badges and
logos appear on the steering wheel, in the rev counter, and on the door
sill trims. The inlays are made from brushed aluminum. Floor mats
feature silver piping trim; footrests and pedals are in aluminum look.
Audi
offers TT RS customers a diverse range of optional equipment: variably
styled wheels measuring 18, 19 or 20 inches in diameter; bucket seats
with folding backrests; seat upholstery in Silk Nappa leather with
perforations or Fine Nappa leather with special TT perforations; inlays
with Ibis White or Phantom Black paint finish as well as matt
aluminum-look inlays for the exterior. In addition, there are high-tech
navigation and multimedia systems available. Sales of the Audi TT RS
begin in March; deliveries are scheduled to begin this summer.
The equipment, data and prices stated here refer to the model range offered for sale in Germany. Subject to amendment; errors and omissions excepted.
impressive figures and half the price of a 997SMK2....only from a performance prospective its frustrating of how many cars are on par with Porsche in these days. I dunno if quality is so much less and probably more and more people can life with the batch too (see R8) so I guess sales of 911 will drop dramatically in 09 not only because of the crisis...
KresoF1:
AUM:
Does the AWD have a RWD bias like the R8?
The desciption above sounds more like FWD bias.....
--
Haldex based AWD, FWD bias...
Unfortunately
ONUR
09 Audi TTS Ibis
07 CARRERA S Meteor (SOLD)
05 M3Coupe SilverGrau (SOLD)
03 M3Coupe Bluewater (GONE)
96 M3Coupe EVO Estoril (SOLD)
I don't think someone who can easily afford a Porsche would buy this TT.
Just that people who, given their means, would otherwise have to settle for something less, can now enjoy a high performance, well engineered car from Audi.
The R8 is different in that it is a unique model with interesting looks and configuration.
KresoF1:
Base TT RS Coupe Price in Germany is 55800€ with Mwst. Fully specd(280km/h, 19", full leather and Bucket seats) TT RS will be around 67K € in Germany with Mwst.
For comparison Cayman S with same equipment is about 25K-30K more...
A white Cayman S with PDK, LSD, sports chrono, full leather, GT2 seats, Xenon, PDC, PCM would cost around 68K euro without tax. It is on par with an M3 coupe with DCT.
Evenif TT-RS is a very fast car, and has a big potential to be even faster, it is not in the same league with M3 and Cayman S, IMO...
ONUR
09 Audi TTS Ibis
07 CARRERA S Meteor (SOLD)
03 M3Coupe SMGII Bluewater (GONE) / 05 M3Coupe SMGII SilverGrau (SOLD)
96 M3 Coupe EVO Estoril (SOLD)
KresoF1:I'm curious about the performance numbers, too; once the car is on the road.
Hmm... Not sure about it(not been as fast as M3 e92 or Cayman S PDK)... Why?
When you see first tests in German mags you will know why...
ONUR
09 Audi TTS Ibis
07 CARRERA S Meteor (SOLD)
03 M3Coupe SMGII Bluewater (GONE) / 05 M3Coupe SMGII SilverGrau (SOLD)
96 M3 Coupe EVO Estoril (SOLD)
DavidSF:Very few people, a fraction of premium car buyers can make this distinction!
I personally don't consider the Audi TT line, including TT-RS, to be sports cars like the Porsche Cayman. Rather, sporty coupes.