Audi is once again producing a five-cylinder engine – and a very special one at that. Available this summer, the Audi TT RS has a turbocharged 2.5-litre, direct injection engine producing an impressive 340 bhp. In conjunction with quattro permanent all-wheel drive and a high-performance chassis, the engine makes the compact Audi TT RS a [...]
Audi is once again producing a five-cylinder engine – and a very special one at that. Available this summer, the Audi TT RS has a turbocharged 2.5-litre, direct injection engine producing an impressive 340 bhp. 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.
Designed from scratch, the five-cylinder engine combines a turbocharger with FSI direct injection to elevate the Audi TT RS to a high-performance sports car. The TFSI delivers 340 bhp from a displacement of 2,480cc
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 Audi TT RS 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 Audi TT RS Coupé rockets from 0 to 60 in 4.6 seconds; the Audi TT RS Roadster needs just a tenth of a second longer. The limited top speed of 155 mph is merely the official figure for both versions; as an option, Audi can increase it to 174 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 Audi 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!
The chassis of the Audi TT RS builds on the cutting-edge foundation of the base Audi 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, 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 Audi TT RS to hug the road; Comfort mode provides a pleasantly balanced ride perfect for long journeys.
