Following the logical order, Audi has unveiled their updated TT RS after revealing similar refreshes for the coupe’s non-Audi Sport variants as well as its Roadster form. As is plainly visible here, the visual changes incremental and rather hard to spot at first glance.
The Ingolstadt automaker helpfully points out that the fascia sports a larger intakes to flank the centre Singleframe Grille, which has also been altered to improve airflow to the additional radiators that lie behind.
At the rear, there are yet more visual changes, though subtle, such as the redesigned fixed rear wing with side winglets. Meanwhile, Audi has also added vertical ‘design elements’ resembling cooling ducts to the bumper as the most prominent differentiator over the 2018 model. In typical form, the range topping TT uses dual larger exit exhausts over the smaller quad array used on the 2019 TTS.
New exterior colour are also available as part of the update, including Pulse Orange, Turbo Blue, and the RS-specific Kyalami Green, and while all-round LED lights are standard, buyers can opt for the more adaptive Matrix LED system. Similarly, 20-inch alloys are optional over the 19-inchers.
“The new TT RS is in absolute peak form,” says Michael-Julius Renz, CEO of Audi Sport GmbH. “Like a well-trained athlete, it showcases even more prominently how much power lies beneath its muscular outer skin.” Oliver Hoffmann, Technical Managing Director of Audi Sport GmbH.
The aforementioned extra cooling up front would of course be helpful to the TT RS’ operation as its uniquely sonorous 2.5-litre turbocharged straight 5-cylinder engine returns with an output of 294kW and 480Nm, the same numbers it previously boasted, translating into a century sprint time of 3.7 seconds as thrust is split between all four wheels via the Quattro drive system and the 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission.
“The outstanding performance is achieved by the low weight, the maximal athletic tuned suspension, and our award-winning five-cylinder. We have received the sought-after “International Engine of the Year Award” with the 2.5 TFSI engine for the ninth time in a row,” adds Hoffman.
Top speed for both the Coupe and Roadster are electronically limited to 250km/h, but should the buyer pay to have it lifted, is able to reach 280km/h should the right conditions permit. Drivers can select between different drive modes to affect engine behaviour, exhaust noise, and steering response, though it’s a shame that the excellent adaptive suspension system is an optional extra.
Stepping into the new TT RS is perhaps the least unfamiliar part between this newer car and the 2018 model that preceded it. The RS sports seats return with their rhombus Alcantara pattern, minimal layout, as does the 12.3-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit in lieu of an analogue gauge cluster and the 680W Bang & Olufsen sound system.
For more interior flair, Audi offers the RS Design Package which adds either a red or blue highlights throughout the cabin as well as contrasting trim inserts for the seats and centre console.
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