Top 10 Performance AUDIs: 9) TT RS (2009-2014)

TT RS (2009-2014)

The reign of the Series 1 TT quattro Sport as the most dynamic TT only lasted as long as 2009, when Audi introduced the new RS version of the Series 2 TT at the Geneva Show. Available in both 2+2 Coupé and two-seater Roadster body styles, this was the first time that the RS designation had been applied to a compact sports car, unless of course you count the famous Porsche 911 Carrera RS of 1973. The TT RS certainly lived up to its name, though, powered by a turbocharged 2.5-litre 5-cylinder inline engine that was a highly developed version of the 150 PS 2.5 unit that was first seen in the US Jetta, Passat and Beetle. In the TT RS, though, it developed more than double that output, with peak power of 340 PS from 5400 to 6700 rpm and maximum torque of 450 Nm produced between 1600 and 5300 rpm. In combination with a 6-speed close-ratio manual transmission and Haldex-type four-wheel drive system, it provided phenomenal performance to go along with its distinctive 5-cylinder engine and exhaust note, powering the TT RS Coupé from standstill to 60 mph in under 4.5 seconds, with the slightly heavier and less aerodynamic TT RS Roadster only a couple of tenths slower. The TT RS was also later (from 2010) available with a 7-speed version of the dual-clutch direct-shift (DSG) automatic gearbox (called S tronic by Audi) which had been developed specially to deal with the higher power and torque output. With the ride height reduced by 10 mm due to stiffened springs and firmer damping, and with the brakes upgraded to the 370 mm diameter two-piece cross-drilled and vented front discs, with 4-pot callipers, the TT RS provided suitably dynamic handling, further enhanced if it was specified with the optional magnetic ride adaptive dampers which allow the driver to switch between comfort, normal and sport settings using the Drive Select button. Externally, the TT RS is readily distinguished by its restyled front bumper with its large side air intakes for the intercoolers and at the rear, along with a diffuser with large oval tailpipes on either side, it has a choice of a fixed rear wing type of rear spoiler or the more discreet retractable rear spoiler panel which rises up from the bodywork at higher speeds.

Inside it has sports seats trimmed in leather and Alcantara, with Recaro RS bucket seats available as an option. Carried over from the B7 RS 4 is a ‘Sport’ button that sharpens up the throttle response and enhances the exhaust note. In 2012 the TT RS Plus was launched, with the engine uprated to produce 350 PS at 5500 rpm and 465 Nm of torque from 1650 rpm, reducing the 0-62 mph time to 4.3 seconds for the manual and 4.1 seconds for the S tronic, with the top speed increased to 174 mph. It remains to be seen how the RS version of the Series 3 TT will improve upon that…