Work is under way to develop the hottest ever version of Audi’s new sports coupe — dubbed the TT RS — but Audi doesn’t plan to leave sun lovers out of the high-performance equation. Our spy photographers have just spotted a convertible version of the hi-po TT RS. Audi insiders have promised that the TT RS will be a “real alternative” to the Porsche Cayman — or Boxster in the convertible’s case — when it goes on sale in Europe in late 2008 or early 2009 for an estimated 50,000 euros.
The TT RS, snapped here with a production-ready front bumper, will use a 2.5-liter in-line five-cylinder motor, Audi’s first five-cylinder engine in ten years. Early reports indicate that Audi will boost performance to a hefty 350 horsepower using twin sequential turbochargers.
All this grunt will be channeled through Audi’s permanent all-wheel-drive quattro system and a six-speed manual gearbox, though the DSG dual-clutch system will also be available as an option. Expect sporty styling with unique large-diameter wheels, alloy-effect door mirrors, aggressive bumpers, RS badges on the brakes and sill extensions. Volkswagen’s new 280bhp 3.6-litre V6 petrol engine, lined up for a hot version of the Passat CC, is expected to be released at the same time to replace the 3.2-litre V6 currently powering the range-topping standard TT.
Although the exterior of the RS appears similar to the S model, there are a few subtle changes. The TT-RS forgoes the S’ fog lights in order to accommodate larger air intakes, allowing for better airflow to the engine. In addition, the RS also sports bigger wheels and brakes. Out back are a set of oval exhaust outlets, a signature design cue for Audi’s performance range of vehicles.
10/08, 11:46 AM
posted by:
nickkop
FU**ING HOT !! PLEASE CHARGE LESS THAN USD $ 50,000 !
10/08, 11:51 AM
posted by:
A4
you mean Audi’s first 5 cylinder in 10 years, not the TT.
10/08, 11:54 AM
posted by:
A4
it needs foglights too… sports cars look dumb without them… look at an RS4 with the foglights and the HID’s on and then imagine it without them… id keep them any day of the week over 3 or 4 cubic inches of intake space
10/08, 12:32 PM
posted by:
shaver
Can they make it sound like a group B S1 T5?
Hopefully the 5 cylinder will be lighter then V6 and will improve the cars dynamics.
It better beat the Cobalt SS ring time. With or without about fog lamps.
10/08, 1:37 PM
posted by:
F3INT))AP3X
No way could the Slowbalt touch this, they have a price difference of like 30k for a reason ya know. Agreed on the fogs btw A4, it does look too plain without them. I think they could have done a little more work on the back too, maybe some lower side bumper vents like the GT2 or something along those lines.
10/08, 2:12 PM
posted by:
nickkop
personally, the front end looks so sexy i could just about care less, but those led daytime running lights / fogs? oohhh mannn ! that much sexier
10/08, 2:14 PM
posted by:
nickkop
then the powertrain is the killer ! who needs a V6 or I4 ? I5 with turbonium, please! The Exhaust wail is going to be nasty, too !
10/08, 2:29 PM
posted by:
tzu13
Easily one of the sexiest cars out there. Can’t wait.
10/09, 12:26 PM
posted by:
Z06ified
I don’t know why they bother with 5-cylinders. It basically offers no advantages over an I-4 or a V-6, and it sounds terrible. The sound of an I-5 has all the soul of a UPS truck.
10/09, 2:09 PM
posted by:
jonmiles
This engine is going to be badass
10/09, 2:35 PM
posted by:
Fromes
should be sick…Ive always liked the TT’s styling but always found the performance to be a tad underwhelming, this turbo charged 5 should take car of that, now just keep the price reasonalbe….no need to hate on the colbalt SS keep in mind this plain looking 20k car is one of the best handeling cars out there…just look up the reviews
10/09, 3:47 PM
posted by:
howsmydriving
“The TT RS will be a “real alternative†to the Porsche Cayman — or Boxster.” If you prefer the TT over a Porsche, all the money in the world can’t make you right.
10/09, 4:03 PM
posted by:
autonut
So this cometh with Golf oops Rabbit mill and twin turbo. Looks good on paper, but can it compete with Lotus on pavement? That will be the test.