Audi's hard work has paid off. Powered by successful models such as the recently launched A1, A4 sedan and Q7, the German marque have, slowly but steadily, climbed up the competitive motoring ladder to see that it stands out from its serious peers from BMW and Mercedes-Benz. But it has to be the TT that helped the brand skip a few gradations of automotive improvement.
The sexy coupe bearing the four-ringed brand has caught the eyes of many and is already regarded as an icon in the motoring world. It's not just because of its sexy lines and metal sheet layout but also because of the quattro. And no, it's not a model that Audi came out with. Meaning four in Italian, quattro is the term used by Audi to indicate that the permanent all-wheel-drive system is used on a specific model.
Inspired by the sporting legacy of 1980s Audi Quattros and their high performance five-cylinder turbocharged engines, the TT RS was developed by quattro GmbH, a high performance private subsidiary that creates powerful machines known by their "RS" badging. Although the previous version of the TT RS only saw a six-speed manual transmission, Audi has finally introduced the highly commended S tronic seven-speed dual-clutch transmission to the local line-up.
So what's it like?
Exterior
On the surface, it looks like the base TT, with curves and lines that defines the true meaning of automotive beauty. But on a closer look, the larger air intakes, rear spoiler and, of course, the RS badge give you an immediate sense that the car isn't just another ordinary TT.
The sexy coupe bearing the four-ringed brand has caught the eyes of many and is already regarded as an icon in the motoring world. It's not just because of its sexy lines and metal sheet layout but also because of the quattro. And no, it's not a model that Audi came out with. Meaning four in Italian, quattro is the term used by Audi to indicate that the permanent all-wheel-drive system is used on a specific model.
Inspired by the sporting legacy of 1980s Audi Quattros and their high performance five-cylinder turbocharged engines, the TT RS was developed by quattro GmbH, a high performance private subsidiary that creates powerful machines known by their "RS" badging. Although the previous version of the TT RS only saw a six-speed manual transmission, Audi has finally introduced the highly commended S tronic seven-speed dual-clutch transmission to the local line-up.
So what's it like?
Exterior
On the surface, it looks like the base TT, with curves and lines that defines the true meaning of automotive beauty. But on a closer look, the larger air intakes, rear spoiler and, of course, the RS badge give you an immediate sense that the car isn't just another ordinary TT.
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Sitting close to the tarmac, the front end sports an aggressive grille where the four rings and model badge are etched. But those aren't the features that draw your attention to the car. It's the sharp lines that curve gradually from the bonnet to the outstanding matt silver side mirrors that add to the appeal.
The 19-inch wheels that came with the test car filled the swollen wheel arches with real conviction and it did not, in any way, make the car look weird. In fact, the massive brake behind the wheel's spokes and black caliper with the RS inked on it further complimented its outlook.
Round the back, the twin oval exhausts and spoiler complete the entire boy racer package, making it a stunning enough car that will never be mistaken for an MX-5 or an S2000 from afar. The Audi TT is a marvellous car as standard but the RS treatment makes everything bigger, bolder and more aggressive. In short, the TT RS simply... separates you from the nice guys.
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Interior
Drivers will be happy to be received by a supportive bench and a chunky flat-bottomed steering wheel complete with the bad boy badging to give drivers a sporty impression.
It feels and looks typically Audi, with some tweaks to allow the car to stand out from the rest in its stable. It still does retain what drivers have come to expect from a car bearing the four rings. Everything is of high quality and you'd know it the moment you lay your hands on them. Soft leather complimented by the white stitching as well as chromed surfaces portray this vehicle to be a classy one while the sports pedals and gear lever tell a darker story altogether.
The front benches provide ample back support with sufficient head and leg space but I can't say the same for the rear occupants. The rear seats of the dashing coupe are definitely not intended for human occupation. The two rear occupants that were in the test car did not have a pleasant experience at all. And I certainly made it worse when I decided for a more enthusiastic drive.
Drivers will be happy to be received by a supportive bench and a chunky flat-bottomed steering wheel complete with the bad boy badging to give drivers a sporty impression.
It feels and looks typically Audi, with some tweaks to allow the car to stand out from the rest in its stable. It still does retain what drivers have come to expect from a car bearing the four rings. Everything is of high quality and you'd know it the moment you lay your hands on them. Soft leather complimented by the white stitching as well as chromed surfaces portray this vehicle to be a classy one while the sports pedals and gear lever tell a darker story altogether.
The front benches provide ample back support with sufficient head and leg space but I can't say the same for the rear occupants. The rear seats of the dashing coupe are definitely not intended for human occupation. The two rear occupants that were in the test car did not have a pleasant experience at all. And I certainly made it worse when I decided for a more enthusiastic drive.
That said, they provide for ample space for your bags or weekly grocery shopping. The boot, which is already deep enough to haul a couple of bags, is further enhanced when the rear seats are knocked down. A flexible net also keeps your bags from rolling about when the car is driven enthusiastically.
It's a forgivable flaw once you realise what or how a coupe should be. Rear seats are often redundant, not just to reduce weight, but also to maintain its sporty appearance. Plus, with a stunning outlook like the TT RS, drivers should be happy to pounce on it with his partner alone.
It's a forgivable flaw once you realise what or how a coupe should be. Rear seats are often redundant, not just to reduce weight, but also to maintain its sporty appearance. Plus, with a stunning outlook like the TT RS, drivers should be happy to pounce on it with his partner alone.
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The Drive
On the run, the first three gears misses the illegal speed limit by a hair's breadth and there are four more to go. The 2.5-litre five-cylinder TFSI engine allows the TT RS to hurtle without any hesitation, completing the century sprint in just 4.3 seconds.
The 2.5-litre powerplant is indeed a corker of an engine. It endows the car with 340 bhp between 5,400 and 6,500 rpm and reaches a torque peak of 450 Nm which arrives between 1,600 and 5,300 rpm. This makes the Audi loverboy an effortless and highly responsive drive. Around town, darting in between cars is as easy as breathing in the TT RS, thanks to the amazing output of torque. Moreover, regulated by the acclaimed S tronic seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, power delivery is linear and anticipated, with absolutely no trace of lag.
But it has to be the Sport button that highlights the drive. The Sport button will transform this already mean machine to a beast. Not only does it sharpen the throttle and steering response, the engine note comes across as more unfiltered, a bit more gruff and a lot more angrier when aggravated. The exhaust growl simply becomes a hardcore roar every time you squeeze the throttle, making it one helluva soundtrack. So much so that the wind noise that intrude is deemed insignificant.
On the run, the first three gears misses the illegal speed limit by a hair's breadth and there are four more to go. The 2.5-litre five-cylinder TFSI engine allows the TT RS to hurtle without any hesitation, completing the century sprint in just 4.3 seconds.
The 2.5-litre powerplant is indeed a corker of an engine. It endows the car with 340 bhp between 5,400 and 6,500 rpm and reaches a torque peak of 450 Nm which arrives between 1,600 and 5,300 rpm. This makes the Audi loverboy an effortless and highly responsive drive. Around town, darting in between cars is as easy as breathing in the TT RS, thanks to the amazing output of torque. Moreover, regulated by the acclaimed S tronic seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, power delivery is linear and anticipated, with absolutely no trace of lag.
But it has to be the Sport button that highlights the drive. The Sport button will transform this already mean machine to a beast. Not only does it sharpen the throttle and steering response, the engine note comes across as more unfiltered, a bit more gruff and a lot more angrier when aggravated. The exhaust growl simply becomes a hardcore roar every time you squeeze the throttle, making it one helluva soundtrack. So much so that the wind noise that intrude is deemed insignificant.
It's steering is also acutely responsive, with a variable weighting which inspires you to surge through a series of bends at high speeds (thanks to Audi's quattro) and offers comfort at lower speeds for easy handling. Additionally, although paddle shifters are available, progress is smoother and no less slower with the gearbox left to its own devices.
The TT RS has got the performance to match its looks. It has the power to make the scenery go all blurry when you squeeze the throttle and enough torque to make you miss the first two gears in a blink of an eye.
Conclusion
Due to our minute size, Singapore has limited open roads for enthusiasts to enjoy a car like the TT RS. That said, it shouldn't be the reason to prevent potential buyers from getting one. The Audi TT RS is a very desirable car that can make even the most demanding drivers stare in awe.
After all, the car does the samba on the tarmac whenever you tell it to and we reckon that's the spirit to have as a sports car.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
The TT RS has got the performance to match its looks. It has the power to make the scenery go all blurry when you squeeze the throttle and enough torque to make you miss the first two gears in a blink of an eye.
Conclusion
Due to our minute size, Singapore has limited open roads for enthusiasts to enjoy a car like the TT RS. That said, it shouldn't be the reason to prevent potential buyers from getting one. The Audi TT RS is a very desirable car that can make even the most demanding drivers stare in awe.
After all, the car does the samba on the tarmac whenever you tell it to and we reckon that's the spirit to have as a sports car.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
