Audi TT RS (2010) Driving Impression

With its slinky good looks, exquisitely made interior and overpowering snob appeal, it is fair to say that the Audi TT has acquired something of a “poser’s car” image. They’re bought primarily for their impact on onlookers and for making a statement of success and style. Audi is aware of this too, and has decided that what the TT really needs is an injection of testosterone. A dynamic – and somewhat “scary” – flagship model would endow the entire Audi TT line-up with a bit more macho appeal, before it’s too late. So, now we have the Audi TT RS… is it good enough to stop this Audi model from becoming an exclusively female fashion accessory?

Race-ready appearance for Audi TT RS

If Audi’s aim was to make the TT less appealing to its potential female clientele, then it has succeeded by simply adding a large fixed wing onto the tailgate. But it went even further. The ride height is 10 mm lower than other Audi TT models (except the S), which doesn’t sound like much, but then there are also striking 18-inch alloy wheels and some seriously hungry looking air intakes at the front to beef up the look even more. A number of options are offered, including even larger wheels, and they do much to transform the TT’s shape from sexy coupe to aggressive beast.

At the rear two large oval exhaust outlets broadcast an exciting genre of music – more of that later. There haven’t been such far-reaching changes inside. The design of the current Audi TT facia is still hugely appealing, with its three round central ventilation outlets, large digital display and sporty instrument cluster. The build quality is stunning, and the driving position spot-on. Of course, there is the occasional RS badge to spot, and Audi has added a boost gauge and even lap timer into the trip computer display. The seats are not unique to the RS (they’re shared with the S) but they’re very good nonetheless, trimmed in smart alcantara and boast electric adjustment. A square-bottomed, thick-rimmed steering wheel that is very nice to grip is also included as standard.

In fact, Audi has for a change been pretty generous when speccing this model. Included are; climate control, xenon lamps, auto lights/wipers, radio/CD player, remote audio controls, cruise control, rear park assist and satellite navigation. You also get six airbags, ventilated disc brakes all-round, ABS with EBD and a three-stage ESP system. So, this is no stripped-out, lightweight racer.

Rekindles Original Quattro Sound

Powering this special Audi TT is a rather unique engine. Audi wanted to recall the emotional appeal of the original Quattro with this model, and its success (or not) was always going to depend a lot on somehow replicating the unforgettable sound of that iconic machine. Like the first Quattro, the Audi TT RS uses a turbocharged five-cylinder engine. But it’s a modern engine, so there’s direct injection etc. And yet Audi has managed to deliver an exhaust note that is raspy and massively addictive. Coupled with a short-throw six-speed manual transmission that must rate as one of the best self-shifters out of the VW Group stable for many years, the driver is the conductor of a spine-tingling musical performance – there’s no automatic box to take control away.

The engine pumps out a very strong 250 kW and the 450 Nm of torque arrives at 1 600 rpm and stays until a heady 5 300. You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to understand that this translates into exceptional throttle sensitivity and flexibility. Using the latest version of Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive system, boasting a Haldex differential, the Audi TT RS usually runs with 80 % of power going to the front wheels. But, if needed, a full 100 % can theoretically be sent to the rear. Still, even with the traction control switched out, breaking traction with this car is not easy. Standing start sprint runs are therefore tricky – you have to feed in a lot of power to avoid bogging down. Get it right, though, and you can blast to 100 km/h in 4,6 seconds – fast enough to scare many a “serious” sportscar. Oh, and while the top speed is limited to 250 km/h, there is an optional pack that removes the limiter and raises the bar to 280 km/h! Still think the Audi TT is for girls?

Grip and Grunt

When driven fast, the Audi TT RS is one of those cars that seem to have no easily identifiable grip limit. Quattro all-wheel drive, a wide track, low centre of gravity, fat rubber and even the near 50/50 weight distribution all combine to endow the Audi TT RS with leech-like grip. There’s very little roll evident upon corner entry, with the magnetic ride system keeping the body flat. The steering, too, is nicely weighted, and quite direct. All of this gives the driver huge confidence. What it does lack is adjustability – it’s not a car that you can slide around very easily – and for some hardcore petrolheads that will not be acceptable.

The Audi TT RS appeal lies in its devastating A-to-B ability, across almost all road surfaces, courtesy of its massive grip and traction advantages. And all the time you have that engaging six-speed box and lovely exhaust sound to keep you company – the latter can be made even louder by pressing a Sport button.

Audi TT RS – Verdict

The Audi TT RS comes at a steep price, but it goes a long way to justifying it. The core appeal of the Audi TT remains untouched – this is a beautifully made, high-quality coupe with sexy looks and high comfort levels. What the RS adds is a hugely charismatic engine, engaging transmission, phenomenal performance and super-glue grip. It will give many much more expensive sports cars with illustrious badges a serious fright in a dash from A to B. A TT with chest hair? You betcha…

We like:

• Good looks
• Standard specification
• Grip • Performance
• Sound

We don’t like:

• Price

Fast Facts:

Engine: 2,5-litre, five-cylinder, turbopetrol
Power: 250 kW @ 5 400 rpm
Torque: 450 Nm @ 1 600 rpm
Transmission: Six-speed manual
Wheels: 18-inch alloy
Top speed: 250 km/h 0-100 km/h: 4,6 seconds
Fuel economy: 9,2 litres/100 km

Source: www.um.co.za

Also consider:

• Porsche Cayman 3,4 S: A deadly rival to the Audi TT RS… the Cayman offers arguably one of the most finely balanced chassis on the road today, and delivers the kind of driving enjoyment you usually have to pay much more for. Unbeatable.

• BMW Z4 sDrive35i M Sport: Similarly priced to the Audi TT RS, but whereas the Audi is a fairly hardcore all-wheel drive coupe, the BMW is a rear-wheel drive folding hard-top. Still, the BMW is not much slower, and may be a more comfortable daily driver, if that’s what you’re really after.

• Lotus Exige 1,8: An odd-ball choice for sure, but if you really want a thrilling compact sportscar that makes every drive memorable, then look no further. The driver involvement is epic!