Iconic TT RS gets power

The three most iconic names to come out of Audi?s history so far are Quattro, RS and TT. But never before have they been uttered in the same sentence.

It?s taken since 1995 for Audi to build a really hot, Porsche-rivalling TT Coupe and Roadster. Has it been worth the wait?

Not easy, messing with a delicate design like the TT. The new front splitter and rear wing split opinions as well as they do the air.

Whether to your taste or not, one thing is for sure; they make this by far the most aggressive production TT ever sold. If you think the rear spoiler is too much, you can opt for the standard pop-up version instead.

Particularly when finished in white and electric blue, it really gets attention from passers by, who will be convinced you didn?t just splash out on an aftermarket body kit by the rumble from the oval exhausts and RS badge.

The huge 19-inch wheels (optional, 18-inch wheels are standard) are a modern twist on the classic five-spoke design, and the fronts show off drilled brake disks the size of Alan Partridge?s dinner plate.

Brilliant new five-pot

But what you really want to know about is the engine. The Volkswagen Group which owns Audi has ditched the much-loved 3.2-litre V6 previously reserved for range-topping TTs because of its failure to meet Euro V engine emission regulations.

We were very sad about this, until we drove the new five-cylinder turbocharged engine fitted in this car. With 335bhp and 332lb/ft of pulling power it launches itself down the road, finding immense grip even in the streaming wet.

On track the TT RS Coupe will hit 62mph in 4.6 seconds (Roadster 4.7 seconds) and hit an invisible wall at 155mph, unless you choose to have the artificial limiter deleted; an optional extra which sees the top speed increase to 174mph.

It?s faster than the Porsche Cayman S (5.2 to 62mph), BMW Z4 sDrive 35i (5.2) and even the Mercedes SLK AMG 55 (4.9).

It?s a muscular engine (all its pulling power is available from 1,600rpm) which can be heard echoing off walls, and filling the cabin with an indulgent wail when you hold the car in gear.

All-weather performance

As if planned by Audi, it was a very wet day when we drove the TT RS. This is the only car in this class with four-wheel drive, so it should boast the best traction and all-weather ability.

With more than 150 days each year being rainy in the UK, it?s an important consideration.

We certainly felt secure in the Audi?s hands, as it steadfastly gripped the road even as the heavens opened.

The ride is very firm, to the point of being a bit uncomfortable over speed bumps, but body control is good. Paired with precise and well-weighted steering you feel at one with the car.

It?s easy to keep up a rapid pace, and the TT RS is a prodigious overtaking machine, but it won?t involve you as much as the other-worldly Porsche Cayman S.

The BMW Z4 and Mercedes SLK would find it hard to keep up with a well-driven RS, particularly in the wet.

Fast-folding hood

We wish the chunky steering wheel was thinner, but it?s a minor complaint in a car with a beautifully finished and stylish interior.

We recommend you try sitting in a car with and without the optional bucket seats. They complete the transformation from road car to road racer, but they?re also exceptionally ?figure-hugging?.

Choose the Roadster and the hood closes in less than twenty seconds. We can vouch from first-hand experience it?s quick enough to save you from getting too wet when you are forced to stop in a sudden cloud burst.

On sale July 11, the Coupe costs £42,985 and the Roadster £44,885. It?s a lot of money for a Audi TT, but it?s a precious little car. The engine feels like half a Lamborghini V10, and the chassis is forgiving and almost impervious to bad weather.

Check out this New Car Net video review of the Audi TT 3.2 Roadster:

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