In what might be the most exciting launch at the Beijing Auto Show today, Audi has premiered the most powerful TT yet. The 400 hp, 2.5L five-cylinder, turbocharged TT RS. The TT RS has a tall rear wing, gaping air inlets, optional 20-inch forged wheels and available carbon fiber brakes all serving to make this a very serious looking sports car. A far cry from the cute little coupe that launched in 1998 with a main selling point of (admittedly beautiful) baseball glove seat stitching.
Audi quotes the RS as being able to reach 100 km/h in a shockingly quick 3.7 seconds (3.9 for the roadster). They've put the start button on the steering wheel, to remind you that this is a baby R8. There are two sets of controls for the sport modes, because why not? There is a 12.3-inch screen for the dash that gives you speed, RPM, all the info you could want, and then adds navigation front and center in the same display. There's even a special RS screen that will show you tire pressure, g-force, and even how much torque you're asking for at the time.
Interestingly, the infotainment system can connect your phone to the car's antenna for improved signal, and the microphone for the hands-free system is integrated into the seat belts for improved audio. Audi has also designed the top mechanism on the roadster to let you raise of lower the roof at speeds up to 50 km/h.
The Audi TT RS will be dual-clutch gearbox only, with Quattro all-wheel drive, and will launch this fall.
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