There have been many rumors all over the media regarding a future TT RS high performance compact coupe from Audi. Some claimed that such a model would not be necessary due to the introduction of a larger coupe (following the Nuvolari concept coordinates). The Volkswagen Group (owner of Audi) follows an exhaustive model line-up for quite a while; in their opinion throwing several fishing rods in the pond guarantees that at least a couple of customers will get “angled”. Therefore, we think that a TT RS will be released, especially if you consider that they already have all the necessary ingredients.
And, what ingredients would be necessary for a mean “Porsche-rear-kicking’” TT? First of all, a brand new 2007 TT, which is already available on the market? Second of all, a bored out version of the 3.2 liter V6 power with a 3.6-liter displacement slightly revved until able to produce 365 bhp. Match that with a high end DSG double clutch 7-speed transmission and make all Cayman owners get a knot in their throats. Spice all that with RS4-like racing bucket seats a flat bottom wheel and some carbon fiber.
Such a spicy treat could not be properly enjoyed without an appropriate garnish. As part of that will be featured large cooling intakes with honey-comb grilles, side spoiler air exhausts, a lower mean looking lip spoiler, indecently widened wheel arches able to host the widened tires sitting on 19” wheels and silver side mirrors.
Updated suspension, steering and brakes (optional in ceramic) will ensure a top level of performance, able to match the Audi RS heritage. As any high-performance Audi, the TT RS will feature four-wheel drive. Unfortunately, even though the 4WD system featured on the TT is marketed as a “Quattro”, in fact it is the less potent 4-Motion system regularly used on Volkswagen vehicles. That is because the regular Audi “Quattro” system featuring a Torsen-diff can only be used with longitudinally mounted engines. The compact sizes of the TT force for a transverse mounted engine that can only be equipped with a Haldex 4WD from Volkswagen. This is another detail that will keep the TT apart from the larger coupe (Nuvolari) with longitudinal engines and a veritable Quattro.
The 0-60mph sprint time of the new Audi TT RS will probably take less than five seconds, but the top speed will be electronically limited to 155mph, speeds higher than that remaining an exclusive for the R8 supercar.
The TT RS is expected to be launched in late 2008 in
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History
The next best thing to a RS model for the Audi TT Mk1 was the 2006 Special Edition. Available in both coupe and roadster versions, and will arrive in showrooms this spring. Audi will produce 99 Special Edition coupes and 99 Special Edition roadsters to mark the 99th anniversary of the first Tourist Trophy race on the
Both cars come standard with a 3.2-liter, narrow angle V6 engine producing 250 hp and 236 ft.-lbs. of torque. Mated to the engine is Audi’s famed six-speed Direct Shift Gearbox and Quattro all-wheel drive. Helping to put the power to the pavement are unique Special Edition bi-color nine-spoke 18” wheels with performance tires.
Other Audi TT Special Edition exclusive features include unique paint and interior trim. The coupe is available in Misano Red, Ocean Blue, and Light Silver paint, all combined with a black roof and premium black leather interior. The roadster is available only in Quartz Gray with a black power roof and an Amber Red baseball-optic leather interior. Both models will feature an engraved badge on the glove box acknowledging these TTs as “1 of 99” Special Editions.
Standard equipment on the TT Special Edition include heated front seats, Homelink, and a premium Bose audio system with six-disc CD changer. The only option available is satellite radio with a choice of XM or Sirius. The 2006 TT Special Edition coupe starts at $43,539; roadster models start at $46,539. A destination charge of $720 for both vehicles is not included in the base price.
More information on the 2006 Audi TT Special Edition can be found here.
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Competition
One of the bad boys of the entry level high-performance coupes is the Porsche Cayman S. The Boxster-based 2006 Porsche Cayman S is distinguished from its roadster brother by a new front clip with larger air intakes and prominent round fog lamps below the headlights. The Cayman’s hatchback design allows rear storage capacity to increase from 4.6 cu ft in the Boxster to 9.2 cu ft in the Cayman S. Total capacity including the front trunk is 14.5 cu ft—that is more than in the BMW 330i sedan. The rear fenders are more prominent than the Boxster’s, and they culminate in a speed-activated baby ducktail spoiler atop a more aggressively designed rear clip that houses dual tailpipes in a unique, squared-off rounded design.
Cayman S – this is the name of Porsche’s new Sports Coupe based on the Boxster model series. Ranking between the Boxster S and the 911 Carrera, this truly unique mid-engined two-seater sports car is powered by a 3.4-litre 295 bhp horizontally-opposed six-cylinder accelerating the Cayman S to 100 km/h in 5.4 seconds and providing a top speed of 275 km/h or 183 mph.
Benefiting from its supreme body stiffness and superb balance of weight with the power unit upfront of the rear axle, the Cayman S is a genuine driving machine able to lap the Nordschleife, the Northern Circuit of Nürburgring, in just 8:20 minutes – faster than the Boxster S and only a bit slower than the 911 Carrera.
The six-cylinder horizontally-opposed power unit featured in the Cayman S is based on the 3.2-litre carried over from the Boxster S. The cylinder heads, together with VarioCam Plus camshaft and valve lift adjustment, come in their entirety from the 911 Carrera, VarioCam Plus thus making its debut for the first time outside of the 911 model series.
This elaborate valve management not only ensures supreme output of 295 bhp (217 kW) at 6250 rpm and powerful torque of 340 Newton-metres (251 lb-ft) between 4400 rpm and 6000 rpm, but also provides superior fuel economy of just 10.6 litres/100km equal to 26.6 mpg Imp.
Click here to read more on the 2006 Porsche Cayman S.
Another competitor for the future Audi TT RS is the BMW Z4 M Coupe, a sports car for very special moments in life. Uncompromising, purist and exceptionally powerful, this two-seater offers undiluted dynamism both in everyday traffic and on the race track. Its 3.2-litre M straight-six power
unit developing maximum output of 252 kW/343 hp ensures driving performance of the highest caliber.
The Geneva Motor Show is certainly the right place to celebrate the world debut of a very special car: This is where the BMW Z4 Coupe is being presented to the public for the first time.
Right from the start the BMW Z4 Coupe Concept Car presented at the 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show was able to arouse powerful emotions, a great feeling of desirability, and great expectations. And now the production model is making all theses wishes come true, the BMW Z4 Coupe being conceived from the start for sports motoring in its purest form – with a weight-optimized body shell, a chassis and suspension superior in every situation, and the 195 kW/265 hp straight-six power unit setting the standard worldwide in its class.
Apart from its supreme power also expressed by peak torque of 365 Newton-metres or 269 lb-ft, the BMW Z4 M Coupe stands out in particular by the unique qualities of the chassis and suspension in conveying the enormous power of the engine to the road. Indeed, the high standard of agility and spontaneity expressed by this unique sports car in responding to all commands from the driver characterizes the car’s truly unique character.
