Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Tokyo Motor Show, Audi, Luxury

When the first Audi TT hit the market in 1998, its design was nothing short of revolutionary. The current model (pictured above in RS form), while dynamically superior, has been mainstreamed a bit, going with a more evolutionary approach. But now, rumor has it that Audi is preparing to launch an all-new third-generation model at the rapidly approaching Tokyo Motor Show, and our interests our piqued.

Little in the way of details is known as to the direction Audi is preparing to take with the new TT, but sources expect it to go slightly upmarket in order to make room for a smaller, less costly R4 mid-engined sportscar. The TT, however, is expected to retain its front-engine, all-wheel-drive layout. Stylistically, we'd expect the new TT to adopt some of the design cues laid down by recently concept cars like the Quattro from last year.

Audi, for its part, is staying mum on the subject, announcing the five-door A1 Sportback as its major debut for the Japanese expo. Whether a new TT - be it in concept form or production-ready - will join it remains to be seen.

Audi to preview next TT at Tokyo Motor Show? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Nov 2011 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Audi

What's better than a 360-horsepower Audi TT RS? Well, not a whole heck of a lot, as we recently found while test-driving the pint-sized beast on American soil. But how about a TT RS Plus with more power and less weight? Now that's the ticket.

Rumors pouring in from overseas suggest that Audi is preparing to upgrade the coupe's 2.5-liter turbo five to 385 horsepower and removing some 130 pounds worth of extra weight - like the rear seats, for a start. Given that the current version already runs the 0-60 in 4.1 seconds, dropping that time into the threes wouldn't be out of the question.

Of course with the TT RS still making its way to these shores, we wouldn't hold our breath for the Plus version. One supercar-trouncing super-coupe at a time, right?

Audi developing lighter, more powerful TT RS Plus? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 Oct 2011 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The new genre of "lower-case halo cars" — specifically the Porsche Cayman R, BMW 1M and Audi TT RS — are pricey, but they've got their priorities in the right place, with nimble handling, supercar acceleration and manual transmission only. The question is, which one would you buy? More »

The new 2012 Audi TT RS has loads to brag about: Ludicrous power, astounding grip and a luxurious interior that smells of nutmeg. It's even manual only (in the U.S.). But does the TT RS live up to Audi's turbocharged, inline-five legend? And can you even get one? We found out. More »

Audi has announced US pricing for the white-hot, and highly anticipated TT RS. Going on sale this summer, prices start at $56,850USD. The heart of the TT RS is its engine, a 2.5L TFSI turbocharged five cylinder cranking out 360hp. A six-speed manual is the only transmission available. Personally, I could not be more proud of Audi for that. I’d love to be the Audi salesman who sees the guy waltz into the showroom, check in hand, wanting the RS, but only with an automatic.

“Sorry sir, but if you can’t row your own gears, you don’t get to play.”

And that guy would miss out on some serious fun. No shock that all TT RS’ are Quattros, and putting that power to the pavement delivers a 0-60mph sprint of 4.1 seconds, with a top speed of 174mph. To keep everything under control, Audi’s magnetic ride is standard, which is essentially an active suspension. There is also a sport mode that tightens ride and response even further, with the added bonus of a more raucous exhaust note.

The TT has suffered, in my opinion, a somewhat unfair rep here as a bit a a girly car. In my opinion, the four cylinder TT epitomizes what Porsche should be selling as their entry level car (and no one called the 944 a chick car). The TT RS ought to silence those critics, but on the same note, we’re lucky this car is reaching our shores at all, since there were doubts Audi would be allowed to. You see, The TT RS is more powerful, quicker, and cheaper than a Porsche Boxster or Cayman, and the fear was the Audi would be a threat to the Porsches. Again, I applaud VW Group for letting the TT RS arrive here, and it makes sense. The buyer who’s dreamed of owning a new Porsche his whole life won’t be sidetracked by an Audi. But in any case, the TT RS is a welcome high-performance sports car to our market, and has earned a spot at the top of the heap.

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Performance, Audi, Luxury

Audi has finally released U.S. pricing on the company's 2012 TT RS. Buyers looking to jump into the 360-horsepower coupe can plan on handing over $56,850 (*plus any applicable destination charges) for the pleasure of ownership. That pricing scoots the mean little Audi well under the Porsche Cayman S at $62,100, though the topless Boxster S narrows that gap somewhat with a price tag of $58,600. Of course, both of those lithe sports cars are down by about 50 ponies compared to the new Quattro terror, which helps give the edge from stop light to stop light. The German automaker says that the 2012 TT RS can scoot to 60 mph in a scant 4.1 seconds.

That's moving right along, especially considering that the BMW 1 Series M Coupe does the same sprint in 4.7 seconds. It's also about $1,600 cheaper, but who's counting? For comparison's sake, the 265-hp TTS starts at $47,000, itself already a big leap over the $38,300 base 211-hp TT.

With so many diminutive, excellent German racers about, the North American enthusiast's world is clearly a better place than it was just a few years ago. Hit the jump to check the full press blast and be sure to check out the high-res gallery.

Continue reading 2012 Audi TT RS priced from $56,850*

2012 Audi TT RS priced from $56,850* originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Jul 2011 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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