Thursday, February 9, 2012

Audi TT RS 'plus' officially revealed

. Thursday, February 9, 2012

Audi has just revealed the new, TT RS plus. Carrying the tagline "even more powerful, even faster, even more dynamic," the TT RS plus boasts 20 more horsepower than the current Euro-spec TT RS, delivering greater performance and a new exclusive design package. Full report and photo gallery after the jump.

As earlier rumors indicated, power figures of the TT RS plus are now in-line with the current U.S.-spec TT RS. That means a total 360 horsepower from its turbocharged, 2.5-liter inline 5-cylinder. All told, enough for a run from 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in just 4.1 seconds (with 7-speed S tronic transmission), on to a limited top speed of 280 km/h (174 mph).

In addition to the added power and performance, the Audi TT RS plus boasts an exclusive styling package to separate the car from the "standard" RS. New visual cues include a highly polished anthracite diamond-mesh grille (with matte aluminum-look frame), carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) side mirrors, black oval tailpipe trims, 19-inch five-arm "Rotor" design wheels (in black with contrasting red rim flanges) and exclusive "TT RS plus" badging.

With sales stated to begin in "early 2012," the TT RS plus Coupé with manual transmission will cost €60,650 in Germany (€62,800 with the seven-speed S tronic) and €63,500 (€65,650 with S tronic) for the Roadster. Official press release following the photo gallery below.











Press Release:

Even more dynamic: the Audi TT RS plus

Ingolstadt - Even more powerful, even faster, even more dynamic: Early 2012 will see the launch of the Audi TT RS plus. This compact sports car, in both Coupé and Roadster versions, stands out for its awe-inspiring performance. Its power-boosted five-cylinder turbo delivers 265 kW (360 hp), sufficient for a top speed of 280 km/h (173.98 mph).

The 2.5-liter TFSI in the Audi TT RS plus is a high-performance engine. Compared with the engine on which it is based, this turbocharged direct-injection unit delivers 15 kW (20 hp) more power. It produces 465 Nm (342.97 lb-ft) of torque, 15 Nm (11.06 lb-ft) more than before. Customers can choose between a manual six-speed transmission and the seven-speed S tronic with its lightning-fast gearshifts. The dual-clutch transmission comes with a launch control function which optimizes acceleration from a standing start. The quattro permanent all-wheel drive system, which operates with a multi-plate clutch, transfers engine power to the road in supreme style.

The TT RS plus unites dynamics and efficiency in a most impressive way. Against the backdrop of the five-cylinder engine’s characteristic roaring and growling, the Coupé with S tronic catapults from a standstill to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 4.1 seconds (with manual transmission: 4.3 seconds). The Roadster completes the same exercise in 4.2 seconds (with manual transmission: 4.4 seconds). Top speed is limited to 280 km/h (173.98 mph) for all versions of the car. The Coupé with S tronic uses an average of just 8.5 liters of fuel per 100 km (27.67 US mpg); the Roadster uses 8.6 liters per 100 km (27.35 US mpg).

Alongside numerous efficiency-improving measures, these top figures are due primarily to the extremely lightweight Audi Space Frame (ASF) bodies made of aluminum at the front and sheet steel at the rear. The Coupé with manual transmission, including quattro drive, weighs just 1,450 kilograms (3,196.70 lb); its power-to-weight ratio is 4.0 kilograms (8.82 lb) per horsepower. The power-to-weight ratio of the Roadster is 4.2 kilograms (9.26 lb) per horsepower.

The high-performance brake system is able to cope with the engine’s power at all times. Four-piston fixed calipers in conjunction with perforated brake disks are installed on the front axle. The Audi TT RS plus is fitted with 19-inch cast wheels of five-arm “Rotor” design; they are painted black with contrasting red rim flanges. The wheels are fitted with 255/35 tires. The adaptive damping system known as Audi magnetic ride is available as an option. A large, fixed rear wing increases downforce at the back of the car.

The Singleframe radiator grille also sets the Audi TT RS plus apart visually: Its diamond-pattern mesh is in highly polished anthracite, its trim frame has a matt aluminum-look finish. The housings of the exterior mirrors are made of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP). The dual-branch sport exhaust system has black oval tailpipe trims. A sound flap further intensifies the sound of the engine. The Carbon design package gives the engine compartment a more exclusive look. The knob on the gear or selector lever features an aluminum-look trim ring and a TT RS plus badge.

The TT RS plus Coupé with manual transmission costs €60,650 in Germany or €62,800 with the seven-speed S tronic . The TT RS plus Roadster has a list price of €63,500 or €65,650 respectively.

Source: Audi AG