Purity in action

And while the R8 can set you back £100,000 or more, the hot TT is a relative snip costing from £51,800 for the coupe and £53,550 for the soft top.

More importantly the grunt of the TT outguns – by some margin – that of its immediate peers in the form of the Porsche Cayman and Boxster, the BMW Z4, Mercedes SLC and Alfa’s 4c.

The coupe is the quicker of the two versions of the TT RS and capable of completing 0 to 60 in 3.7 seconds. The roadster, which weighs a little more, takes 3.9 seconds but none of the others in this class break the four second mark.

Top end is 155mph but that can be increased to a blistering 174mph if you ask – and pay – Audi nicely. At that point, only the Porsche pair are quicker.

Bragging rights will probably determine that choice but there are options on the TT RS worth having such as magnetic ride suspension which will smooth out the vagaries of British roads.

An upgrade to a Bang & Olufsen sound system and advanced LED light systems – including the world’s first application of OLED rear lamps – are the icing on the cake while a set of sports seats at £4,500 may tickle a few fancies.

Audi has to be congratulated with the TT RS. It may be honed to the hilt, possessing features such as launch control and a single turbo engine tuned almost to competition specification but it’s a delight to drive on the open road.

The grip and feel is totally impressive and the car is as thrilling as it is enjoyable. A ‘noise’ button lurks on the centre console to enhance the exhaust note but the growl is splendid at any time.

For sheer driving pleasure the TT RS sets its own high standard – and for half the price of an R8.