DRESSED FOR SUCCESS
Audi TT RS combines great handling, speed
The 2013 TT is Audi’s smallest and sportiest vehicle. It’s available as a 2+2 coupe or a two-seat convertible. Trim levels include the base TT, the TTS and the TT RS, however, offered only as a coupe, the TT RS is the crown jewel of the TT lineup. It’s dressed for success, as it hides its weightsaving aluminum space frame and a world-class powertrain.
Up front, the 2013 TT RS grille has large front air inlets and an all-black diamond mesh with signature LED daytime running lights and aluminum-optic mirrors. At the rear, the TT RS replaces the spoiler of the standard TT with a pronounced wing to create the downforce needed to keep the car planted at higher speeds.
The RS model of the TT line comes well equipped for serious driving. Low profile 255/35R19 performance tires provide great handling, yet their sidewalls are so stiff the standard Audi magnetic ride technology can’t relax enough to provide a comfortable ride on anything but the smoothest roads. Classy 19-inch, five-arm wheels were designed for viewing the RS’s large rotors and calipers.
The 2.5-liter engine exhibits a sound and feel all its own. Equipped with Audi’s FSI direct injection technology, a 10.1 compression ratio, and a turbocharger with 17.4 psi of boost, this little five delivers 360 horsepower and 343 pound-feet of torque between 1,650 and 5,400 revolutions per minute. It also can blast the Audi TT RS to 60 miles per hour in 4.1 seconds.
That’s fast enough to plant your head back onto the head restraint and pull your cheeks back so far you can’t help but smile, all the while being entertained by the powerful exhaust note emitted by the $2,700 titanium exhaust system. With its black exhaust tips and a titanium finish for the grille surround and wheels, this package helps ensure the owner of this luxury sports car is both seen and heard. If it matters, fuel economy is estimated at 18 miles per gallon city and 25 mpg highway.
As we’ve come to expect from Audi, the interior of the TT RS is a showplace for top quality materials and workmanship. The dash, doors, and headliner come only in jet black, highlighted by tasteful aluminum trim pieces. Nappa leather covers the seats and both front occupants have 10-way power adjustment. The signature Audi flat-bottom steering wheel comes with a thicker rim in the RS for a sportier feel.
The RS is theoretically a four-passenger vehicle, but the two rear seats have no legroom and are so small they can only be considered a package shelf. However, the cargo area is remarkably large for a car in this segment. The low roofline makes getting in and out of the RS difficult. Considerable bending and twisting is required for access to the front seats, so you might as well forget about the rear ones.
For those who want it all, the $3,500 Technology Package combines Audi Navigation plus, a powerful Bose surround sound system with iPod connectivity, LED interior ambient lighting, adaptive xenon headlights that can turn up to 15 degrees in sync with the car, and rear parking sensors that can help audibly guide you through tight spaces.
The 2013 Audi TT RS is meant for drivers looking for an unparalleled combination of great handling, speed and character.