2012 Audi TT RS plus

(continued from above)

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 20 hp (15 kW) more power. It produces 343 lb-ft (465 Nm) of torque, 11 lb-ft (15 Nm) 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 Coupe with S tronic catapults from a standstill to 60 mph in 4.0 seconds (with manual transmission: 4.2 seconds). The Roadster completes the same exercise in 4.1 seconds (with manual transmission: 4.3 seconds). Top speed is limited to 174 mph (280 km/h) for all versions of the car. The Coupe 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 Coupe with manual transmission, including quattro drive, weighs just 3,197 lbs (1,450 kilograms); its power-to-weight ratio is 8.82 lbs (4.0 kilograms) per horsepower. The power-to-weight ratio of the Roadster is 9.26 lbs (4.2 kilograms) 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 Coupe with manual transmission costs 60,650 EUR in Germany or 62,800 EUR with the seven-speed S tronic . The TT RS plus Roadster has a list price of 63,500 EUR or 65,650 EUR respectively.

The interior of the 2012 Audi TT RS plus is the same as on the regular TT RS, except for the aluminum-look trim ring and a TT RS plus badge on the knob on the gear or selector lever.