The Audi TT RS is a top-on-the-line Audi TT sports coupe/convertible made for those who want the most they can get from the TT platform. The RS model gets a 2.5L turbocharged 5-cylinder engine that traces its roots from the very beginnings of the Audi Sport division. So, Is Audi TT RS a good car?
The Audi TT RS is definitely a really good car because it offers a high-end performance car experience in a compact car that feels like a baby Audi R8. The TT RS looks really cool inside and out, especially because the TT RS gets a much more stylish interior with carbon fiber, aluminum, and carbon fiber.
However, the best thing about the TT RS is the driving experience because the car is well balanced due to a mid-mounted engine. The TT RS is noticeably stiffer than the TT, but it is not punishing which means that it can be used as a daily driver. Reliability is really good, but there are some issues worth talking about.
Value-wise, the TT RS is not cheap, but it should hold its value really well due to its iconic 5-cylinder engine. Practicality is as good as it can be for a car of this size which means that you can’t really pack all that much into the TT, but if you can fit inside of it, you should be satisfied.
Audi TT RS – The powertrain
The Audi TT RS gets a 2.5L turbocharged 5-cylinder engine with 400hp and 354lb-ft of torque. This engine is capable of pushing the TT RS to 60mph from a standstill in about 3.5 seconds which is supercar territory fast. The top speed is limited to 155mph, but if you take the limiter off, you can reach speeds upwards of 175mph.
This engine is mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch S-Tronic gearbox which fits the TT RS character really well. The car also comes with dedicated launch control which enables you to do a 3.5-second 0-60mph time. The power is being sent to all four wheels through Audi’s proprietary Quattro AWD system.
Efficiency might not be the TT RS’s strong suit, but that is to be expected for a car that can do 0-60 in 3-5 seconds. As such, you should expect the car to offer up to 30MPG on the highway which is actually decent considering the car’s pace.
Audi TT RS – Design and chassis
The Audi TT RS differs from a regular TT model because it gets loads of dedicated Audi RS upgrades both inside and out. The exterior is a lot sharper due to a sporty body kit, a set of low-profile wheels, larger brakes, and a fixed rear spoiler. The interior is packed with Alcantara, carbon fiber, and aluminum. The car also gets classic two Audi RS oval exhaust pipes.
As far as the driving experience is concerned, the TT RS is really balanced due to a purpose-built chassis. The suspension is stiff, but not overly so which means that the car is not going to break your back.
Audi TT RS – Reliability and common issues
Reliability-wise, the TT RS is decent, but only if you maintain it well enough. These cars are indeed high-maintenance as is the case with virtually all European premium performance cars. If you take proper care of them, they are going to last a long time. On the other hand, if you fail to maintain it, it is going to break eventually.
The most common TT RS issues you should keep your eye on are related to the engine, the transmission, the electricals, the equipment, and increased levels of oil consumption.
Audi TT RS – Value and practicality
The Audi TT RS starts at around $75,000 which is about $25,000 more than the regular TT model. However, most people would agree that the TT RS is a much better car than the regular TT. The TT RS retains value a lot better than entry-level TT models do mostly because of the 5-cylinder turbocharged engine.
Practicality is rather limited to the car’s compact size which means that it only comes with 2-doors, 2-seats, and relatively small trunk space. The car is also really low to the ground which is something to keep in mind for those with weaker knees.
FAQ Section
How fast is the Audi TT RS?
The Audi TT RS is a really fast car which means that it can easily rival the likes of some supercars. The TT RS can do the quarter-mile in around 13 seconds which is definitely a fast pace. However, the TT RS is its quickest from 0-60mph as it is able to do that in about 3.5 seconds. 3.5 second 0-60mph cars are considered some of the fastest cars on the planet.
The top speed is limited to just around 180mph, but that is also fairly fast. Granted, there really aren’t too many places on earth where you can explore the TT RS top-speed limits, except for the German highway.
What car competes with the Audi TT RS?
The BMW M2 Competition is likely the fiercest competitor to the Audi TT RS as it offers an inline 6-cylinder engine with 405hp. This is enough for the M2 to reach a 0-60mph time of about 4.2 seconds which is slower than the TT RS, but that is mostly due to the fact that the M2 is a rear-wheel-drive car.
However, the M2 Comp is around a second faster in a quarter-mile run thanks to its lower weight. These two can trade punches for days, but the overall impressions are that the M2 is the more driver-focused car while the TT RS is more luxurious.
Why is Audi discontinuing the TT RS?
Audi is discontinuing the entire TT lineup because it is not as popular as it once was. We live in an SUV/Crossover era which means that most automakers are focused on making these because these sell the most.
If you also add EVs to the equation, you suddenly realize that there is little to no sense in making a compact 2-door sports car that not too many people are interested in.
