Audi TT RS to arrive next year with supercar-baiting acceleration

The next-generation Audi TT RS twins are both claimed to reach 100km/h from standstill in less than four seconds, with the coupe recording a rapid 3.7 seconds that’s 0.4sec quicker than the old version.

The fastest TT has been revealed this week at the 2016 Beijing motor show, with its impressive performance derived from a redevelopment of its predecessor’s engine.

The upgraded 2.5-litre five-cylinder now produces 294kW (up 44kW) and 480Nm (up 30Nm). A quattro system again apportions the engine’s power and torque between the front and rear wheels, via a seven-speed automatic.

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It will be easy to pick the TT RS from the mid-range TT S when the former joins the latter in mid 2017 locally.

The TT RS will also look faster thanks to a rear wing, large dual oval exhaust pipes, as well as a front end that features larger air intakes and a honeycomb grille with silver surround and ‘quattro’ logo.

Matrix LED headlights and matrix OLED (organic light emitting diode) tail-lights are available optionally to enhance the TT RS’s technological look. Normal LEDs are standard front and rear.

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One of the most noticeable changes inside is that the Audi TT RS features a Ferrari-like steering wheel that incorporates the engine start-stop button and Drive Select button.

Drive Select allows the driver to alternate between four different vehicle setting modes, including Comfort, Auto, Dynamic, and the customisable Individual.

Audi’s Virtual Cockpit 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster is standard, and includes an RS-specific screen providing tyre pressure/torque/g-force readings.

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Driver and front passenger sit in RS Alcantara/leather, diamond-patterned sports seats, and other RS flourishes for the cabin include red stitching for the steering wheel, seats and gearlever gait, and red-ringed air vents.

The Audi TT RS sits on 19-inch alloy wheels, with optional 20-inch wheels. Other options include carbon-ceramic brakes and RS adaptive sports suspension.

No pricing is available yet for Australia. The previous TT RS cost from $140,000 in faster Plus form.