Hot new Audi TT coming

A SIZZLING new version of Audi’s TT RS is in the pipeline – and it will again be powered by a turbocharged 2.5-litre five-cylinder engine.

The next track-eating RS is at least two years off and is undergoing an extensive development program to keep it competitive with a new-wave of tougher competition from inside and outside the VW Group family, including the Porsche Cayman S and Boxster S.

Chatting at the launch of the new TT Coupe in Spain, Audi technical project manager Markus Siewart said the old RS flagship was a very successful model that would be repeated. He dismissed suggestions Audi might go smaller in capacity for the TT RS and hinted at a more powerful version of the 2.5.

There has been speculation that the next RS could borrow from the eye catching TT Quattro Sport Concept seen at the Geneva show.

With a potent new 309kW 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder turbo engine, it looked ready for limited production, but Audi insisted it wasn’t a taste test for the next TT RS.

It’s guesswork whether the concept will emerge in piecemeal form.

Siewart concedes the five-cylinder engine requires big internal changes because of the demands of ever tougher European emissions standards.

The last RS produced was an end-of series Plus variant with 265kW and 465Nm, and employed a seven-speed dual-clutch S tronic with all-wheel drive.

Siewart has also declared there will be no e-tron version of the new TT. Packaging is the issue there.

What is for certain is that the new TT Roadster, co-developed alongside the new Coupe, will be in production by the Northern spring or summer next year, and Australia-bound thereafter.

Still on the subject of the new generation-three TT, a turbo-diesel model is not among Audi Australia’s plans, despite the oiler’s 4.2L/100km/h fuel boast and 7.1sec zero-100km/h time.

Though it was sold here in its last iteration, not enough Australians bought the last TDI.

A rear camera was not sighted on the new TT and TTS models Wheels put to the test in Spain – the safety feature is simply not yet available globally, though this will change.

When it does, it will be standard on cars for our market. Meanwhile audible warnings have to suffice.

Also, a 1.8 entry-level TT was not sighted at the international launch in Spain last week, but will probably return to the line-up after revisions. And Audi Australia has a priority to add the price-leader to its TT shopping basket.

Australia is also continuing its love affair with big wheels and low-profile rubber.

Euro spec TTs get 17-inch rims and tyres but Audi Oz has confirmed 18s for our market.

“I can confirm 18-inch alloys for the entry model TT, but for the TTS it is still too early to confirm,” Audi spokesperson Anna Burgdorf said. “However, either 19-or 20-inch rims are being discussed.”

A space-saver spare will be standard in all Australian market variants.