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By MURRAY
HUBBARD
21 December 2009
Audi's sexy TT roadster has been launched in RS format, the tag
given to the high-performance models in the range. And
high-performance is the right phrase – witness an extremely
quick 0-100 km/h in 4.6 seconds.
Under the slick bonnet is an all-new turbo-charged five-cylinder
powerhouse unleashing 250 kW of power and 450 Nm of torque. We
like the fact that the Audi TT RS sticks to tradition by only
being sold with a manual gearbox, a six-speed unit.
The engine is particularly short, at just 494 mm long, so it can
fit snugly in a transverse manner. The car is speed-limited to 250
km/h, but Audi is offering a package that allows the TT RS to
stretch its legs out to 280 km/h – obviously aimed at those who
take their adrenalin on the race track. The engine redlines at
6800 rpm and is very enthusiastic, with a throaty exhaust roar in
the process.
The Australian specification for the TT RS is impressive with
19-inch alloys, a DVD-based navigation system, TT RS bucket seats
in nappa leather and sports suspension featuring Audi's magnetic
ride technology. There's also a two-stage sport button that turns
off the ESP.
Visually the sporting Audi benefits from the RS additions and
clearly makes it known that it means business. It has the popular
Audi daytime running lights in the xenon headlight surrounds.
Audi has also included a couple of options which we like. Firstly,
you don't have to take the fixed rear spoiler – there’s an
optional electronically retractable spoiler. You can also order
conventional bucket seats instead of the tight-winged sports seats
that may not suit every body shape.
The TT RS interior is all quality and practicality in a compact
cabin. The entire interior is finished in black with matt brushed
aluminium inlays and footrest and pedals in aluminium look. TT RS
logos adorn the door sill trim, tachometer and flat-bottomed
steering wheel. Silver welts frame the floor mats and the door
openers - as in all RS models – comprise two narrow bars. The
rear seat is very tight, but the double seat folds down to
increase boot space from a reasonable 290 litres right up to very
handy 700 litres.
We took the car for a fascinating spin through some windy rural
roads south of Sydney and found it an enjoyable experience. The
car clings to the tar with tenacity and turns in nicely with no
hint of tyre squeal or signs of coming unstuck. There's just a
slight hint of understeer on the tighter corners at speed.
We spent a lot of time punting through the hills in third gear
finding it had enough torque in most situations between the lower
end of the range coming out of bends and pushing between corners.
Peak torque is on tap between a low 1600 rpm and right through to
5300 rpm giving the car usable traction and reducing gear changes
even when hitting it hard.
© Copyright
Marque Publishing Company
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