Audi TT RS – First driving test

We might as well broaden the first sentence of this story: the TT is probably not the first car that comes to mind when you hear the name Audi. The first generation of this compact coupé hit like a bomb at the end of the 1990s, but since then the attention at Audi has clearly shifted to other areas. The compact coupé – or roadster – is apparently difficult to put on the market in 2021 and is also difficult to combine with the electrification that is almost mandatory these days. However, Audi says it is going to try that anyway, with which the current TT will be the last in this form. However, we do not have to say goodbye immediately, because the third generation launched in 2014 was still facelifted in 2019. In the case of the RS, that update mainly brought appearances, such as new bumpers and a different, but still very hefty rear wing.

Excess power

Fortunately, because that means that the well-known five-cylinder in the nose has been left untouched. Audi shows guts and perseverance by holding on to that block for so long, although that is slightly less special in the playing field of the TT than with the RS3. For example, the duo BMW Z4 and Toyota Supra will get a six-cylinder engine, but with 400 hp and 480 Nm, the Audi-2.5 is much more powerful than BMW’s M40i block. The compact and fairly light TT sprints in closed form from 0 to 100 in 3.7 seconds, while the slightly heavier Roadster also remains under 4 seconds. Seriously fast!

We drive the open variant, because such a five-cylinder you should especially hear. ‘Braaaaaaaaap!’ While the brightly colored digital tachometer signals it’s time to hit the right flipper, the signature engine squeal blares against the rocks. It may not be as characteristic as it once was, but it is still unique. The gearbox switches up lightning fast and then the whole symphony starts all over again. Delicious! The engine not only sounds beautiful, but is also a glory in other respects. It really is a ‘thick’ block, delivering its wealth of power in copious, smooth waves.

Audi TT RS

We went to Nice for the press presentation of the Audi TT. You have to be careful on the winding, narrow roads around that city, but this car seems to be perfect for the environment. The compact carriage can be squeezed through the smallest holes, there is just not too much power and the car devours corners in an entertaining, but also safe way. This is of course mainly due to the quattro four-wheel drive, which is perhaps even more than the five-cylinder a trademark of Audi. Just like in other compact Audis, this concerns the front-wheel drive Haldex system. That makes the car less playful than the rear-wheel drive alternatives. The butt actually always follows the track and the Audi allows even more of an edge understeer, although there is mainly just a lot of grip. That sounds very good, but also makes driving fast in the TT RS very safe and easy. Almost everyone can seriously ‘scroll’ in this car, only the more experienced driver will probably miss some sharpness. Still, the TT RS is an entertaining thing. In the ‘Dynamic’ position, the car bounces slightly over the bad road surface and allows itself to be guided impressively tight through the hairpin bends. The steering is a bit numb, but also precise, and the seating position is just right: low and instinctively exactly between the axles.

Totally different

Time to take it easy. The revs drop with an ominous rumble as we go from ‘Dynamic’ to ‘Comfort’ at the push of a button. Do not imagine an A6-like comfort, but for a lightning-fast roadster, the TT in this form is remarkably tame. The engine noise disappears into the background and chassis and steering require little attention. With the electric windshield and the side windows up, it also becomes nice and quiet in the cabin. Only drawback: the double-clutch automatic transmission switches in ‘D’ too quickly and waits remarkably long to react when the pedal is depressed again.

Audi TT RS

The interior of the TT is and remains a special feature. Audi tackles things completely differently for this model and mounts a sleek dashboard without a central infotainment screen. Instead, there is a large set of digital instruments, in which all possible multimedia functions can be operated with the well-known, but unfortunately phased out elsewhere, MMI rotary knob. That takes some getting used to, but works surprisingly well. The tidy atmosphere is taken to a higher level because the controls for the climate control and the buttons for the seat heating are placed in the ventilation grilles. Again, creative, but it works surprisingly well. In addition, the sleek TT interior proves to withstand the test of time well. This makes it even more unfortunate that this unique model is going to disappear. The TT RS not only occupies a special place in the Audi range, but with its characteristic engine and wide range of applications it is also a unique offer in the larger whole.