Beijing Motor Show: 2016 Audi TT RS revealed

The second-generation Audi TT RS has been unveiled in both coupé and roadster forms at the Beijing motor show.

The four-wheel-drive TT RS is the first recipient of Audi’s new turbocharged 2.5-litre five-cylinder petrol engine, with an aluminium block instead of the current motor’s steel block. Using this aluminium block motor helps the new TT RS weigh 10kg less overall than its predecessor in fixed roof form.

The new motor will pack a 395bhp punch with a claimed 0-100kph time of 3.7sec. This is 0.4sec quicker than the old TT RS Plus with a dual-clutch gearbox and 0.5sec inside the time Porsche quotes for the new 345bhp turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder powered Cayman S.

With an added 90kg, the Roadster’s 0-100kph time is a claimed 3.9sec, which is 0.3sec quicker than the old model. Top speed for both new TT RS models is limited to 155mph/248kph, although it can be raised to 174mph/278kph.

Peak torque is 354lb ft between 1700 and an uncharacteristically high 5850rpm, 11lb ft more than the old model.

A seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox with TT RS specific ratios is standard, along with launch control software and steering wheel-mounted shift paddles.

The new TT RS rides on a chassis lowered by 10mm over the standard TT. Further changes include stiffer springs and dampers and standard 19in alloy wheels.With a kerb weight of 1440kg, the Coupé weighs 1440kg, while the new Roadster tips the scales at 1530kg, due to added structural reinforcement.

Styling tweaks include new bumpers front and rear, wider door sills, deeper air intakes at the front end, oval exhaust pipes and a large rear fixed spoiler, although buyers can opt for a more subtle extendable spoiler. Also available are optional OLED (organic light emitting diode) tail-lights each consisting of four elements, the largest of which features the TT logo and Audi’s four-ring emblem. 

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