4ringblog.com » TT

Autoblog.nl Reviews the TTRS

Andrew — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 23:50:22 +0000

I don’t speak Dutch or much German, however, I do understand hoonage. Autoblog.NL managed to get their hands on the 2010 Audi TT RS and really wring out the turbocharged 5-cylinder. So, while I had a hard time understanding a single word of the review, I could appreciate the footage of the TT RS screaming across the European countryside and even getting a bit tail-happy at one point demonstrating the lovely rear-biased torque of the quattro system.

Even if you can’t understand what they’re saying, this video is definitely worth checking out just for the sheer sound of that exhaust and the scene of a beautiful white TT against a grey and green backdrop. Enjoy the video!

(Source: Autoblog.nl)

How to buy an Audi TT on the cheap

Andrew — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 14:21:48 +0000

With the economy hurting, most people’s wallets are keeping then from spending on premium items such as cars. However, we bring good news! We’ve found a Mk I Audi TT that can be had for substantially less than what even a used TT can be purchased for! If you’re interested, you can quickly pick up this TT at a bargain basement price of $4,395 - and it does nearly 50 miles to the gallon!

Alright, now that we’ve given the good news, let’s talk about the bad news. First off, this isn’t an Audi TT, it’s really a Daihastu Copen powered by its 1.4L, 87HP engine that has been dressed up to be a Mk I Audi TT. Hey - it’s even got alloy wheels! It’s a sad attempt, but at least this guy went all the way by trying to get everything down to the lights and grill to look as close to the TT as he could with what he had to work with. However, if you’re feeling thrifty and are interested in a used non-Audi TT Audi TT, then feel free to surf over to Ebay UK to pick up this lil beauty.

(Source: Autoblog.nl via Jalopnik)

2009 S4 Avant: Best Audi to buy right now?

TT RS: Driving footage aplenty

Andrew — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 18:41:10 +0000

In the last week or so, Audi has released some new official photos of the TT RS coupe and cabriolet as a means of whetting the appetite of car fans and automotive journalists alike. We decided to post this video instead which is just over 6 minutes of TT RS goodness with great rolling shots and plenty of sonorous engine note from the fat oval RS exhaust pipes.

For those that don’t know, the TT RS is the 340HP turbocharged 5-cylinder-powered coupe that Audi handed over to quattro GmbH along with the rest of the TT performance bits for the full RS treatment. As seen in the video, the TT RS will come in both coupe and cabrio body style and can be expected to return a 0 to 60 time of the mid-to-high 4 second range for those lucky enough to slip behind the wheel. The jury is, unfortunately, still out on whether the U.S. market will be privy to such an exciting pair but, given Audi’s performance image push within the States, we’re optimistic we’ll see this model by early 2010 along with the RS5.

Be sure to click over into High Quality(HQ) for the best view of this video.

Click here to view the embedded video.

TTS Roadster takes on the Boxster, Vette and Z4

Andrew — Sat, 30 May 2009 03:36:10 +0000

With the summer officially here as of Sunday, June 1st, Car and Driver thought it would be appropriate to look at some of the best choices out of there for powerful, higher end convertibles for to cure the economic blues as of late.

In terms of the competition Car and Driver stacked up an impressive list of high-end ‘verts consisting of:

- Audi TTS

- Chevy Corvette

- BMW Z4 sDrive 35i

- Porsche Boxster S

The Audi TTS finds itself among stiff competition being down nearly 35HP from the nearest competitor while also being down 2 cylinders from the Porsche and BMW and a whopping 4 cylinders from the Corvette’s V8 that produced a the most horsepower of the group at 430HP.

While the TTS may be down on power, don’t count it out just yet.

Out of the group of high performers, the TTS managed a second place on the skidpad just a hair behind the Boxster and the TTS, well-equipped, comes in about $7,000 less than its nearest competitor in terms of price. Car and Driver also goes on to state that while the TTS is down on power, the TT RS engine option will cure the deficit of power, though they go on to say the suspension already comes so well-sorted that there isn’t much left that needs to be fixed!

Hit this jump to check out the full review by Car and Driver and see where the TTS stacks up against its higher priced competition.

(Source: Car and Driver via German Car Blog)

Audi TTS vs. M3, Evo X, SL63 AMG and IS-F

Andrew — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 06:00:31 +0000

I’ve been watching these Best Motoring videos from Japan for a couple of years now on YouTube and they’re always interesting. Interesting because I can’t understand the commentary but also because the cars they pit against one another range from the intriguing to the down-right eclectic.

Well, this recent installment features one of our favorites, the Audi TTS, against the potent M3, powerful but heavy SL63 AMG, the overrated IS-F and the ultimate pocket-rocket, the Evo X. The results might not be what you expected once you watch the full video of these powerhouses both big and small tearing up the Tsukuba circuit in Japan. however, I’m sure the rain played a part in the results of the race as the water was so bad it was reminiscent of the 1976 Japanese Grand Prix at Fuji. Enjoy!

Click here to view the embedded video.

Geneva Motorshow: Audi TT RS

Andrew — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 17:42:18 +0000

It’s that time again, when the Geneva Motor Show is held to debut coming models that Europeans are lucky enough to get an Americans can only hope for.

Audi has officially unveiled, though we’ve known about it for a while, the TT RS, the first time the TT has received the full RS treatement and the first few live shots of the car have hit the net.

Part of the RS treatment from quattro GmbH will include:

- 2.5L 5-cylinder TFS iengine producing 340HP

- Oval RS tailpipes

- Exclusive exterior colors such as Mugello Blue, Suzuka Grey, and Daytona Grey typically found only on RS models

- Sport button mounted on the transmission tunnel that allows the driver to tighten up throttle response and open the exhaust flaps for a louder exhaust note

-The popular electromagnetic suspension

- Custom 18″ 5-spoke RS wheels and other optional wheels in 19″ and 20″ sizes

- LEDs more widely used in exterior lighting

- Fixed rear wing - unlike the retractable wing on the standard TT and TT S

Hit the jump to read Audi’s official press release plus additional pics.

The Audi TT RS:
A Pure Driving Machine developing 340 bhp

Audi is once again producing a five-cylinder engine – and a very special one at that. Arriving at dealerships this summer, the TT RS has a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine with direct gasoline injection; it produces 250 kW (340 bhp) and 450 Nm (331.90 lb.-ft.) of torque. The blazing five-cylinder engine enables the TT RS to perform extraordinary feats. In conjunction with quattro permanent all-wheel drive and a high-performance chassis, the engine makes the compact Audi TT RS a top-notch sports car – available as a coupé or roadster.

Sporty five-cylinder gasoline engines have a long legacy at Audi. The most famous is arguably the turbocharged 2.1-liter engine in the Audi quattro. The first version, which was launched in 1980, offered an impressive 147 kW (200 bhp). And the Sport quattro from 1984, directly inspired by motorsport, delivered a whopping 225 kW (306 bhp). For 25 years, turbochargers and quattro have been a dynamic formula for success.

Audi has resumed using this recipe. Designed from scratch, the five-cylinder engine combines a turbocharger with FSI direct gasoline injection to elevate the TT RS to a high-performance sports car. The TFSI delivers 250 kW (340 bhp) from a displacement of 2,480 cc (151.34 cu in): a specific output of 100.8 kW (137.1 bhp) per liter.

The power-to-weight ratio is also outstanding. In the case of the Coupé, which weighs in at a mere 1,450 kilograms (3,196.70 pounds), the power-to-weight ratio is just 4.3 kilograms per bhp. The Roadster has a weight of 1,510 kilograms (3,328.98 pounds) and a power-to-weight ratio of 4.4 kilograms per bhp – thanks to its extremely lightweight and largely aluminum body constructed as per the Audi Space Frame principle.

The TT RS Coupé rockets from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62.14 mph) in 4.6 seconds; the Roadster needs just a tenth of a second longer. The limited top speed of 250 km/h (155.34 mph) is merely the official figure for both versions; as an option, Audi can increase it to 280 km/h (173.98 mph).

Almost even more impressive is the aggressive pulling power. The maximum torque of 450 Nm (331.90 lb.-ft.) is always available between 1,600 and 5,300 rpm. In addition, the TT RS overtakes without the slightest effort. Last but not least, its engine makes passengers’ skin tingle time and again thanks to its speedy and powerful response, its inspiring free-revving character, and its unmistakably guttural tailpipes: five-cylinder classical music by Audi!

Compact and Lightweight: The Five-cylinder TFSI
As an uncompromising sports-car engine, the 2.5-liter TFSI is ultra-compact. Just 49 centimeters (19.29 inches) in length, it is ideally suited for transverse installation in the TT RS. And its weight of just 183 kilograms (403.45 pounds) also sets a record. The crankcase is made of vermicular-graphite cast iron. This high-tech material unites the utmost in strength with low weight; it has otherwise only been used for the large TDI engines from Audi. Perfectly placed reinforcements enhance the block’s loadability. The lightweight cylinder head, the pistons, and the connecting rod are lightweight as well as high-strength.

The ultra-powerful five-cylinder engine is extremely fuel-efficient, requiring an average of just 9.2 liters/100 km [25.57 mpg] as regards the Coupé (Roadster: 9.5 l/100 km [24.76 mpg]). Switchable flaps in the intake manifold mix the incoming air in a calculated configuration. Injected at a pressure as high as 120 bar by the common-rail system, the gasoline swirls intensely in the combustion chamber – which in turn cools the walls. This subsequently facilitates a compression ratio of 10.0:1, which is very high for a turbocharged engine. Both of the adjustable camshafts, controlled via chains, also enhance charging efficiency with respect to the air-fuel mixture.

The large turbocharger generates up to 1.2 bar of boost pressure. The intercooler, fed air ideally by the lower segment of the single frame radiator grille, reduces the temperature of compressed air by over 80 percent at full load.

When an Audi TT RS driver pushes the standard Sport button on the center tunnel, a flap installed in the left exhaust tailpipe renders the exhaust noise even more robust and intense while boosting engine responsiveness. An optional Sport exhaust system is available with matt black tailpipe trims and sound flap.

For Purists: The Driveline
The Audi TT RS is the first classic sports car in the Audi RS family. Like the RS 4 and the RS 6, the Audi TT RS was developed by quattro GmbH as a pure, no-holds-barred driving machine. A new six-speed manual transmission conveys the engine’s tremendous power, and permits easy and precise operation thanks to a specially designed shift lever boasting particularly short shift travel. The transmission’s defining characteristics are a high efficiency ratio and a sportily narrow spread of the gear ratios.

The Audi TT RS features quattro permanent all-wheel drive as standard equipment. Its heart lies at the rear axle: an electronically controlled, hydraulic multi-plate clutch. If a situation calls for it, the clutch redirects a majority of the torque input from the front wheels to the rear wheels.

Within milliseconds, a powerful electrical pump in conjunction with an accumulator presses together the clutch’s plates via hydraulic pressure. Additions to the quattro powertrain include a constant velocity joint before the propeller shaft and a compact rear-axle differential – both are heavy-duty components.

The quattro drivetrain grants the Audi TT RS outstanding traction, fascinating dynamics, and superb stability. Winding rural routes or some laps around a racetrack allow the superior handling to shine. The precise and responsive steering, the instantaneous reactions of the chassis, the neutrality at the cornering limit, the grip while exiting a curve, and – time and again – the engine’s thrilling power: every mile in an Audi TT RS exudes the distilled essence of sportiness.

High-tech Excellence from Audi: Chassis and Body
The chassis of the Audi TT RS builds on the cutting-edge foundation of the base TT design. The four-link rear suspension, which handles longitudinal and lateral forces separately, plays a crucial role. The electromechanical steering is highly efficient and the power steering adjusts to the vehicle’s speed. With aluminum in the front and sheet steel in the back, the body’s innovative mixture of materials results in a well-balanced axle-load distribution, excellent crash safety, and the outstanding rigidity which lays the cornerstone for the car’s precise handling.

The standard sports chassis, which lowers the body by 10 millimeters (0.39 inches), features tightly tuned springs and shock absorbers. The optional Audi magnetic ride adaptive damping system allows the driver to select one of two modes for the shock absorbers by simply pushing the Sport button. Dynamic mode enables the TT RS to hug the road; Comfort mode provides a pleasantly balanced ride perfect for long journeys.

The sportiest version in the TT model line boasts 18-inch wheels fitted with 245/45 tires. They are complemented by mighty ventilated disc brakes, which measure 370 millimeters (14.57 inches) in diameter at the front and 310 millimeters (12.20 inches) at the rear. So that heat dissipates quickly, the front friction rings are perforated. They, in turn, are connected by hollow pins to the aluminum brake discs, which are encircled by black four-piston brake calipers made of aluminum and bearing RS logos.

The Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP) can be switched off partially or entirely. In Sport mode, the engine does not intervene to monitor traction and, correspondingly, the brakes engage later than otherwise. In the second mode, the ESP is fully deactivated.

The Face of Power: The Exterior
At just 4.20 meters (13.78 feet) in length, the vigorously compact Audi TT RS hints at its explosive potential from the very first glimpse. The front spoiler tapers downward into a splitter, reminiscent of a racing car. The large and squared air inlets have diamond-shaped inserts. And the high-gloss black single frame grille with a frame in matt aluminum look and the TT RS badge bear the same styling. The xenon plus headlights with LED daytime running lights notify faraway drivers that an Audi TT RS is approaching.

The sides of the vehicle are accentuated by large wheels in 5 twin-spoke design, vigorous side sills, and exterior-mirror casings in matt aluminum look. At the tail end, the two large oval exhaust tailpipes – spaced apart – are encircled by a diffuser insert. Here, too, is a TT RS badge. A stationary rear spoiler is standard, though customers can opt for one which automatically extends and retracts. Thanks to a drag coefficient of just 0.3, the 2+2-seat coupé and the two-seat roadster glide effortlessly through the wind. Audi offers the TT RS in eight colors. Among them are four exclusive options: Daytona Gray, pearl effect; Mugello Blue, pearl effect; Sepang Blue, pearl effect; and Suzuka Gray, metallic. The Roadster’s soft top comes in black or dark gray.

Exclusive Character: Interior and Equipment Packages
The dynamic exterior of the Audi TT RS is matched by the interior. The leather multifunction sports steering wheel has an especially thick rim, is flat-bottomed, and is covered with perforated leather. Integrated in the instrument panel, the driver information system can display boost pressure and oil temperature as well as a lap timer for chronicling feats at the racetrack. The door handles consist of two slim strips – typical of Audi RS models. An automatic climate-control system and the concert sound system are standard, as are an electrohydraulic soft top and an electric wind deflector for the Roadster.

The entire interior is black. The heated sports seats feature an Alcantara/leather combination with silver contrasting stitching and embossed TT RS logos in the front backrests. Additional badges and logos appear on the steering wheel, in the rev counter, and on the door sill trims. The inlays are made from brushed aluminum. Floor mats feature silver piping trim; footrests and pedals are in aluminum look.

Audi offers TT RS customers a diverse range of optional equipment: variably styled wheels measuring 18, 19 or 20 inches in diameter; bucket seats with folding backrests; seat upholstery in Silk Nappa leather with perforations or Fine Nappa leather with special TT perforations; inlays with Ibis White or Phantom Black paint finish as well as matt aluminum-look inlays for the exterior. In addition, there are high-tech navigation and multimedia systems available. Sales of the Audi TT RS begin in March; deliveries are scheduled to begin this summer

Photos sourced from www.Autoblog.com - see more TT RS photos in there gallery here.

High-Res Photos: Audi TT RS

Andrew — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 21:31:45 +0000

Just a few days ago, we posted the first official photos of the new TT RS, Audi’s response to the recently revealed BMW Z4 Roadster.

The Audi TT RS will debut at the Geneva Auto Show and it will be available in two variants: Coupe and Roadster. Read the press release below for more information.

Press Release
Sporty Powerhouse with Five Cylinders

This top model will debut at the Geneva Auto Show
Direct gasoline injection and a turbocharger deliver far more than 300 bhp
Top-notch chassis, big brakes, and quattro drivetrain

Audi is once again producing a five-cylinder powerhouse: the Audi TT RS will be unveiled to the world at the Geneva Auto Show. Its turbocharged 2.5-liter engine produces well above 300 bhp. It also delivers explosive acceleration, driving delight, and unrivalled sound.

A legend is reborn. After all, powerful five-cylinder gasoline engines have a long legacy at Audi. And the turbocharged direct-fuel-injection engine in the TT RS is the new torchbearer of this dynamic tradition. It enables the TT RS to perform extraordinary feats. For example, it needs nowhere near five seconds to reach 100 km/h (62.14 mph); overtaking is child’s play; and 250 km/h (155.34 mph) is the limited top speed only on paper.

The quattro permanent all-wheel drive system, a sophisticated chassis, and stupendous brakes keep a tight rein on the power. All in all, the compact TT RS – with its lightweight and largely aluminum body constructed as per the Audi Space Frame principle – is a driving machine to be reckoned with.

Additional information will be available during the Audi Press Conference at the Geneva Auto Show on March 3, 2009 (Hall 1, Booth 1060).

Breaking: Audi TT RS Official Photos

Andrew — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 19:55:39 +0000

Just a day after we posted the first leaked photos of the new Audi TT RS, new official photos made their way onto the web. The TT RS will be unveiled at the Geneva Auto Show in two weeks, but for now, the US market will not be getting the car.

The Audi TT RS will have a tubrocharged five cylinder engine producing somewhere around 350HP mated to quattro all-wheel-drive to help plant all of that power to the tarmac.

Stay tuned for more information and exclusive photos!

First Pictures of the TT RS

Andrew — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 17:55:24 +0000

Good news and bad news, sports fans.

Here are the first “teaser” pics of the 2010 TT RS. As said before, the TT RS will have a tubrocharged five cylinder engine producing somewhere around 350HP mated to quattro all-wheel-drive to help plant all of that power to the tarmac. Buyers can also expect a number of cosmetic upgrades such as the RS oval tailpipes, huge air intakes, bigger wheels and LED’s within the headlamps and taillamps. From the pictures it looks like buyers also get a fixed rear wing, unlike the retractable rear wing on the standard TT.

The bad news: rumor has it that the U.S. market will sit this round out and not receive the TT RS. Which means this is the second Audi in recent times that wouldn’t come stateside. The American market already missed out on the 2009 turbocharged V10 RS6 Avant and it appears we’ll be missing out on the next great RS model - Audi, you’re killing us over here!

Watch this space for more information about the TT RS when it drops at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

Is this a preview of the 2010 Audi TT-RS?

Andrew — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 04:38:50 +0000

Is this the new Audi TT-RS? The same TT-RS is said to have a turbocharged 5-cylinder 2.5L engine that will produce approximately 350 horsepower?

Well, no, it appears that it isn’t according to reputable sites such as Autoblog and MotorAuthority. But perhaps, according to rumors, we’ll be lucky enough to get a glimpse of the TT-RS at Geneva. However, there is little left to speculate on regarding the capabilities of the ‘roided up TT with the RS treatment. As mentioned, the TT-RS will sport a highly tuned 5-cylinder forced induction engine mated to a 6-speed manual transmission or the optional and more attractive dual-clutch S tronic gearbox all coming together to put the 350 ponies down to all four wheels with the help of quattro all-wheel-drive.

Other RS treatments will include items such as flared wheel arches, a much larger front airdam to allow the beefier engine to breathe and likely 18 to 19 inch, light weight RS-spec wheels, perhaps the same wheels found on the current TT-S that also sports the same wheels found on the B7 RS4. At the rear, fans can expect to find the typical-RS dual oval tailpipes and an adjustable wing.

While there’s no definitive word on if the U.S. market will be lucky enough to see this RS model, our guess is that, depending on how the Audi TT-S sales fare, this may dictate whether the U.S. sees this car. Our opinion? Send it on over, the U.S. was already excluded from receiving the current hyper sedan/wagon RS6 so perhaps we’re over for a new RS car. If this does come state side, I’d anticipate a price of $55,000 to $60,000, fitting well above the TT-S model and just below the new RS4 model.