With its world debut at the 2009 Geneva Auto Show, and developed by Audi's high performance subsidiary quattro GmbH at Neckarsulm, Audi released the first ever compact sports car Audi "RS" model - the Audi TT RS, which was available from 2009 in Coupé and Roadster variants. This new TT RS harks back to the sporting legacy of 1980s Audi Quattros - with their high performance five-cylinder turbocharged engines, the TT RS will include an all-new 2.5 litre inline five-cylinder Turbocharged Fuel Stratified Injection (TFSI) petrol engine. This new 183 kilograms (403 lb) engine produces a DIN-rated motive power output of 250 kilowatts (340 PS; 335 bhp) from 5,400 to 6,700 rpm, and torque of 450 newton metres (332 ft·lbf) at 1,600-5,300 rpm.
Historically, after the original Audi "RS" model - the Audi RS2 Avant, all Audi "RS" models have their assembly carried out at the quattro GmbH factory in Neckarsulm, Germany. The TT RS will be the first Audi RS vehicle that will not have any of its assembly performed in Neckarsulm, and will be completely assembled in the Audi factory in Győr, Hungary, alongside its 'lesser' Audi TT brethren.
The TT RS has a new short-shift close-ratio six-speed manual transmission, and like all "RS" models, is only available with Audi's 'trademark' quattro four-wheel drive system, with the TT RS using a specially adapted version of the latest generation multi-plate clutch from Haldex Traction. Additions to the quattro system include a constant velocity joint before the cardan propeller shaft, and a compact rear-axle differential – uprated to cope with the increased torque from the five cylinder turbo engine.
Like the TTS, the TT RS has a 10 millimetres (0.4 in) lower ride height, optional "Audi Magnetic Ride", and rides on standard 18 inch roadwheels with 245/45 ZR18 tyres (optional 19" or 20" wheels are also available). The brakes are uprated to include two-piece cross-drilled and radially vented front discs, sized at 370 millimetres (14.6 in) in diameter. The front discs are clamped by gloss black painted four-piston calipers, adorned with the RS logo. Rear ventilated discs are sized at 310 millimetres (12.2 in) in diameter.
It includes a fixed rear spoiler (retractable optional), and has black interior with heated Alcantara/leather sports seats (Silk Nappa, Fine Nappa leather optional). The Recaro "RS bucket" seats, first seen in the Audi B7 RS4 are also available as an option. Also carried over from the B7 RS4 is the 'Sport' button, which sharpens the throttle response and deepens the exhaust note, and a three-stage user-selectable Electronic Stability Programme (ESP).
As of 2010 the TT-RS is available with the 7-speed DSG automatic transmission capable of handling the torque delivered by the engine. The 6-speed gearbox used in the TT-S cannot cope with 450 newton metres (332 ft·lbf) which is why the TT-RS initially was offered only with a manual transmission.
The car went on sale in March 2009, with delivery beginning in summer.
In 2010, the TT-RS was confirmed for the US market. The decision was influenced by an internet petition to bring the TT-RS stateside, which succeeded with over 11,000 signatures. The TT-RS is expected to arrive in Q3 2011.
According to the May 2011 issue of Car and Driver (in which they tested a Euro-spec model in a comparison along with the BMW 1 Series M and Infiniti G37 IPL coupe), the North American model will have the same powertrain (possibly with 360 hp), but will only be available with the six-speed manual transmission. They will not have launch control or the racing-style Recaro seats available elsewhere.
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