Audi TT RS Spied Testing Ahead of 2009 Launch
Audi’s TT RS, caught in pre-production testing, will use a new 2.5-litre turbocharged five-cylinder engine and arrive in coupe and roadster forms in 2009.
Audi’s upcoming TT RS has been caught in pre-production testing, revealing details of the high-performance model due to launch in the third quarter of 2009. The spy photos show the car undergoing final evaluation with minimal camouflage, confirming the RS variant’s more aggressive styling and key technical upgrades over the standard TT.
Engine and performance details
At the core of the TT RS is a new 2.5-litre turbocharged five-cylinder engine, paired with a six-speed manual gearbox. Audi claims this unit produces 340hp and 450Nm of torque, positioning the TT RS well above the existing TT S in terms of power. The manufacturer’s figures suggest a 0-60mph sprint in 4.5 seconds, putting it among the fastest cars in its class at the time.
The engine features direct fuel injection (FSI), which Audi says helps keep fuel consumption below 10 litres per 100km. This balance of performance and efficiency was a core part of Audi’s pitch for the RS, aiming to offer strong acceleration without excessive running costs.
Body styles and market timing
Production will cover both coupe and roadster variants, giving buyers a choice of body styles. The TT RS will sit at the top of the TT range, above the TT S, and is expected to compete with performance coupes and convertibles from rivals such as BMW and Porsche.
Audi plans to launch the TT RS in the third quarter of 2009. Pricing had not been disclosed at the time of the spy shots, though the RS is expected to command a premium over the TT S. The car’s arrival will mark the first time a full RS-badged TT has joined the line-up.
How the TT RS compares to rivals
| Model | Engine | Power (hp) | 0-60mph (sec) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audi TT RS | 2.5L turbo I5 | 340 | 4.5 |
| BMW Z4 sDrive35i | 3.0L turbo I6 | 306 | 5.1 |
| Porsche Cayman S | 3.4L flat-six | 320 | 5.1 |
