2012

After giving the green light to the U.S. specification TT RS last year, the flagship version of Audi’s sports coupe has finally arrived in the States. It will go on sale within the next few weeks with prices starting at $56,850 (*) excluding destination charges, taxes, title, options and dealer charges.

Interestingly, the North American version of the TT RS is more powerful than its European sibling as the 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder TFSI engine is said to deliver 360-horsepower and 343 lb-ft of torque between 1,650 and 5,400 rpm. The European market model is rated at 340HP and 450 Nm (331.90 lb.-ft.) of torque.

Power is channeled to all four wheels through Audi’s quattro system and a 6-speed manual gearbox. The brand with the four-rings says the TT RS accelerates from 0 to 60 mph (96km/h) in just 4.1 seconds en route to a top speed of 174mph (280km/h).

The TT RS also gets the Audi magnetic ride, which allows the suspension characteristic to be actively altered, bespoke 19-inch alloy wheels, a fixed rear wing, prominent body sills and exterior mirror housings in matte aluminum.

Standard features include special interior appointments such as the contoured 3-spoke sport multifunction steering wheel, aluminum door sills with the RS logo, and RS-specific interior door handles, along with 10-way power sport front seats with three-step heating, leather seat coverings, brushed aluminum interior inlays, and available LED ambient lighting.