As the 2012 Audi TT RS gets ready for its American debut, the kind folks who made this car possible have revealed its pricing. The highest performing TT to come out of the Audi factory yet, the RS is powered by the International Engine of the Year award-winning 2.5 liter, turbocharged inline five cylinder. Producing 360 horsepower and 343 lb-ft of torque, the engine is built with a forged crank, lightweight rods and pistons, as well sodium cooled valves. Combined this power with Audi’s quattro all wheel drive and U.S. market-only six speed manual transmission, and the 2012 TT RS will hit 60 mph in 4.1 seconds.
First time owners of the U.S. spec 2012 TT RS will have to shell out $56,850 for a base model. That price gets buyers the wonderful powertrain plus all the special exterior bits that make the RS actually unique. The exclusive body panels include a massive rear wing and big front air ducts for improved cooling.
Read the full press release below.
——————————————————————————————————————————-
Audi of America today announced pricing for the much anticipated Audi TT RS. The 2012 TT RS is the pinnacle of the TT model line, and signifies the return of the RS nameplate to the U.S. The RS nameplate represents the highest performance category for Audi vehicles, and reflects the technical competencies gained through Audi motorsports successes. The Audi TT RS will be priced at $56,850 (excluding destination charges, taxes, title, options and dealer charges).
The Audi TT RS is powered by the award-winning 2.5 liter turbocharged five-cylinder TFSI engine that generates 360 hp and 343 lb-ft of torque between 1,650 and 5,400 rpm for power on demand. All engine components have been designed to cope with extreme loads and the demands of a thoroughbred sports engine. Forged six-bearing crankshaft, weight optimized connection rods, sodium cooled exhaust valves and lightweight pistons with specifically adapted ring assembly are indicative of the elements engineered into the TT RS.
The combination of FSI® injection and a high-efficiency turbocharger result in optimum combustion, superior power and rapid buildup of boost pressure even at low speeds. The engine is mated to a six-speed manual transmission and quattro® all-wheel drive is standard. An automatic transmission is not available for the TT RS. The Audi TT RS accelerates from 0 – 60 mph in only 4.1 seconds, making it the fastest in its class.
Audi magnetic ride is standard on the TT RS, which allows the suspension characteristic to be actively altered; the driver benefits as the system constantly adapts to the current driving situation. A sport mode stiffens the magnetic ride, enhances throttle responsiveness, and activates a more striking engine sound via flaps in the exhaust system.
The aluminum and steel hybrid ASF® technology also found on the TT and TTS models, reduces weight while helping increase rigidity and safety. The coupe space frame is made up of 69% aluminum and 31% steel which makes it 48% lighter than a full steel frame. The ASF technology allows the TT RS to weigh a respectable 3,306 lbs. The Audi TT RS offers excellent aerodynamics with a drag coefficient of 0.32 due to its optimized silhouette and smooth vehicle underbody.
The Audi TT RS features exclusive design elements denoting its special place at the top of the TT model line. The high gloss black diamond-patterned Singleframe® grille and large front air inlets give notice of the vehicles performance, as does the fixed rear wing spoiler that provides increased down force. Oval exhaust pipes, rear diffuser, unique 19” rotor wheels, prominent body sills and exterior mirror housings in matte aluminum finish round out the RS-specific design elements.
The interior of the Audi TT RS also features RS-exclusive appointments, such as the contoured 3-spoke sport multifunction steering wheel, aluminum door sills with the RS logo, and RS-specific interior door handles. Other interior features include 10-way power sport front seats with three-step heating, leather seat coverings, brushed aluminum interior inlays, and available LED ambient lighting.
The Audi TT RS offers electronic features one expects from Audi, including Audi concert radio with single CD player and MP3 reading capability, and AM / FM / SAT radio with a complimentary 3-month subscription to SiriusXM® Satellite Radio. Available advanced electronics offer an increased level of sophistication for the premium sports car, including technologies like Audi navigation plus with real time traffic, MMI® inspired controls, a BOSE® sound system, and Audi music interface.
The 2012 Audi TT RS is a unique car that will appeal to Audi enthusiasts and performance vehicle purists alike. The Audi TT RS goes on sale this summer.
