By Amanda Mfuphi

Audi has released the facelifted Audi TT RS Coupé and Roadster which have been refreshed at the front and rear to give them an even more dynamic masculine look. The facelifted Audi TT RS Coupé and Roadster also come with additional colours and a new engine. Fanatics will be happy to know that these facelifted models are now available for sale at dedicated Audi Sport Dealerships in South Africa.

Exterior

Upfront, the new TT RS gets a refreshed front end with the Quattro logo in a matt titanium-look being positioned in the lower section of the matt black aluminium grill. The lateral air inlets have been enlarged and are each divided by vertical stripes on the inside and outside. To aid with the engine cooling, Audi has introduced additional radiators which are located behind the typical RS honeycomb grille. The new TT comes standard with LED headlights. The RS model has a gloss black inlay in the newly designed side sill. The exterior mirror housings are available in matte aluminium look and gloss black.

At the back, there is a newly designed fixed rear wing with side winglets. There are vertical design elements on both sides above the new RS-specific diffusor. The rear also sees two large oval exhaust tailpipes that create the typical RS finish we have come accustomed to. Matrix OLED reversing lights (organic light emitting diode) with a 3D design are now standard and distribute their extensive light with extreme homogeneity and precision. When the ignition is switched on, the OLED lights put on a spectacular display.

The new TT RS rides on 20-inch wheels which are kitted out in a gloss black finish as standard. The brake calipers are painted red from the factory. The new TT RS is available in nine different colours, including the new RS-specific colour Kyalami Green. Upon request, matt aluminium and gloss black styling packages highlight the blade and rear wing. The extended gloss black styling package includes the Audi rings and the TT RS model logo in black on the front and rear as an option. The fabric top of the TT RS Roadster is only available in black.

Interior

Inside, the new TT RS comes with the RS sport seats with a honeycomb pattern in Fine Nappa leather (with blue, red or black stitching) as well as the RS logos on the seats, steering wheel, door sill trims, and selector levers underline the sporty character of the 2+2 seater. Special RS displays in the standard Audi virtual cockpit with a 12.3-inch screen provide information on tire pressure, torque, and g-forces. In manual mode, the shift light display prompts the driver to upshift when the maximum engine speed is reached. In addition to multifunction buttons, the RS sport leather steering wheel with shift paddles features two satellite controls for turning the engine on and off as well as the Audi drive select dynamic handling system.

The new RS design package adds Tango Red or Turbo Blue highlights to the car on the air vent doors, the seat belts, and the floor mats with the RS logo. These packages also offer contrasting design elements on the seats and centre console in the chosen colour.

The new TT RS comes with MMI navigation plus with MMI touch including free text search and natural language voice control. The Audi smartphone interface connects smartphones with the TT RS and can stream content seamlessly to the Audi virtual cockpit (also standard) via USB. Customers have an option of the Bang & Olufsen sound system with an output of 680 watts.

Engine and Power

The new TT RS is powered by a five-cylinder 2.5 TFSI engine which produces 294 kW of power and 480 Nm of torque. The engine is paired with a seven-speed S tronic transmission which sends power to all four wheels via Audi’s Quattro permanent all-wheel drive system. The Coupé sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in only 3.7 seconds. The top speed is regulated at 250 km/h or an optional 280 km/h. As an option, the RS sport suspension plus is available with adaptive dampers in Audi magnetic ride technology. Their control technology is also integrated into the Audi drive select dynamic handling system.

Availability

The Coupé and Roadster are now available at Audi Sport Dealerships in South Africa. The price for the Coupé is R1,062,000. The Roadster starts at R1,113,500. Prices are inclusive of a five year and/or 100 000 KM Audi Freeway Plan.