What attributes make a great sports car? Well, the ‘basics’ suggest that it all begins with a powerful engine to make it go and strong brakes to make it stop. Additionally, it would be mid-engined, or for more than two seating, it would be front engined and rear wheel drive all in the name of balanced f/r weight distribution. Furthermore, it has a driver oriented interior with excellent seats and controls. Last, but not least, the exterior must look the part.
So what does the 2012 Audi TT RS sports car offer on paper? It has an inline five-cylinder engine that seems so-so. Additionally it has a six-speed manual transmission (other automakers have seven or even eight-speed transmissions). It is all has all-wheel drive which adds some additional weight at the front and its exterior styling seems to look the part. Overall, on paper, it could be concluded that the Audi TT RS is a ‘middle of the road’ sports car.
But what is the two-door four-passenger TT RS like to drive? In other words is the car more than the sum of its paper numbers?
Well, let’s start off with a background fact. Audi was not going to bring the TT RS to the United States, however, car enthusiasts reportedly obtained over 11,000 signatures imploring Audi to bring the car here. However, the TT RS will be available at only about a 1,000 cars per year for a reported two-year period. That means only about 2,000 cars (if we could only get away from the numbers!).
The engine is a turbocharged and intercooled 2.5-liter inline five-cylinder belting out 360 hp and 343 ft. lb. of torque. With its manual six-speed transmission, Quattro all-wheel drive system and central limited slip differential, the TT RS’s 0-60 mph time is in 4 seconds flat and it has a top speed of 174 mph.
The TT RS’s windshield is well raked. At the front it has a large rectangular (slightly smaller at the bottom than at the top) grille located above and below the bumper. The headlights are coy looking slits with LEDs at the bottom. Additionally, two large air intakes are located on each side of the grille. The side profile includes a fastback roof line with the glass coming to points at the front and back. The fenders have some cut lines that adds to the car’s muscular stance. The rear includes a spoiler on the hatch, taillights that extend well into the rear fenders, and a blacked out lower section with dual exhausts. The trunk provides 13 cubic feet of cargo space.
The interior of this Audi is modern and provides a good driving environment. The race inspired sport seats are comfortable and well bolstered. Two large and two smaller chrome ringed gauges supply the driver with the necessary information. The driver can choose from a Sport button that alters the car’s throttle response, suspension setting, and exhaust note. The controls are placed well and the fit and finish of the interior is first rate. The rear legroom is tight (best left for children) but the 40/60 split rear seat folds flat. When the rear seat is folded down, there is 24 cubic feet of space.
The brakes are vented discs at each corner measuring 14.6 inches at the front and 12.2 inches at the rear. The TT RS’s 60-0 mph stopping distance is in 123 feet. The tires measure 255 35 19 inch.
The suspension at the front includes MacPerson struts, lower control arms, coil springs, electronic adjustable shock absorbers, and an anti-roll bar. At the rear the step-up includes multi-links, electronic adjustable shock absorbers, and an anti-roll bar.
Standard features on the this Audi include power windows, door locks and mirrors (heated), intermittent wipers, rear defogger, automatic climate control, remote anti-alarm system, power rear seat easy entry, retained accessory power, 12 volt power outlet, tilt and telescoping steering wheel, audio controls on the steering wheel, universal remote transmitter (for garage door, security system, etc.), interior air filtration, external temperature display, high pressure headlight washers, dusk sensing headlights, 6-way power leather sport seats, cruise control, console with storage, Bluethooth, a nine speaker sound system that includes AM/FM/CD player, auxiliary MP3 audio input, pre-wired for phone, Sirius XM satellite radio, auxiliary audio input and more. .
Safety features on the TT RS include ABS brakes, hill hold assist, electronic brake force distribution, emergency brake assist, traction and stability control, dual front side mounted air bags, passenger air bag occupant sensing deactivation, remote anti-theft alarm system, daytime running lights, child seat anchors, tire pressure monitoring and more.
In addition to its fast sprint to 60 or even 150 mph, this Audi handles well achieving .95g on the skid pad and 70.7 mph going through the coned slalom. As a matter of fact, the TT RS is faster through the cones than the mid-engined 2012 Porsche Cayman!
On the road this Audi shines when driven on twisty back or mountain roads. The engine is powerful and it does not have a flat spot. As the TT RS weights 3,360 lbs. it has enough weight to provide easy cruising on the Interstate, however, the ride can be a bit harsh if the asphalt is anything but smooth.
The fuel rating of the TT RS is 18 city and 25 mpg highway.
The Audi TT RS price starts at $58,850. This is one number that is quite big indeed! However, the TT RS will outperform many cars that cost as much or more money.
If you want a sports car that provides more than its number on paper and that is easy to live with and drive daily, be sure to have a blast test driving the 2012 Audi TT RS. You will not regret it!
View the slideshow to see the 2012 Audi TT RS inside and out!
Kyle Busch is the author of “Drive the Best for the Price: How to Buy a Used Automobile, Sport-Utility Vehicle, or Minivan and Save Money.” He welcomes your comments or car questions at his auto web site: www.cartown1.com. Follow Kyle on Facebook and Twitter.
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