2018 Audi TT RS first drive – NEWSTARS Education

The first drive of the 2018 Audi TT RS

MSRP $64,900.00

“The Audi TT RS packs a ton of fun into a small, track-friendly package.”

Avg

Exceptional appearance
Incredible track control
Almost instant torque

Against

A little stiff for rubbing on the back road
Interesting HVAC layout

Whenever Audi puts the “RS” badge on one of its cars, it’s cause for celebration. That means the model in question will be infused with the most performance-enhancing technology the company can muster. With that in mind, fans were delighted when Audi’s tiny two-door coupe, the TT, received an RS upgrade that included a new five-cylinder engine. The Audi TT RS was originally destined to be another Europe-only “forbidden fruit” model, but a successful Facebook petition helped bring it to the United States. Luckily, the latest iteration of the TT RS comes to us without having to beg online, so we eagerly ventured to Connecticut’s Lime Rock Historic Park to test it out.

What’s up

The 2018 TT RS is equipped with a new 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder engine that produces 400 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. Power makes its way to all four wheels through Audi’s seven-speed S Tronic dual-clutch transmission.

Trim levels and features

While it retains the same sharp exterior as the current generation TT and TT S, the TT RS has some distinctive features. Starting at the front, the TT gets an RS honeycomb grille, distinctive matte aluminum accents and a front fascia that makes it stand out even more. At the back, the fixed spoiler is hard to miss, but you might not immediately notice the OLED taillights with dynamic turn signals. Even lower, the aluminum-accented rear diffuser and oval tailpipes emphasize the RS stance.

Alex Kalogianni/Digital Trends

If you want to equip the TT RS for a little more track drivability, the dynamic plus package replaces the magnetic ride suspension with a fixed sports suspension, adds ceramic front brakes and increases top speed from an electronically limited 155 mph to 174 mph. The included Direct Tire Pressure Monitoring System gives you a bit of extra data to work with and a carbon fiber bonnet is fitted so you can show all your friends that you’ve decided to go further.

Technology overview

A whole bunch of equipment comes standard with the TT RS, including 19-inch wheels, RS-tuned drivetrain selection and magnetic ride, sports seats and Audi’s Virtual Cockpit: a fully digital multifunction display located behind the sports steering wheel.

In addition to the performance advantage provided by the dynamic package, technology brings additional benefits such as Audi MMI navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility and a Bang & Olufsen sound system.

Interior decoration and finishing

Inside, the TT RS reliably secures two people, but anyone in the back will need some circus cornering skills. Up front, the sport seats are firm enough to hold you in place, but hardly back-breaking. With eight-way power adjustment, it’s easy to quickly secure your ideal riding position. They can also give a serious look thanks to the red contrasting diamond stitching through the Nappa leather. Even seat belts can be decorated with fringe along the edges, making you look like the mayor of Speedy-Town when strapped across your chest.

The little coupe may be obedient on command, but there are more comfortable ways to travel.

Leather and Alcantara sport steering wheel mirrors you’ll find in the Audi R8 V10, with integrated virtual cockpit controls, ignition and drive selection buttons. The lack of an additional pop-up MMI screen emphasizes the focus of the cabin design on the driver. To make the most of the available space or try to reduce clutter, HVAC controls are spread out with functions located within the hub of each vent. Perhaps the split functions make it easier to use if you spend more time with it, but for first-timers, adjusting the air conditioner feels like setting a series of padlocks and playing a weird version of Simon.

Despite the carbon fiber center console and abundant red detailing, the interior avoids being too flashy, having enough visual presence to match the nature of the car without overdoing it.

Driving Performance & MPG

The Audi TT is built on the Volkswagen Group’s MQB platform, the same system that underlies the Audi A3 and the current VW Golf. MacPherson strut front and four-link rear suspension is paired with either Audi’s magnetic ride suspension — which can be switched between a smooth and firm ride — or a fixed sports suspension.

This is about where you start to realize that the TT RS is like a mini R8 V10, but with the engine mounted up front. It is a Pokémon with one more evolution before the final form: all the recognizable characteristics are there, but slightly reduced.

In fact, between the aggressive bark of the five-cylinder and the driver-quick cockpit, we almost felt capable enough to keep up with the Audi R8 V10 Plus (our 2017 Digital Trends Car of the Year). Much of this has to do with the response of the power plant. The all-new 5-cylinder engine is designed for lightness from the ground up, and ounces have been trimmed to reduce height. Both the cylinder head and engine block are made of aluminum alloy, resulting in an engine that is 57 pounds lighter than the previous five-pot TT RS.

Having 400 hp on hand is great and all, but the 354 lb-ft of torque is what makes the TT RS a surprise and a delight, mainly because you can hit peak torque at 1,700 rpm. The all-wheel drive system can send almost all of that power to the rear when you need it, which is especially evident off the line. Audi says the TT RS can go from 0-60 in 3.6 seconds, and depending on the size of your handlebars, you might beat that, as we witnessed when we first got our hands on last year’s 2017 Audi TT RS. the launch is easy to activate quickly and it places your head firmly in the headrest.

Wide-eyed and hurtling into the Lime Rock bends, the TT RS’s handling is tight and precise. Because everything is so balanced, the car is not prone to surprises and goes where you point it, for better or for worse. There’s never any threat of it running away from you, and when you get close to the limit, the TT RS communicates it well but lets you decide what to do next.

With the dynamic plus package, the TT RS has the option of carbon ceramic front brake discs to reduce brake fade over time, while the rears are steel. It was comforting that we didn’t have to worry as much during our track time, but the car did show some flicker under hard braking. Again, the car doesn’t throw any curves your way, and while it may throw you far into the grass, that’s probably because you ignored all the warning signs it gave you.

On the road, the TT RS can be comfortable for cruising, but we wouldn’t take it on a long road trip. Like its big brother, the R8 V10, the little coupe can act docile on command, but there are more comfortable ways to travel. Even during brisk country-road drives, the TT RS was good, but felt less rewarding, as perhaps the track tuning made backroads less of a challenge. Its fraternal twin, the Audi RS 3, felt much more comfortable in this environment. One is a bit more country and the other is more rock and roll.

Conclusion

The Audi TT RS is the compromise your brain is willing to make if you’re looking at the R8 V10 as a purchase, but it’s out of your reach. Starting at $64,900, it’s within reach of similar “I did it” toys like the BMW M2 and Porsche Cayman S. The Bimmer may offer more smiles, but the TT RS is more serious about going as fast as possible around the track.

Its further cousin, the Porsche, could give the Audi a bit of a run for its money, especially with a mid-engine layout to balance things out. Throw in a bit more power and Quattro to keep you in control, and the TT RS once again has the upper hand. Buying a 718 Cayman S with a dual-clutch transmission will set you back more than $70,000.

Expect to see the TT RS on the roads in spring 2018.

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Categories: GAMING
Source: newstars.edu.vn