- Characterful turbocharged five-cylinder engine packs a punch
- quattro system provides excellent traction
- Excellent dynamics
- Suspension delivers fidgety ride
- Steering lacks precision
- Lacks driver involvement of Porsche 987 Cayman
Overview
Released in September 2009, the Audi 8J TT RS Coupe was a four-seat performance coupe. Manufactured in Gyor, Hungary, the Audi TT RS Coupe was powered by a 2.5-litre turbocharged inline five-cylinder petrol engine mated to a close-ratio six-speed manual transmission.
From June 2011, the TT RS was available Audi’s seven-speed double clutch transmission (‘S-Tronic’) – this transmission enabled manual shifts via the steering wheel gearshift paddles, but also had two fully automatic shift modes and a ‘launch control’ setting. In February 2013, the TT RS Plus was released.
2.5 R5 TFSI: CEPA and CEPB engines
The Audi TT RS Coupe’s CEPA engine was based on the naturally aspirated 2.5-litre engine which powered the North American Volkswagen Bora and Jetta. Hand-built in Gyor, Hungary, the CEPA engine had a graphite cast iron block, a die-forged steel crankshaft supported by six main bearings, forged connecting rods, cast aluminium alloy pistons, a cast aluminium-silicon alloy cylinder head, chain-driven double overhead camshafts, variable intake and exhaust camshaft timing, four valves per cylinder actuated by roller finger followers, direct injection at a pressure of up to 120 bar and a compression ratio of 10.0:1. Furthermore, the CEPA engine was fitted with BorgWarner K16 turbocharger which provided peak boost pressure of 1.2 bar (17.4 psi).
For the TT RS Plus, the higher-output CEPB engine differed from the CEPA engine in that its turbocharger provided peak boost pressure of 1.25 bar (18.1 psi) and injection pressure increased to 130 bar.
| Engine | Trans. | Years | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TT RS | 2.5-litre CEPA turbo petrol I5 | 6sp man. | 2009-14 | 250 kW at 5400-6500 rpm | 450 Nm at 1600-5300 rpm |
| 7sp DCT | 2011-14 | ||||
| TT RS Plus | 2.5-litre CEPB turbo petrol I5 | 7sp DCT | 2013-14 | 265 kW at 5500-6700 rpm | 465 Nm at 1650-5400 rpm |
Suspension and dimensions
Based on the Audi 8J TT Coupe , the TT RS Coupe had MacPherson strut front suspension with transverse links and four-link independent rear suspension. The TT RS, however, was also fitted with Magnetic Ride Control, where the dampers were filled with magnetorheological fluid and the application of a magnetic field could vary the suspension’s stiffness. The TT RS Coupe was 4198 mm long, 1842 mm wide, 1342 mm wide and had a 2468 mm long wheelbase.
quattro
The Audi TT RS Coupe was fitted with a fourth-generation Haldex all-wheel drive system. In normal conditions, 90 per cent of the engine’s torque was directed to the front wheels. Unlike earlier systems, however, the fourth generation Haldex system could pro-actively engage the multi-plate clutch via a feeder pump when a loss of traction was anticipated, thereby transferring torque to the rear wheels before traction was lost. Previously, a difference in front and rear axle speeds – caused by wheelspin – was required to engage all-wheel drive. For the TT RS, the Haldex system was modified to include a constant velocity joint before the cardan propeller shaft and a compact rear-axle differential to cope with the torque outputs.
The front axle also contained an electronic differential lock which could brake a spinning wheel to enable cross-axle torque transfer. When cornering, the inside front wheel could therefore be braked to reduce understeer.
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the Audi TT RS Coupe included dual front airbags, front side airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control, active front seat head restraints and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.
Brakes
The Audi TT RS was fitted with two-piece cross-drilled and radially vented 370 mm front brake discs with four-piston calipers and 312 mm rear discs with single-piston calipers.
Features
Standard features for the Audi TT RS Coupe included 19-inch alloy wheels, a six speaker stereo with a six-disc CD player, MP3-compatibility and auxiliary inputs, climate control air conditioning, Fine Nappa leather upholstery, power adjustable front seats, Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control, bi-xenon headlights with washers, front fog lights, automatic headlights, raisn-sensing wipers, split and folding rear seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote central locking, power windows and heated mirrors, tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment, courtesy lamps, a trip computer and an immobiliser.
September 2010: Audi TT RS update
In September 2010, the Magnetic Ride Control was upgraded with the introduction of a ‘Sports’ mode that provided greater throttle response and steering weight when engaged.
2011 Audi TT RS Limited Edition
In June 2011, a Limited Edition model was released. Compared to the standard TT RS Coupe, the Limited Edition featured a twelve speaker Bose stereo, directional bi-xenon headlights, additional leather trim and LED interior lighting. Visually, the TT RS Coupe Limited Edition could be identified by its 19-inch five-spoke titanium-finish alloy wheels and black grille and window surrounds.
Specifications and technical data
- Specifications: Audi 8J TT RS Coupe (December 2009)
- Technical data: Audi 8J TT RS Coupe (December 2009)
- Technical data: Audi 8J TT RS Plus Coupe (February 2013)
- Specifications: Audi TTS Coupe, TTS Roadster and TT RS plus (October 2013)
Related links
- Brochure: Audi 8J TT RS (September 2009)
- Press Kit: Audi 8J TT RS Coupe (December 2009)
- Wikipedia.org: Audi 8J TT RS Coupe
