Vehicle: 2012 Audi TT-RS Coupe with Titanium Pkg and Sport Exhaust
Price as tested: CDN$73750

Performance: Horray for the return of Audi’s legendary 5-cylinder tubocharged engine. Here is their latest creation, the TT-RS.

As we have said, TT-RS is the first Audi returns to its 5-cylinder turbocharged roots. This return marks the great refinement and smoothness once associates with Audi 5-cylinders of yore, even with its weird cylinder firing orders. The result is a 5 banger that is as smooth as any 6 banger while return the same fuel economy as any 4 banger. Which means it has a good 335hp and 332 lb/ft of torque at driver’s disposal. All have done with any turbo lag one associates with lesser turbocharged motors. Then add the direct fuel injection and variable valve timing technologies, which makes this turbo-5 continues to breath through middle and upper rev ranges. When mated with 6-speed manual gearbox, which is the only transmissionn available in TT-RS. The clutch is light and progressive, with decent feedback. On the other hand, those 6 gears provide excellent ratios for both cruising and peppy acceleration.

Handling: When TT-RS is mated with its Magnetic ride suspension, its able to dial out 99.99% of body rolls when pushed through corners. That makes the already fun roadster handles even sweeter than which already in TT-S. While the Haldex AWD has dialled some terminal understeer when pushed, it remains a very balanced dynamic package. Then add the steering which provides nice feel and feedback, on the other hand, provide sharp and precise through the process. Body rolls are minimal. As with all good ESP, it remains highly uninstrusive until driver rears its ugly heads.

Brakes: With 4-wheel discs and standard ABS, TT-RS has one of the best brakes we have ever tested. The stopping distance is short, while pedal always feels solid and easily modulated under pressure. ABS doesn’t have unnwanted intervention is an added bonus.

Interior: The beautifully put together interior has added the awesome sports seat to the mix in TT-RS. In a nutshell, you can hardly find any interior that is more artistically designed and made as TT interior.

Conclusion: Not only does Audi TT-RS represent the first major challenger to Porsche Cayman R, its engineering significance have brought back the halo memory of Audi’s traditional straight-5 turbocharged engine previously placed underneath all the performance 4-ringers of its glorious history. One can only imagine how those stallion put through the upcoming Coupe Quattro with significantly better engine layout.

Competition:
Porsche Cayman R

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2012 Audi TT-RS Coupe
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Performance: 5/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 4.5/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 5/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 5/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 3/5
Value-for-money: 4/5

Overall rating: 4/5