Audi TT RS retains its unique five-cylinder powerplant and gains subtle yet effective styling tweaks


  • Audi TT RS Coupé and Roadster opens for order in April
  • Award-winning five-cylinder: 2.5 TFSI engine with 400 metric horsepower and 480 Nm (354.0 lb-ft)
  • New front end and redesigned rear wing with side winglets
  • Audi Sport CEO Michael-Julius Renz: “TT RS shows even more of its strength”


Thrill seekers craving the return of the ultimate incarnation of the Audi TT need wait no longer – the 2019 TT RS becomes available to order in April, matching extreme performance with an intoxicating aural accompaniment courtesy of the multi-award-winning five-cylinder 2.5 TFSI. This famously charismatic beating heart delivers 400 metric horsepower and 480Nm of torque, enabling a sprint time of just 3.7 seconds to 62mph and up to 174mph at the limit. An even more dynamic design for the body and extra equipment as standard round out the latest updates to the Audi Sport spearhead.


“The new TT RS is in absolute peak form,” says Michael-Julius Renz, CEO of Audi Sport GmbH. “Like a well-trained athlete, it showcases even more prominently how much power lies beneath its muscular outer skin.” Oliver Hoffmann, Technical Managing Director of
Audi Sport GmbH, adds: “The outstanding performance is achieved by the low weight, the maximal athletic tuned suspension, and our award-winning five-cylinder. We have received the sought-after “International Engine of the Year Award” with the 2.5 TFSI
engine for the ninth time in a row.”


Dynamic appearance: The exterior design


The TT RS has never looked so athletic. The redrawn front end and the striking rear give it a dynamic appearance. The quattro logo in a matt titanium-look is positioned in the lower section of the gloss black grill with its matt black Singleframe. Lateral air inlets, which have been enlarged once again, are each divided by vertical strips on the inside and outside and extend almost all the way to the front wheel wells, making the new TT RS appear extremely wide. For cooling purposes there are additional radiators located behind the typical RS honeycomb grill.


A continuous front spoiler that is drawn up steeply at each side pulls the front apron down sharply, giving the car its distinctive, motorsport-inspired look. The blade is painted in body colour as standard, but is also available in a matt aluminium look or gloss black.

The RS model has a gloss black inlay in the newly designed side sill. The exterior mirror housings are available in body colour, matt aluminium look, gloss black, and carbon.


At the rear, a newly designed fixed rear wing with side winglets catches the eye. As part of the aerodynamics concept, it supports RS-typical performance and efficiency. There are vertical design elements on both sides above the new RS-specific diffuser. Two large oval exhaust tailpipes create the signature RS finish.


LED headlights are standard. The optional matrix LED units regulate the high beams intelligently and with great flexibility. Also available are Matrix OLED reversing lights (organic light emitting diode) with a 3D design which distribute their extensive light with extreme homogeneity and precision. When the ignition is switched on, the OLED reversing lights put on a spectacular display.
A new red 12 oclock marker on the steering wheel rim also serves to highlight its performance potential.

The new TT RS is available in eight different colours, including the new RS-specific colour Kyalami green and the new colours Pulse orange and Turbo blue. Upon request, the matt aluminium and styling package highlights the blade and rear wing. The fabric top of the TT RS Roadster is black. Privacy glass is fitted to the Coupé as part of the standard equipment list.


Award-winning performance: The 2.5 TFSI

Five-cylinder, 400PS output, 480 Nm (354.0 lb-ft) of torque, quattro all-wheel drive — the Audi TT RS (combined fuel consumption 34.9 – 35.8mpg; combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 183 – 181) impresses with inner values and offers an outstanding driving performance. The Coupé sprints from 0 to 62mph in only 3.7 seconds. Musical accompaniment is provided by the typical five-cylinder sound: 1-2-4-5-3. Due to this ignition sequence, ignition alternates between adjacent cylinders and those far apart from one another. This unique rhythm is music to the ears of many horsepower purists.


Last year, Audi Sport received the sought-after “International Engine of the Year Award” for the 2.5 TFSI engine for the ninth consecutive time. The turbo engine draws its power from an engine displacement of 2,480 cm3. The engine’s maximum torque of 480 Nm (354.0 lb-ft) is available between 1,950 and 5,850 rpm. The top speed is regulated at 155mph or an optional 174mph.


The forces of the five-cylinder engine flow via a seven-speed S tronic to the quattro permanent all-wheel drive that distributes the power as needed between the axles via a multi-plate clutch. Wheel-selective torque control makes handling even more agile and safe. The driver can use the Audi drive select dynamic handling system to influence the quattro drive and other components such as the steering, S tronic, engine characteristic, and exhaust flaps. The four modes available for this are comfort, auto, dynamic, and individual.


Pure dynamism: The suspension

The low weight (1,450 kg for the TT RS Coupé without driver) and the appropriately firm suspension provide the basic prerequisites for the exemplary handling of the Audi TT RS. The progressive steering adapted specifically to the RS ensures close contact with the road. At the front axle, ventilated and perforated steel discs are in action behind the 19-inch or 20-inch wheels. The brake calipers are painted black as standard, but are available in red as an option.


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.


Inspired by motorsports: The interior

Controls and display in the new TT RS are focused completely on the driver. The RS sport seats with the rhombus pattern in Alcantara or optionally with a honeycomb pattern in fine Nappa leather as well as the RS logos on the seats, steering wheel, door sill trims, and selector levers underline the dynamic 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 red or blue highlights to the car on the air vent doors, the seat belts, and the floor mats with the RS logo. The extended RS design package also offers contrasting design elements on the seats and centre console.


Up to date: The infotainment system


Audi also offers a great deal of infotainment features. The options include MMI navigation plus with MMI touch including free text search and natural language voice control, as well as the Wi-Fi hotspot and the Audi connect online module. Online services reach the vehicle via the fast LTE standard. The Audi smartphone interface connects smartphones with the TT RS and can stream content seamlessly to the Audi virtual cockpit via USB. In addition, Audi Phone Box is also now fitted as standard. The Bang & Olufsen sound system provides an excellent sound experience on board with an output of 680 watts.