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No, this isn’t some sort of creative marketing scheme for Google’s new social media network; it’s the performance variant of the performance variant of the Audi TT. We all knew that a few more ponies could be squeezed out of that 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder that powered the TT-RS, and thankfully Audi took action.
Audi added on the “Plus” to the TT-RS Plus because it is essentially one better than the standard TT-RS. Take the engine for example; it now features 20 more horsepower and just over 11 lb-ft. of torque more than the original TT-RS, bringing the total output to a pretty thrilling 360 horsepower and 343 lb-ft. of torque. The Audi TT-RS Plus Coupe or Cabriolet can be had with either a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. In manual form, the Coupe does the 0-62 mph sprint in 4.3 seconds, while the dual-clutch models take only 4.1 seconds to reach 62 mph. The TT-RS Plus Cabriolets are equally as impressive, taking just one tick later to accomplish each feat with each transmission. Top speed is limited to 173.98 mph across the board.
In the new Audi TT-RS Plus, the engine can be complemented with a Carbon design package that dresses up the compartment with lightweight carbon fiber. A special exhaust system with flaps and black oval tailpipe trim comes standard and sets the Plus model apart from the rest of the TT lineup.
The 2.5 TFSI engine is mated to Audi’s famous Quattro all-wheel drive system that continuously adjusts to achieve maximum grip. Even though the Audi TT-RS Plus is a high-output all-wheel drive performance car, it still is able to achieve approximately 27 US mph with the S-Tronic dual-clutch transmission thanks in part to the low overall weight of the car. Each TT-RS Plus is constructed using the Audi Space Frame (ASF) with aluminum at the front and sheet steel at the rear. A Coupe with manual transmission weighs in at only 3,196.7 lbs. and has a power-to-weight ratio of 8.82 lb./hp.
Just like the rest of the car, the chassis receives the “Plus” treatment. Each Audi TT-RS Plus will come standard with a high-performance brake system that features a four-piston, perforated disc setup at the front axle. The 19-inch, five-spoke, cast “Rotor” wheels used on all of the TT-RS Plus models were given a unique black finish with contrasting red flanges to match the exterior color of the sports car and are equipped with 255/35 performance tires for better grip. As an added plus to the TT-RS Plus, customers can opt for the magnetic ride with adaptive damping system for even better handling performance.
The exterior is also one better compared to the original TT-RS. A singleframe diamond-pattern mesh radiator grille with polished anthracite and matte aluminum trim is worn on the front of the Audi TT-RS Plus. Each of the mirrors is encased in a special carbon reinforced polymer (CFRP) for an even sportier look. At the rear sits a large, fixed spoiler that creates a significant amount of downforce to ensure maximum high speed stability.
The interior features all of the special trims and sporty upgrades as the TT-RS, but doesn’t offer a real “plus” over the model it’s based on. The only exclusive update for the TT-RS Plus is an aluminum look trim ring for the gear lever and TT-RS Plus badge.
In Germany, the Audi TT-RS Plus Coupe with manual transmission will be priced at €60,650 or €62,800 with the S-Tronic. The Cabriolet version will be priced at €63,500 (manual) and €65,650 (S-Tronic). The United States will most likely not get the Plus variant, but should see some of the standard features on the TT-RS Plus available as options for the standard TT-RS.
Audi TT-RS Specifications
Engine:
Displacement: 2.5 liters
Number of Cylinders: Inline-five
Aspiration: Turbocharged
Maximum Horsepower: 360 (265 kW)
Maximum Torque: 342.97 lb-ft. (465 Nm)
-Flap controlled exhaust system with black oval tailpipe trims
-Optional carbon fiber engine bay upgrade
Transmission:
Type: Six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch S-Tronic
Drive: Quattro all-wheel
Performance (Coupe):
Acceleration 0-62 mph (manual/S-Tronic): 4.3s/4.1s
Top Speed: 173.98 mph (280 km/h)
Power-to-Weight Ratio: 8.82 lbs. (4.0 kg)/hp (Coupe with manual transmission)
Performance (Cabriolet):
Acceleration 0-62 mph (manual/S-Tronic): 4.4s/4.2s
Top Speed: 173.98 mph (280 km/h)
Power-to-Weight Ratio: 9.26 lbs.(4.2 kg)/ hp (Cabriolet with manual transmission)
Wheels, Tires, Suspension, Brakes:
Wheels: Cast, five-spoke Rotor design with black paint and red flange finish
Wheel Size: 19-inches
Tire Size: 255/35
Brakes: Four-piston fixed calipers with ventilated discs
Suspension: Optional Audi magnetic ride
Exterior:
-Singleframe radiator grille with diamond mesh in polished anthracite and matte aluminum finish
-CFRP side mirror housings
-Fixed rear spoiler
Interior:
-Knob on gear or selector lever with aluminum look trim ring and TT-RS Plus badge
Audi TT-RS Plus Gallery
[Source: Audi]
What do you think of the new Audi TT-RS Plus over the standard TT-RS? Leave a comment and let us know!
