Work is under way to develop the hottest ever version of Audi’s new sports coupe, likely to be badged TT RS. Audi insiders have promised that the TT RS will be a “real alternative” to the Porsche Cayman when it goes on sale in Europe in late 2008 or early 2009 for an estimated 50,000 euros.
The TT RS, snapped here in the desert southwestern United States, will use a 2.5-litre in-line five-cylinder motor, its first five-cylinder engine in ten years. Early reports indicate that Audi will boost performance to a hefty 350 horsepower using twin sequential turbochargers.
All this grunt will be channeled through Audi’s permanent all-whele-drive quattro system and a six-speed manual gearbox, though the DSG dual-clutch system will also be available as an option. Expect sporty styling with unique large-diameter wheels, alloy-effect door mirrors, aggressive bumpers, RS badges on the brakes and sill extensions. Volkswagen’s new 280bhp 3.6-litre V6 petrol engine, lined up for a hot version of the Passat CC, is expected to be released at the same time to replace the 3.2-litre V6 currently powering the range-topping standard TT.
