Audi TT RS Roadster 2.5 TFSI Review

Driven: Audi TT RS Roadster 2.5 TFSI Review

Here is the first drive review of the Audi TT RS Roadster 2.5 TFSI.

What is the Audi TT RS Roadster 2.5 TFSI all about?

Firstly, the latest generation of the Audi TT RS is a brilliant redesign. Audi have brought the car right up to the minute with all the updates on the car. The latest updates have brought in strong and angular lines. I like the use of these because they also help shape the headlights and humongous grille.

The TT RS, certainly looks the part over the standard model, with a sharper and more aggressive face. There are larger optional 20″ alloy wheels (£1,595) and at the rear, you find two huge exhausts you would expect to see on an RS6 or similar. Crazy!

A 2.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine powers the Audi TT RS Roadster and creates 400 PS and 480 Nm of torque. This power goes through a 7-speed S tronic direct-shift gearbox. The TT RS can get from 0-60mph in 3.7 seconds and this model has been derestricted to do a top speed of 174 mph.

How does it drive?

Driving the Audi TT Roadster 2.5 on a sunny day on open roads was a great way to get to know the super sporty roadster. I have previously driven the 2.0 litre TT and didn’t think the 2.5 litre would be a massive difference to the performance, but believe me, I was very wrong. This specific test car was kitted out with the £2,600 Dynamic Package Plus option. This includes Audi Magnetic Ride with ‘RS’ Sport suspension, which continuously adapts the suspension damping to the changing driving situation. Additionally, there is the ‘RS’ Sport Exhaust System, which further enhances the engine sound, and a top speed derestrictor that gives a top speed of 174mph. Yes, 174mph in an Audi TT. This is actually one serious car.

With the first bit of open road I saw, I floored the throttle and the TT was off. 400 PS powered the roadster into the horizon, as I would expect from a sharp supercar. However, I was shocked and taken back by how aggressive the TT RS was. To improve on that some more, the exhaust note from this 2.5-litre engine was also a superb surprise. The car has a particularly encouraging note. It was really loud and therefore brought a smile to your face with lots of pops and bangs, all whilst testing out the rev range. What a first impression this baby R8 delivers.

Rewarding the Driver

The chassis on the Audi TT RS Roadster feels very solid and gives the roadster an especially planted feel. Testing out all the different cambers on the country track showed off how well the suspension of the car is set up. I really enjoyed throwing the TT RS around the corners as even at low speed the car seems to feel rewarding and provides the driver with some real, simple pleasures.

I literally can’t believe this car is what we know as a TT. If I was blindfolded as a passenger, I would be convinced I was in a Lamborghini due to the level of real life usable performance the car delivers in all desirable areas. The game changer in this car is that technically impressive 7-speed S tronic direct-shift gearbox. It delivers a completely flawless and instant gear shift. Consequently, it takes this powerful roadster from merely decent to absolutely unbelievable to drive.

What is it like inside?

Inside the Audi TT, the setup is completely focused on the driver. The controls in the central dashboard are very minimal, with only 3 large central fans that house the heating controls. Then underneath those, there are a few essential buttons. It is a very plain and effective design.

Finally, Audi has completely digitised the dashboard instruments, allowing them to place the information normally displayed centrally on the dashboard. This display looks good and works well.

The Experience

Audi have really nailed the driving experience of the Audi TT RS Roadster; the car gives the full open-to-the-elements experience and it has ridiculous amounts of poke that will catch anyone out that ever tries to race it. Plus, the mega dramatic exhaust sound track will keep you grinning ear to ear, without a doubt.

Verdict

The updated design of the Audi TT gives a completely fresh look to an already solid car. The Audi TT RS Roadster has to be the most thrilling, appealing and capable 2.5 litre car I have ever driven, by a long shot.

Video Highlights

Specification