2016 AuDi TT RS Coupe First drive Review

We encourage not yet the fastest Audi TT: 395 bhp coupe that covers 0-62mph sprint faster than most supercars. But is it fun to drive?

The new TT RS has continued many of the properties we've become familiar with the current generation Audi quickly. It looks fantastic - all sharp angles and aggressive stance - it is very fast, beautifully made and has a characterful, terrible machine. However it was also hobbled by the same weaknesses, the steering is too light and neutral handling that prevents it from Porsche knocked off its perch.

Need to know:

• Lighter, faster TT RS now has 395bhp and 354lb ft
• 0-62mph in 3.7 seconds, 174mph top speed potential
• On sale now, priced from £ 51,800 on the road

What is that?

High-performance flagship of the range TT RS is all about power, visual aggression, and a new 2.5-liter engine pounding.

Yes, in the world of sporty coupe, it seems that Audi has bought bazooka to a knife fight. In the same year that Porsche has two cylinders lopped from its 718 Boxster and Cayman, its sister company has been rotating axis of the new TT RS up to 394bhp ... from TT.

Not only that, this hospital - largely thanks to a new aluminum crankcase for engines - 35kgs lighter than the first. All the power in the car is small, and (relatively) light, meaning it is really very surprising fast. The previous version as well, but failed to really endear himself to the buying public, so what else is new?

Audi Quattro system has played with four-wheel drive everywhere, which allows the engine snorted better to split between front and rear wheels, and change with each driving mode. So is the TT RS that ride and handle and accelerate?

Mad as a sack of badgers. We're not entirely sure anyone requiring near-400bhp TT - but it was refreshing to drive coupe that puts the engine at the heart and soul of the driving experience.

Red starter button thumb is invited to the wheel, listening to sports exhaust growl into life, and it's hard not to be tempted by the extra cylinder under the hood. Place the palm of your hand to gently Alcantara steering wheel, hold the brake with your left foot, floor the throttle, lift off the brake, and you'll release as an angry outburst advance that the scenery will begin to blur.

Four tires digging into the asphalt, the TT RS rampage off line, quick-fire seven-speed S tronic gearbox gear devoured one after the next. There was a bit of turbo lag, but as soon as you hit the second and third gears massive wall of torque (354lb ft from 1,700rpm to 5,850rpm) rips you toward redline. It just continues to attract, high sense of urgency by a hoarse voice. This five-cylinder engine is as dramatic and effective as usual.

The rest of the hospital treatment is all present and correct, so you get flared wheel arches, hyper-aggressive body kit, fixed rear wing and a pair of wide, oval exhaust, plus 19-inch alloys as standard.

The suspension is also lowered by 10mm, with bespoke tuning for the dampers and springs, which provides tighter body control in fast corners and on smooth roads, but it feels a bit stiff and unyielding when it hit a bump mid-corner bumps or negotiation.

A Cayman always feel like its damper smoothed the way under you, absorbing energy from bumps and let you get by just driving. However, the TT RS never quite reach the same level of connection. It seems incredible agile through a rapid transition, and you can feel the power sent to the rear to help push you out of the corner, but too greedy on the throttle or carrying too much speed, and the front tires will start to wash wide.

For a car with such a serious performance, RS is very docile and easy to drive - on any road and in any conditions - but there are niggles. Brakes, while a strong and effective, not able to cope with continuous use, heavy. Even with the optional carbon ceramic front discs are fitted, the pedal began to go long and supple.

Pushing it was really aggressive, to lift the throttle mid-corner, or hit the brakes, and you can get it to move to a degree, but certainly not what the car wants to do. You better enjoy brilliant and sheer speed drivetrain, which for many will be more than enough to convince them to choose a hospital.

There are a ot traits that make any TT a compelling prospect. its cabin looks and fells epensive enough to justify the  51.800 Euro Price, just a long as you avoid the garish, brightly coloured plastic trim pieces. The driving position es excellent, it has four seats, and it has a proper boot

Its cost more the 718 Cayman S, bu it also comes with far more standard equipment, an automatioc gearbox and an extra 45bhp, The Audi won't stop, steer, or turn with the same clarity as the mid-engined Porchase and as a result will be less engaging for keen drivers, but it fels more exciting and is a lot more refined so the gap between them is now a loc closer than it used be

Tweet