After tons of speculation and confusion, Audi finally officially confirmed they will be bringing the high-powered TT RS to the United States. Initially, the car was set to be a model only sold overseas. What changed their minds? After putting up a poll on their Facebook page, Audi had more than 11,500 US-based people express interest in the car in the first month. Chances of 10,000 of them being wide-eyed teenagers just wanting to see one on the road? Pretty damn high, probably, but I think the car will do well over here.
“With performance and agility rooted in Audi motorsports success, the TT RS is truly an emotional sports car,” explained Johan de Nysschen, President, Audi of America. “That emotion became abundantly clear as we explored interest across the country.”
There will, of course, be a few changes between the model bound for the US and models across the sea, but the most important bits remain – a turbocharged 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine producing an impressive 360 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. The standard transmission Audi claims for the car is a six-speed manual, although I’m sure they’ll fit it with an optional Rtronic gearbox as well, considering a good portion of wimpy American drivers don’t even know how to drive a stick. What a shame – I’m sure the manual tranny in this car is flawless. Zero to 60 mph comes in only 4.6 seconds, and they’ll be using their “Audi Space Frame” technology (a lightweight aluminum body) to construct it. They’re also saying only the coupe will be sold here in the US. Fine by me. If you want a cruiser, buy a standard TT.
Pricing? Not announced yet, but don’t expect it to be cheap. In the UK, the TT RS Coupe starts at £44,775 (or nearly $70,000 USD.) No, it won’t be that much when it goes on sale, but still…whoa!