2012 Audi TT RS

As the Rodney Dangerfield of cars, the Audi TT never seems to get any respect. Despite packing a decent amount of performance under its squashed beetle-looking skin, for many, it’s just too cute to be taken seriously. Well, while the looks have not have changed much, Audi’s latest TT, the RS, packs a smokin’ 360-horsepower and a race track worthy suspension.  So let’s see if that’s enough for the TT to get its proper due.

In an effort to earn a more “respect,” Audi engineers sent the TT Back to School to get some of the Ladybugs worked out, and to make the 2012 Audi TT RS a true performance car that’s more at home on a racetrack than at the “Bushwood Country Club.”

We headed to our favorite club racing circuit, Savannah’s Roebling Road Raceway, to find out if they succeeded in this mission. Well, after a few days of putting the TT RS through its paces, all of our drivers came away quite impressed. Roebling Road is comprised of mostly high speed corners and has a way of eating underpowered cars alive, but the RS proved well suited to this track, as you could keep the throttle pinned to the floor and scoot through most turns with ease. Steering is quick, almost to the point of being darty; the RS will still understeer in typical Audi Quattro fashion, but you can get a little oversteer as well, with well timed throttle inputs. It speaks volumes to both a good chassis design and a good balance of power with that chassis.

Our testers also used words like agile, fun, nimble, and responsive, which are all good ones to hear when someone is describing a sports car; but one word we heard more than most was “awesome” and it was used when describing the brakes. Corner after corner, they provided fade free whoa-downs, and delivered good feedback while doing it. Straight-line stops from 60 averaged a short 120-feet. 

Transmission is a 6-speed manual only, and Quattro all-wheel-drive is standard. When engaged, Sport Mode quickens throttle response, firms up the suspension settings, and gives you a more aggressive exhaust note. The throttle pedal, when engaged, makes the RS leap off the line with gusto and helps you hit 60 in just 4½ seconds; while the ¼-mile passes in only 12.8-seconds at 112 miles-per-hour. Motivation for these speedy sprints comes from Volkswagen’s 2.5-liter inline-5. Here, it’s turbocharged and puts out an impressive 360-horsepower and 343 pound feet of torque. 

Despite the pumped up track performance, on the street, the TT RS remains a very civilized and enjoyable daily driver. Seats are comfortable and the ride is not too harsh, though it can get a bit noisy in the cockpit, especially when you add the optional Sport Exhaust Package which is louder, but not particularly pleasing. And, sitting in the TT RS is very much like being in a cockpit. There’s not a lot of room to go around, but the design makes very good use of what space there is. It’s also refreshingly simple and build quality is first rate. All controls are within easy reach. A 9-speaker 140-watt sound system is standard, but for navigation you must add the optional Tech Package. A flat bottom steering wheel adds a sporty touch and aids in entry. While aluminum sill plates and pedal covers, add a bit of shiny. Front seats are well bolstered and supportive for track work; but we weren’t crazy about the white stitching.

While the TT RS might have bulked up in every possible performance measure, when it comes to styling, it’s mostly the same smooth-looking squashed insect that you either love, or love to hate. It does wear a more aggressive looking front end with larger air intakes and a black diamond-patterned version of Audi’s Single frame grille. It also gets standard Xenon-plus headlights, and Audi’s much copied LED daytime running lights. The RS also sports matte-finished aluminum side mirrors. 18-inch wheels are standard, but opt for the Titanium Sport Exhaust Package and you’ll get these nice looking 19’s.

In back, there’s a new rear fascia with integrated diffuser. A fixed rear wing is standard, but this deployable rear spoiler is a no cost option. From the side there’s still the same minimal greenhouse, but down low are extended side sills that help to give a more substantial look. 

Government Fuel Economy Ratings for the TT RS are 18-City and 25-Highway. The Energy Impact Score is average; 16.5-barrels of oil consumed per year with annual CO2 emissions of 7.3-tons. As for pricing, the 2012 Audi TT RS Coupe comes in at $57,725, and a Roadster version is also due. So, is the TT RS a true Cinderella story?  Did it indeed come out of nowhere to become a champion?  Well, in the words of that great caddie talent scout Carl Spackler, “It’s in the hole!”