New Audi TT RS unveiled in Beijing

Audi has revealed the most powerful version of its TT sports car – the TT RS. Revealed in its coupé and roadster forms at the Beijing motor show, the new TT RS puts to use the latest version of Audi’s 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbo-petrol engine.

Unlike the older steel-block unit, the new engine uses an aluminium block to shave 10kg of weight. The engine pumps out 400hp and 507Nm of torque and allows the new car to sprint to 100kph in 3.7 seconds in its coupé guise – 0.5 seconds faster than the 718 Cayman S, also revealed at the Beijing show. The heavier roadster is claimed to do the same in 3.9 seconds, while top speed is restricted to 250kph, though it can be raised to 280kph.

The engine is paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox with gear ratios specific to the car launch control and Quattro all-wheel drive as standard. The RS also sits 10mm lower than the standard TT and employs stiffer springs and dampers. The car continues to use standard steel disc brakes with carbon-ceramic units available as an option.

With the RS being the most hardcore model in the TT range, Audi has upped the aggressive looks of the TT with revised bumpers with larger air vents up front, wider side skirts, revised exhaust nozzles, a prominent rear spoiler and large 19-inch alloy wheels. The car also comes with the option of OLED tail-lamps. Inside the cabin, the noticeable change is the inclusion of new TT RS sports seats, while the remaining layout remains unchanged.

Audi is set to launch the TT RS in international markets later this year with the car set to rival the Porsche 718 Cayman S and 718 Boxster S.

Beijing motor show 2016 photo gallery