Almost 10 years after the launch of the first generation Audi TT comes the real powerhouse of the range - the RS. The combination of a new five-cylinder turbo engine and lightweight build gives this latest addition blinding performance.
The TT RS is the first compact coupe with the RS badge and from its 2.5 litre engine gushes 340PS; enough to propel it from start to 62mph in just 4.6 seconds - it will top 174mph.
A new six-speed manual transmission provides slick gear changes, adding further to the WOW-factor of this car.
Despite all this power, economy is good, the official combined fuel figure is 31mpg and on the press launch, based near Henley, I managed 28mpg. The CO2 figure for the TT RS is 214g/km.
With the arrival of the TT RS the brand image is further enhanced, this along with such sporting achievements as eight outright Le Mans victories all helps to keep Audi at the forefront.
Another interesting fact regarding the TT RS, it is now the only five cylinder powered model in the 31-strong Audi range, which will grow to 40 by the year 2015.
Like so many in the Audi stable, the TT RS features permanent four-wheel drive and this gives the car surefooted handling, especially wet conditions and as Belfast has an average of 213 wet days per year, no where any better to own and drive a TT RS than Northern Ireland. The Quattro system has been enhanced and is capable of diverting almost all torque rearwards.
There is choice of two body types with the new TT RS: Coupe or Roadster and no doubt the Roadster will capture the bulk of sales. I had the opportunity to try both. My test Roadster was finished in an attractive Sepang Blue and featured a number of optional extras, taking the price to £50,115.
The Coupe which I tried was in a striking Suzuka Grey livery and it is a classy looking colour; again packed with optional extras leaving the total at £52,080.
Adding to the thrill of driving the new Audi is the S button; press it and you get a throttle boost, a deeper exhaust note and damper settings adjust when the optional Audi magnetic ride is fitted.
I feel this car will be at its best on a German autobahn, on smooth roads the ride is good, but on bumpy roads, it becomes quite harsh, transmitting a feeling of being behind the wheel of a competition car. The sports chassis has been lowered by some 10mm.
With such power at the command of the right foot, stopping power is paramount and in this department, the TT RS delivers. Large ventilated disc brakes take care of stopping and the looks of the TT RS stand out with large chunky alloy wheels and the distinctive rear spoiler.
Is this the ultimate TT? The answer is yes, but not to take away from the rest of the TT line-up, many will have as much joy and satisfaction from owning and driving the lesser-powered variants. After all the overall style of the TT takes some beating and for many it has become an iconic shape.
Finally to the price of a standard car, the Roadster is priced at £42,985 with the Coupe costing £44,885.
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