The Audi TT-RS is quickly becoming one of the worst kept Audi development secrets since, well, the R8. First, there was the TT-S spy shot that Audi insisted wasn't a TT-S (oops). And now we have a high-res shots of the Porsche-wannabe doing laps on the ring with what looks like The Stig behind the wheel. According to the Swedish News Agency, the RS model is easily distinguished from its less hairy-chested sib by its larger air intakes on either side of the Billy-the-big-mouth-bass grill and the two large exhausts at the rear. (OK, so the Swedes didn't mention the fish features). The TT-RS is reportedly to put some 340 – 350hp onto the pavement, and you can bet there's a Quattro system aiding and abetting the deed. The TT-RS is heading for a 2009 model year debut. Historically, Audi only offers one RS model at a time. So exactly which vehicle will be the TT-RS' natural competition? The BMW M6, M5, M3? I'm thinking the as-yet-undeclared BMW M1. You?
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My guess is that Audi sees this as competing with the Cayman S and Z4 M Coupe.
Of course, for $20-30K less, there’s the 135. Ugly, but amazing.
As long as they decide on a single set of rims, they should be fine….
That’s a stick right in Porsche’s eye…they are gunning for the Cayman S, and just might take down some base Carreras too.
Porsche needs to move the 911 further upmarket, and then offer a real engine in the Cayman S…or maybe something like a Cayman RS or Cayman Turbo. Then we’d have a shootin’ match!
Good catch AKM! I missed it the first time I looked at the picture.
I would picture it as a budget M6. M3 and M5 look too much like normal cars (and are therefore awesome). The M6 is a fashion statement in the same vein as the TT.
As for the M1? I doubt they’ll ever call it that because of the M1 that already existed. I look for there to be a 135M or a 135tii.
I dunno what’s up with the wheels in that photo. Don’t they know that on nose-heavy Audis the wheel with the most spokes goes up front?
Check out the pics in the link, the rear end makes me wonder if the VW/Porsche merger is starting with the TT.
Take a nose heavy TT and stick the 4.2 V8 in it. I’ll take the Boxster S or Cayman S, thank you – I’ve driven both, but not the current TT. Doubt a drive would change my mind – and I own 3 Audi sedans.
I doubt Porsche is greatly worried – a TT with a V8 is going to outweigh the Cayman S by at least 500 pounds, most of it on the front wheels. Speedy straight line ride, however, with Audi’s best gizmos for making it turn…
From the pricing we have so far on the TT, it would have to be the M3. Think about it, the 2.0 TT starts at $35k and ends up around $40k decently equipped. The 3.2 starts in the low forties and ends in the upper forties, maybe fifty, decently equipped. The TT-S would like start at $50k or a little north of that. And all out RS would be $60k or more.
You can’t stick the RS4 V8 in the TT. It’s not constructed to be transversally (is that the right expression?) mounted.
@chuckR: The TT isn’t as front heavy as the bigger Audis thaks to the Golf platform it’s based on.
@Vega: Even if it would fit, they’d never put that V8 into the TT – would dilute the R8, if you ask me.
Googled TT and A6 weight distribution. According to Yahoo, for each with the 3.2, the A6 is 54/46 and the TT is 59/41. Surprisingly, the 2.0 isn’t any better, but at least the overall weight is under 3000#. My wife misses her convertible and really likes the TT interior. I prefer the Boxster S – weight distribution 46/54. Unfortunately, I am informed that a kitchen remodel is a higher priority than either.