cars news 10: 2017 Audi TT RS Storms Into Beijing With 394-HP Turbo-Five

The 2017 Audi TT RS has been revealed at the 2016 Beijing auto show in coupe and convertible body styles. Lighter than the car it replaces, the range-topping TT RS now comes with more power and is available with adjustable magnetorheological dampers for maximum performance.

Audi has stuffed a new 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder engine under the hood of the 2017 TT RS, it produces a healthy 394 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque. The new mill is 17-percent more powerful and is lighter than its predecessor thanks to a turbo capable of 19.6 psi of boost. An aluminum crankcase and a hollow crankshaft shave off 39.7 pounds and 2.2 pounds respectively. The seven-speed twin-clutch automatic transmission also has a new prop shaft that saves another 4.4 pounds compared to the old TT RS. In total, the TT RS weighs 22 pounds less than the car it replaces with the coupe hitting the scales at 3,174 pounds and the roadster at 3,373 pounds.

Compared to the standard TT, the TT RS’ suspension is lower by 0.3 inches. Steering tuning is also unique to the TT RS while the rear suspension features a unique four-link layout for improved response. Opting for RS suspension adds magnetic shocks, which also allows the driver to change the damping electronically via the Audi Drive Select system. Audi’s Quattro all-wheel drive system comes standard in the TT RS and uses dynamic software to calculate the torque sent to the rear wheels continuously. During high-speed cornering, the all-wheel drive system’s electro-hydraulic multi-plate clutch can partially send torque to the rear wheels.

Inside the cabin, the 2017 Audi TT RS comes with lightweight RS sport seats with integrated head restraints, and more aggressive side bolsters that can be optioned with pneumatic adjustment. Alcantara upholstery with diamond patterns and an embossed RS log on the backrests is standard while Nappa leather is available in four color combinations: black/gray, black/red, Murillo Brown/gray, and Palomino Brown/gray. Aluminum interior inlays come standard while carbon fiber is an optional extra. There’s also an RS design package that adds red and gray accents in the air vents and seat belts, and floor mats with the RS logo.

Audi’s slick Virtual Cockpit is available in the 2017 TT RS and comes with a 12.3-inch TFT display that displays everything from what song is playing to navigation and trip information. One unique feature in the TT RS is a rev counter with an integrated speed display, which can be accessed on the RS screen. In manual mode, a shift light tells you when you need to upshift. The MMI infotainment system comes as standard and can be upgraded with 4G LTE connectivity and wireless charging for Qi-compatible mobile phones. Smartphone apps can also be integrated in the MMI system via the Audi Smartphone Interface, which will project them on the Virtual Cockpit.

LED headlights come standard on all variants of the TT RS while Matrix OLED headlights will be available in global markets except the U.S. Optional extras include a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium audio system. The Audi TT RS will go on sale in Europe first in the fall of 2016 and will be followed by the rest of the world.

Source: Audi