2012 Audi TT RS Overview Change Vehicle

This 2012 Audi TT RS overview explains changes for the model year, provides a summary of the 2012 TT RS, and includes Audi TT RS safety, reliability, and fuel economy ratings.

Returning Audi’s high-performance RS badge to the United States, the new limited-production TT RS Coupe sits at the top of the Audi TT lineup.

Key upgrades differentiating the TT RS from other TT models include a thoroughly massaged, turbocharged, 360-horsepower five-cylinder engine; a magnetic ride suspension with Normal and Sport modes; numerous hardware upgrades designed to maximize performance and handling; and unique design elements and cabin treatments.

Hope you like the Audi TT’s coupe body style and can operate a manual transmission, because that’s the only way the new TT RS is equipped. This car’s mandate is to provide optimum performance, and so in addition to a powerful turbocharged engine the TT RS receives 19-inch wheels with 255/35 summer-compound tires, a magnetic ride control suspension with Normal and Sport modes that also modifies throttle response and exhaust note, ventilated disc brakes that are cross-drilled in front and equipped with red-painted rotors clamping sport brake pads, and a sport exhaust system. From a styling standpoint, the TT RS gets a fixed rear wing spoiler, unique front and rear bumpers, rocker panel and rear diffuser trim, a revised grille, and aluminum matte exterior mirror trim.

Otherwise, the TT RS is equipped much like a standard TT. Highlights from the standard equipment list include 10-way power adjustable sport seats wrapped in Nappa leather with RS embossing, a dashboard trimmed in genuine brushed aluminum, an information center complete digital lap timer, and automatic climate control. An Audi Concert stereo with a CD/MP3 player, an auxiliary audio input jack, and satellite radio is included, along with a flat-bottomed tilt/telescopic multi-function steering wheel and Bluetooth hands-free connectivity. The TT RS is also equipped with rain-sensing wipers, heated windshield washer nozzles, power heated side mirrors, and Xenon Plus headlights with LED running lights to combat foul weather.

A Technology option package is available, adding navigation, a Bose premium surround sound system, adaptive headlights, rear parking sensors, ambient cabin lighting, and an iPod cable to the TT RS’s cabin. Oddly, it doesn’t include heated front seats, which are offered as a separate item. The only other upgrades include pricey carbon fiber exterior mirrors, extra Aluminum Matte exterior trim, and a Sport Exhaust Titanium Package that includes darker titanium-finish wheels, special black exterior trim, and a sports exhaust system. Buyers can delete the rear wing spoiler and swap Nappa leather for Alcantara at no extra charge.

One of the things making the new Audi TT RS special is its engine. For this application, the turbocharged 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine is extensively upgraded for maximum performance potential, including features like lightweight pistons, a forged six-bearing crankshaft, sodium-cooled exhaust valves, and, well, you get the idea.

The end result is 360 horsepower between 5,500 and 6,700 rpm and 342 pound-feet of torque from 1,650 and 5,400 rpm, distributed to all four of the TT RS’s wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox. Take another look at those power peaks. Basically, this car is making either maximum torque or maximum horsepower from 1,650 rpm all the way to 6,700 rpm, with all four tires putting it to the pavement. Yikes.

Acceleration to 60 mph takes just 4.1 seconds, the car tops out at 174 mph, and if you’re interested in knowing about the fuel economy, it measures 18 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway, operating on premium fuel.

Dual front, dual side, and dual knee airbags, antilock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist, a stability and traction control system, and rain-sensing wipers are standard on the TT RS. Rear park assist and adaptive headlights are available as part of the optional Technology Package.

It’s not uncommon for low-volume sports cars like the TT RS to be passed over when it comes to crash tests, as is the case with this Audi. As for reliability predictions, the future looks a tad gloomy. Consumer Reports thinks the Audi TT will return below average reliability over time, while J.D. Power and Associates most recently predicted that TT dependability would be average.

The standard warranty program covers the TT RS only for the first four years or 50,000 miles of ownership, and included four years of unlimited roadside assistance. After that, you’re on your own.

The Audi TT RS weighs 3,306 pounds, and is equipped with a drag coefficient of 0.32. Neither figure is particularly impressive for such a small and sleek vehicle.

At least having a good time behind the wheel doesn’t mean giving up practicality. The TT RS offers 13.1 cubic-feet of cargo space behind its cramped rear seats, but if you fold them the trunk expands to a generous 24.7 cu-ft. Thank you, hatchback design.

Audi pays for the TT RS’s first scheduled service at 5,000 miles or 12 months of ownership.

We’re huge fans of turbocharged cars, especially all-wheel-drive models like the 2012 Audi TT RS. They’re a thrill to drive, impervious to altitude, and manage to deliver impressive acceleration combined with decent fuel economy. Plus, they don’t get squirrely with the weather, and we place check marks in the positives column for the TT RS’s big cargo area and unusual design, too. Evidently, the only cause for concern with this Audi is reliability. Get an extended warranty, and don’t look back.

By Christian Wardlaw