2023 Audi TT RS Iconic Edition is a product for sale in the European market

The Audi TT, the car that represents Audi’s golden age, is saying a long goodbye. The TTRS leaving the stage in the US market at the end of the 2022 model year with legacy version, and now in Europe, the TT RS Iconic Edition is a similar homage to the history of the exceptional coupe. And that’s why it’s worth taking a look at previous generations before we get into the details of this latest and arguably most effective version of the series. TT so far.

It was 1995 when the TT concept (above) impressed the audience at the Frankfurt auto show. Incredibly pure and geometric, it’s a modern interpretation of the Bauhaus aesthetic. The production model, which hit the market just three years later (not until the 2000 model year in the US), is exceptionally faithful to the show car and still exudes concept car vibes. The first TT, the purest in terms of style, was offered in coupe and convertible form. The 225hp turbocharged 2.0-liter engine paired with all-wheel drive arrived in the model’s second year in the US as the flagship, then overtaken by the V- 6 narrow angle 3.2 liters, available with manual or dual clutch transmission just launched in Golf R32.

The second generation TT coupes and convertibles that appeared in the US in 2007 had a slightly less minimalist design. However, with this model, Audi has brought back the 5-cylinder engine, a move that pleases fans of the brand. Unlike Audi’s original five-wheeler launched in 1976, this one is derived from the four-wheeled EA113. It’s a close relative of the U.S.-market inline 5-cylinder that powers the Golf and other models, but it’s supercharged and makes twice as much power.

The current third-generation TT returns to its roots with razor-sharp lines and a sportier look. Ferdinand Piëch himself sent the designers back to the drawing board, when—with an eye on an evolutionary proposal—he told them, “That’s not how to treat a symbol.” The new TT was re-launched in 2014 as a coupe and convertible; Cross each other and Sportback four doors the originally envisioned versions were dropped and the TT continues without any major changes to this day.

As for the Iconic Edition, only 100 units will be produced, Audi Sport decided not to delve too deeply into the design heritage of the TT; that will require a different approach to wheel design and decoration both outside and inside. While the original TT was defined by the use of aluminum trim, this TT reflects the contemporary popular notion of sportiness with its black wheels and carbon fiber trim. .

The fearsome appeal of the TT RS Iconic Edition is undeniable. It sits low to the ground, with an aggressive stance, its 20-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 255/30 rubber. All are finished in Nardo Gray and the front end is accentuated by the nose wing, propeller and splitter; The rear end is equipped with a large spoiler and optional OLED taillights for a futuristic feel. This model proves that the design of the third generation TT has really aged.

You step into the cockpit that hasn’t changed much over time and is still very smart and driver-oriented. The multimedia interface may seem a bit outdated just because Audi has switched to other input strategies in its recent models, but the interface works well. And integrating the climate controls into the center vents still seems like a genius. This special edition features two-tone black and gray nappa and Alcantara leather with honeycomb yellow contrast stitching.

The turbocharged 2.5-liter in-line five-cylinder—long since an all-aluminum engine although it started out with a block of iron—ignites with a bellows. The European TT RS doesn’t sound quite as good as the American one because it’s equipped with a mandatory particulate filter, but the roar is still unmistakable inside and out. The seven-speed dual-clutch automatic works like a charm, providing near-seamless or intentional changes, depending on drive mode and throttle input. The manual transmission has long since disappeared from the TT RS—it was only available on the previous model generation—which we consider an unfortunate miss.

Producing the same 394 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque as in the standard TT RS, the inline five-cylinder has an incredibly aggressive sound that will please the aspiring driver. Although it only has a single turbocharger, the turbocharging is fast enough—and non-stop. We expect to hit 60 mph in just over three seconds from rest and the top speed regulator is set at 174 mph. We didn’t come close to that this time, but you can hit triple-digit speeds with incredible ease and a sense of security that is a constant threat to your driver’s license.

With a low center of gravity, high-performance tires, an announced weight limit of just 3252 pounds, and all-wheel drive, the TT RS successfully explores the outer limits of the Group’s popular MQB platform VW group. We drove it on fast-paced country roads rather than on the track and were still intrigued by its overall accuracy and well-weighted steering. The adaptive dampers offer a great spread between a firm, stiff profile suitable for fast driving on smooth asphalt and a more passenger-friendly, compliant setup for less aggressive driving. more ardent. The rear spoiler effectively addresses the aerodynamic challenges of the TT’s sloping rear end, which troubled the first-generation TT before. Audi adds mandatory rear spoiler.

The current TT RS has been in production for six years and we’re happy to report that it’s still holding up pretty well against competitors like BMW M240i and Toyota Suprait doesn’t feel hopelessly outnumbered by a Porsche 718 caymanand it might be able to activate cheaper but newer items like NissanZ to the curb. But since the TT RS didn’t last long in this world, Audi saved the cost of upgrading it with the latest, most sophisticated versions of the engine and chassis control systems available in the market. RS3.

Audi designed the TT RS Iconic Edition to be a collector’s item, and that’s why it’s packed with not only a plethora of custom options, but also a plaque that not only says This is one of 100 but also exactly which one. . Another key indicator is its price: It costs a whopping 113,050 euros, or about $120,000, about 41,000 euros more than a standard TT RS in Germany. No one will come to America. And that’s a shame.