Audi is planning a high-performance version of the 2007 Audi TT Coupe, tentatively called the TT RS, reports Germany’s Auto Zeitung magazine. The car will get a naturally aspirated V6 with over 300 horsepower, according to the report. The engine will likely have increased displacement of 3.6 liters, up from the current 3.2 liter range-topper. The RS model would get larger wheels, performance brakes, RS4-style racing seats, widened fender flares, and a new front fascia with honeycomb mesh intakes. The car would either be a 2008 or 2009 model.

Jake

The undisguised bodywork on the test vehicle – spied undergoing hot weather testing in Arizona – looks suitably aggressive, while the output should close the distance between the 272-hp TT-S and the 420-hp R8, as well as compete directly with the 295-hp Porsche Cayman S. We don't have a launch date for the TT-RS confirmed yet, but the super-coupe looks just about ready judging from the spy shots, leaving us to wonder if we might see it as early as the Paris Motor Show in a month and a half.

http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/26/spy-shots-audi-tt-rs-caught-taking-in-the-arizona-sun/

Jake

I'm having trouble understanding Audi's customer marketing philosophy. I bought an Audi TT 3.2 in May. My Nissan 300ZX was getting really difficult on parts. I needed it fairly fast, as a back-up in case my mother-in-law had to go to the hospital (It actually fits a wheelchair in the trunk if I take out the full-size spare I bought). Even though it came with run-flats, I had them replaced with normnal tires before delivery. However, it turns out:

1) Audi only ships run-flats (except for special orders)
2) Run-flat cars do not include a "Tire Mobility Kit"
3) Tire mobility kit includes basics such as a tire jack and a lug nut cover extractor.

Is Audi just being reeaaallllly cheap or is there something I don't understand? It seems to me that for a couple of extra Euros, they could include the tire jack and lug nut cover extractor. For a "luxury" car manufacturer, I'm underwhelmed.... a lot.

Jake>> ...as well as compete directly with the 295-hp Porsche Cayman S.

With the TT-RS starting at $75,000 (see link below) the real comparison is against the Porsche Carrera (MSRP $76K) and not the lower priced Cayman S (MSRP $59K) or the even lower priced Cayman (MSRP $48K).

http://www.topspeed.com/cars/audi/2008-audi-tt-rs-ar15071.html

How do you think a TT-RS will match up against a Carrera?  Tough, eh.

I new a fellow that worked for the Vasek Polak Porsche dealership in Hermosa Beach.  He'd tell prospective buyers while on their test drive down PCH that the Porsche had 11.8:1 compression ratio and even better, a very high f^%# to buck ratio.  He sold a lot of cars!

mtndriver

Previously mtndriver wrote:

Jake>> ...as well as compete directly with the 295-hp Porsche Cayman S.

With the TT-RS starting at $75,000 (see link below) the real comparison is against the Porsche Carrera (MSRP $76K) and not the lower priced Cayman S (MSRP $59K) or the even lower priced Cayman (MSRP $48K).

http://www.topspeed.com/cars/audi/2008-audi-tt-rs-ar15071.html

How do you think a TT-RS will match up against a Carrera?  Tough, eh.

I new a fellow that worked for the Vasek Polak Porsche dealership in Hermosa Beach.  He'd tell prospective buyers while on their test drive down PCH that the Porsche had 11.8:1 compression ratio and even better, a very high f^%# to buck ratio.  He sold a lot of cars!

mtndriver

It's not ALL about the HP...
It seems to me that AoA are creating wonderfully designed and engineered cars but have completely lost the plot when it comes to after sales/customer service...having attempted to deal with their customer service dept on a number of issues, I can honestly say that they have no regard for customer retention. AoA, unlike their European parent, still haven't learned the simple fact that what determines whether you buy an Audi, or what have you, again is what happens after you've handed over your money! I can assure you that neither Porsche, BMW or M-B treat their customers with such utter disregard (for future sales)!

The more postings I read on this website, the more I have come to appreciate that AoA seem hell bent on alienating every loyal customer they have by their totally insane method of sorting out "flaws" by way of class action lawsuits. In Europe, the TB and cluster fiascos were dealt with promptly and without the necessity of relying on the Courts to make Audi stand behind their product. I think everyone who posts a problem on this site should copy reinhard.fischer@audi.com so his useless customer service dept. gets an "ear full" from the front line, as it were!

The MK1 TT is a design icon and a tribute to Audi's legendary engineering (they regularly win Le Mans in a diesel!!!) but what passes as "customer service" at AoA is an insult to their customers.

Happy motoring, Leon