2013 Audi TT RS Plus

Audi have just unveiled a slightly upgraded version of their most potent version of the TT. The TT RS Plus is, as you’d expect, based on the TT RS. It has the same 2.5 litre turbocharged 5-cylinder engine as the TT RS, but thanks to a new inlet manifold and increased turbocharger boost pressure, the power output has been raised by 20 horsepower – taking the total to 355 horsepower. Torque has also been improved, by 11 lb-ft (15 Nm). To give the car a more sporting exhaust tone, a new sound flap has been added to modify the engine’s soundtrack.The Audi TT RS Plus will be available in both coupe and convertible versions, while the transmission choices remain the same as the standard TT RS. That means that both a six-speed manual and a seven speed S tronic  automatic are on offer. Power is of course sent to all four wheels via a quattro all-wheel drive system.The increase in power and torque translates into a reduction in zero to sixty times, and also an increase in top speed. The S tronic equipped Audi TT RS Plus coupe can reach 62 mph (100 km/h) in 4.1 seconds, 0.2 secs faster than the manual. The TT RS Plus roadster is 0.1 secs slower to 62 mph than the coupe for both respective transmission options. All four versions of the car can hit 174 mph (280km/h) before an electronic limiter kicks in.Mechanically pretty much everything else about the TT RS Plus is the same as the standard TT RS. However there are a few visual changes designed to help the car stand out. Most obvious are the new 19 inch ‘Rotor’ wheels which feature anthracite spokes and red highlights – a bit gaudy for my liking, but easily rectified with some masking tape and spray paint! In addition to the new rims the TT RS Plus also gets a new matt-look aluminum grille, carbon fiber mirror covers, a carbon engine cover, and an aluminium gear stick.In Germany, the Audi TT RS Plus coupe starts at €60,650 for the manual. The automatic roadster, the most expensive version, comes starts at €65,650. No word yet whether Audi will offer the TT RS Plus Stateside.