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A recent test drive of the Audi TT RS called the Audi RS4 I drove in 2007 to mind. Both are hardcore. Both have more-than-you'll-ever-need levels of power, are absolutely track-ready, and have an “S” mode that turns the dial up on power, agility and noise.
Five turbocharged, direct-injected and intercooled cylinders displacing 2.5L create 360 horsepower here. And with a 6-speed stick, you can grab every one of them by the scruff.
Buying a TT RS? Perhaps as a more practical, affordable, winter-friendly alternative to say, a Porsche Cayman R? You should take it to the racetrack. If not, you're wasting about 74% of its capabilities.
Newton, the smarty-pants who invented physics after an apple fell on his head, created some rules about mass and momentum that apply to the TT RS. They're both fun and educational to explore on a racing circuit.
Newton once said that an object at rest tends to stay there, until you drop the clutch and connect the better part of 400 horsepower driven by four wheels. Then, that restful state is left quickly behind while you giggle like a schoolgirl at the exotic, howling sound effects blurting from a pair of pipes large enough to launch scud missiles. Any further prod on the throttle has a similar affect. Acceleration is torque-rich and positively massive.
Another of Newton's laws states that an object keeps on keepin' on -- until a set of shoebox-sized brake calipers clamp down on its 370-millimeter drilled rotors. Forward momentum is then turned into heat and friction, and brake-fade is near-nil -- even after repeated deceleration from nearly 200 kph. That's the sort of confidence-inspiring, track-bred durability that Audi's “Renn Sport” models are known for.
An expertly tuned stability control system does little but gently intervene to keep you from an “out of track” experience if you get cocky and tick Newton off.
A safe and predictable understeer, caused mostly by the TT RS's abundant front-end mass, warns drivers they're running out of grip. All the while, and even with velocities cranked, the steering lets you know what's up between the tires and the tarmac. It's always nice when your car talks to you at high speed.
A button press toggles the Audi Magnetic Ride system between firm and less-firm. Instant, precise responses to inputs follow the nanosecond they're requested, and the ride won't bash your spine to bits on the ride home afterwards.
The latest version of Quattro AWD can instantly and seamlessly redirect engine power to and from any wheel, faster than ever, to maximize use of available lateral traction. The list goes on.
Take this one to the track. You get heaps of power, grip, braking, and confidence from the get-go. The TT RS is fast as hell, always flattering and never intimidating. It works hard to make you feel like a hero, which makes it a forgiving car to learn with. As your skill level and confidence increase, it'll be right there with you.
If Newton were still around, the Audi TT RS would probably be one of his favourite toys.
Five turbocharged, direct-injected and intercooled cylinders displacing 2.5L create 360 horsepower here. And with a 6-speed stick, you can grab every one of them by the scruff.
Buying a TT RS? Perhaps as a more practical, affordable, winter-friendly alternative to say, a Porsche Cayman R? You should take it to the racetrack. If not, you're wasting about 74% of its capabilities.
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| Photo: Audi |
Newton, the smarty-pants who invented physics after an apple fell on his head, created some rules about mass and momentum that apply to the TT RS. They're both fun and educational to explore on a racing circuit.
Newton once said that an object at rest tends to stay there, until you drop the clutch and connect the better part of 400 horsepower driven by four wheels. Then, that restful state is left quickly behind while you giggle like a schoolgirl at the exotic, howling sound effects blurting from a pair of pipes large enough to launch scud missiles. Any further prod on the throttle has a similar affect. Acceleration is torque-rich and positively massive.
Another of Newton's laws states that an object keeps on keepin' on -- until a set of shoebox-sized brake calipers clamp down on its 370-millimeter drilled rotors. Forward momentum is then turned into heat and friction, and brake-fade is near-nil -- even after repeated deceleration from nearly 200 kph. That's the sort of confidence-inspiring, track-bred durability that Audi's “Renn Sport” models are known for.
An expertly tuned stability control system does little but gently intervene to keep you from an “out of track” experience if you get cocky and tick Newton off.
A safe and predictable understeer, caused mostly by the TT RS's abundant front-end mass, warns drivers they're running out of grip. All the while, and even with velocities cranked, the steering lets you know what's up between the tires and the tarmac. It's always nice when your car talks to you at high speed.
A button press toggles the Audi Magnetic Ride system between firm and less-firm. Instant, precise responses to inputs follow the nanosecond they're requested, and the ride won't bash your spine to bits on the ride home afterwards.
The latest version of Quattro AWD can instantly and seamlessly redirect engine power to and from any wheel, faster than ever, to maximize use of available lateral traction. The list goes on.
Take this one to the track. You get heaps of power, grip, braking, and confidence from the get-go. The TT RS is fast as hell, always flattering and never intimidating. It works hard to make you feel like a hero, which makes it a forgiving car to learn with. As your skill level and confidence increase, it'll be right there with you.
If Newton were still around, the Audi TT RS would probably be one of his favourite toys.