Iconic because this special edition of the evergreen Audi TT is indeed reminiscent of the iconic TT design language we have known for twenty-five years but this time it is more powerful than ever and absolutely bristling with aerodynamic features. Thanks to the exclusive exterior and interior highlights, the much-loved performance of the German brand’s ultimate sports coupé, coupled with the multiple award-winning five-cylinder engine, is not only palpable, but also visible to sports car fans.
On The Outside
The special edition Audi TT RS Coupé Iconic confidently meets the high expectations set by the model’s predecessors. The RS-specific Nardo Grey finish sets the right tone for the exclusivity of this very special version. This elegant shade of grey is one of the most popular individual finishes with Audi customers, ensuring an optimal first impression. This car certainly is striking.
The stylish look is further enhanced by a glossy black grille with a matte black single-frame, which emphasizes the all-important quattro lettering in a matte titanium look. The RS model also sports a design inlay in the side skirt in glossy black, whilst the Audi rings, the TT RS model designation on the front and rear, as well as the casings of the exterior mirrors apply this look consistently.
Corners are handled by edition-specific 20 inch glossy black alloy wheels with a seven-arm design and matching black brake calipers continue the design language, right down to the last detail. Partially frosted rear triangular windows with the exclusive ‘iconic edition’ lettering complete the striking dark look of the coupé.
The model-specific aero kit, developed in a wind tunnel, is inspired by motor sports; the front apron features side ‘flics’, a front splitter, and blades in the side front air intakes. At the rear, the fixed carbon rear wing, with its side ‘winglets’, ensures a sporty finish and, as part of the aerodynamic concept, supports both performance and efficiency. The two striking, oval-shaped exhaust tailpipes form a striking end. Iconic indeed.
The relationship between drag and lift was explicitly taken into account, we learn, during the development of the aero kit in the wind tunnel and is thus optimally balanced – improving both aerodynamics and driving performance apparently. The increased contact pressure of the rear wing and rear diffuser places the sports car much more firmly on the road and significantly improves handling in fast corners – ideal conditions for great driving enjoyment in all situations.
On The Inside
The interior of the Audi TT RS Coupé ‘Iconic’ is characterised by exclusivity and attention to detail as we would expect from this car maker. Here, too, the dark colour scheme of the exterior remains the central motif, which is further accentuated by the deliberate use of accents from Audi-exclusive components.
The RS sports seats are two-tone with fine Nappa side panels in jet grey and centre panels in black Alcantara, along with honeycomb stitching in calendula yellow. Exclusive “iconic edition” (we’ll try not use that word again) embroidery is embedded in the black Alcantara at shoulder height.
Under your feet, the black floor mats are finished with RS embroidery in calendula yellow, whilst the door armrest and centre console are also in jet grey and decorated with contrast stitching in calendula yellow – just like the black cowl of the Audi virtual cockpit. There’s black Alcantara on the door panels and on the RS sports leather steering wheel with calendula yellow marking at top dead centre.
While the moody ambient light creates an atmosphere in the interior if that’s what you like, the Bang & Olufsen Premium Sound System with 3D sound, enables a rich audible experience for your favourite tunes, although the soundtrack from the engine should be all the music your ears need.
On The Road
All keen drivers who have had the opportunity to drive any TT from inception will know that this is a real drivers’ car. Certainly that has been our experience over the years. This new model, available to order now as a limited edition, relies on Audi Sport’s proven 2.5 litre TFSI engine with 400PS (394 bhp) with maximum torque of 480 Nm. Numerous successes in motor sports make it one of Audi’s most outstanding power-trains. Strong day-to-day performance have earned the five-cylinder engine the “International Engine of the Year Award”, nine consecutive times since 2010.
As is typical of the model, its power is delivered via a seven-speed S tronic auto ‘box to the permanent all-wheel quattro drive. An electro-hydraulically controlled multi-plate clutch distributes all-wheel power freely between the front and rear axles. The Audi ‘drive select’ driving dynamics system allows the driver to control the quattro drive system and other components, such as steering, seven-speed S tronic, exhaust flaps, and engine characteristics.
The top speed of 280 km/h (173.9 mph) is perfectly adequate thank you (where allowed)and the sports car sprints from a standstill to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 3.7 seconds. The engine (see soundtrack above) provides a highly emotional driving experience, with its typical 1-2-4-5-3 firing order and the accompanying throaty sound. Because of the firing order, adjacent and non-adjacent cylinders fire alternately, producing a very specific rhythm and character. The odd number of cylinders creates harmonic frequencies that accompany the undertone and the engine control unit also contributes to the unmistakable sound. With a heavier load, the flaps in the exhaust pipe open up for an even fuller sound. In other words, it makes a great noise.
In addition to the usual low weight the RS sport suspension plus with adaptive dampers in the Audi magnetic ride technology, ensure excellent handling and stability. Steering also goes through the Audi drive select driving dynamics system so expect the handling to be second to none.
This edition will likely sell out fast so get in touch if you are interested in importing this model (or any Audi TT variant come to that) from the UK to Kenya, New Zealand and elsewhere globally.
