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Latest Update 30-4-2012: Audi announced new TT RS plus Coupe and Roadster models. Available with manual or S tronic twin-clutch transmissions priced from £48,945 OTR to £52,265 OTR (£3,085 premium over TT RS). Ordering possible from early May 2012; first UK deliveries summer 2012. Power boosted by 20PS to 360PS; torque up by 15Nm to 465Nm. Top speed increased from 155mph to 174mph. Coupe 0-62mph down to 4.1 seconds with S tronic transmission (from 4.3). Combined MPG 33.2. Additional equipment, including sports exhaust system.

Introduction:

The second generation Audi TT transformed the image of the TT. Whereas many people viewed the first generation model as slightly soft, the newer model is a genuinely great sports car. And as if to prove this further, there's a high performance model in the shape of the TT RS.

Of course there's already the impressive TTS and with 272bhp it's certainly no slouch. But as with all the RS models across the Audi range, the TT RS takes things onto the next level. The big talking point is the 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbocharger engine which produces 340bhp - that's more than a Porsche Cayman S - which gives the top of the range TT a 0-62mph time of 4.6 seconds (4.7 seconds in the Roadster if you're counting).

This engine was unique to the TT RS, originally no other Audi used it until the launch of the Audi RS3 in 2011. It's certainly characterful with a distinctive sound and sublime performance. Audi has ensured the TT RS stands out from the rest of the TT range with an aggressive bodykit including a fixed rear spoiler and bespoke 18-inch alloy wheels.

It's available as either a Coupe or Roadster, so you can add open-air enjoyment to the high performance experience. However, neither version is cheap with new prices at more than £45,000 putting it up against cars like the excellent Porsche Boxster and Porsche Cayman, plus the latest BMW Z4.

It can't quite match the Porsche models when it comes to driver enjoyment and the TT RS lacks some of that feelgood factor you'd expect in an RS model from Audi. But it's still a great car to own and drive - and one that will always look stylish.