Aaaah. Almost summer. Sunny weather. And the 2018 Audi TT RS coupe quattro S tronic in my driveway.
Life is good.
My RS (racing sport) tester is the most powerful production TT ever, thanks in part to an all-new 2.5-liter, TFSI five-cylinder engine that produces a class-leading 400 horsepower and sprints from 0-to-60 in – are you ready – 3.6 seconds.
The standard quattro all-wheel drive that has the ability to send nearly 100 percent of available torque to the rear wheels doesn’t hurt either.
Nor does the Audi’s lightweight aluminum construction, which allowed engineers to reduce internal friction and increase power delivery. As a result, the engine’s maximum torque is available between 1,700 and 5,850 rpm.
I had goosebumps the first time I pushed the start button in the Audi’s steering wheel and listened to the deep, throaty, exhaust notes fill the cockpit.
Inspired by racecars, the interior features a driver-focused cockpit with standard S sport seats, Audi virtual cockpit and a new multi-function sport steering wheel with shift paddles and satellite controls.
The 12.3-inch virtual cockpit display’s the car’s Google Earth navigation system, speedometer, tach, torque and g-forces, smartphone interface, and 600-watt, 12-speaker Bang and Olufsen sound system.
The heated, fine Nappa leather S sport seats with red diamond stitching, pneumatic side bolsters and eight-way adjustable front seats with four-way power lumbar support were form fitting. Other interior enhancements include carbon fiber inlays, aluminum door-sill inlays, stainless steel footrest and pedal caps.
My TT seated four adults, although what I found more functional, was folding them flat to accommodate two full-size golf bags on a recent outing at Lake Padden in Bellingham. The RS, which gets almost 30 miles per gallon down the highway, has a top track-rated speed of 155 mph.
With a quick goose, the TT RS raced to triple digits with the tach barely moving. Add the optional dynamic plus package and top speed climbs to 174 mph. That would be quite the speeding ticket!
The Audi TT RS also looks the part. My tester came with a high-gloss Nardo Grey coat of paint, although a matte finish would have looked even more cool. The three-dimensional single-frame grille with the signature quattro script, larger air intakes to serve the engine’s need for cooling, fixed rear wing spoiler and large oval tailpipes instantly convey the vehicle’s sporty DNA.
Black exhaust tips, 20-inch, seven-spoke anthracite forged wheels and red brake calipers add to the look.
Safety features include a rearview camera, blind-spot monitoring, electronic stabilization control and electronic vehicle immobilization with anti-theft alarm.
I had a nonstop smile plastered to my face for seven straight days. I guess summer, sunny weather and an Audi TT RS will do that for you. I’m giving the TT most of the credit.
Base Price: $64,900
Price As Driven: $74,025
Vehicles are provided by the manufacturer. List price may vary at local dealerships.
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