CLASSIC ENGINES FIND THEIR VOICE AGAIN IN LATEST AUDI SPORT MODELS

More powerful Audi R8 V10 returns to the UK range alongside updated TT RS and RS 3 models available in new Audi Sport Edition specification

• New TT RS Coupé and Roadster models now available to order in the UK priced from £53,905 OTR and £55,655 OTR respectively
• New R8 Coupé and Spyder also now on stream priced from £128,295 and £136,985 OTR
• Audi Sport Edition TT RS and RS 3 and Carbon Black R8 variants join the range

Two of the most anthemic soundtracks played by modern day sports cars have just been remastered and reissued – the new Audi TT RS and the new Audi R8 have just become available to order in the UK, bringing the rousing note of the five-cylinder TFSI back to the latest, further enhanced TT, and combining the epic arrangement performed by the classic naturally aspirated V10 in the R8 with increased power and torque outputs. The two new models retake their positions in the UK Audi Sport line-up alongside the latest RS 3 Sportback and Saloon, which in common with the TT RS are now available with a particularly striking new Audi Sport Edition specification.

The famously charismatic 2.5-litre TFSI at the heart of the latest TT RS and RS 3 models combines its 400PS output with 480Nm of torque, enabling a 0-62mph sprint time of 4.1 seconds in the RS 3 models, 3.9 seconds in the TT RS Roadster and 3.7 seconds in the TT RS Coupé. Top speed is 155mph in the RS 3 variants and 174mph in each TT RS.

Studded with its piercing LED headlamps or the segmented Matrix LED units available as an option, the remodelled front end with its larger lateral air inlets and quattro logo finished in matt titanium in the Singleframe grille ensures that the latest TT RS looks even more focused from the outset. A full-length front spoiler that is drawn up steeply at each side pulls the front apron down sharply, giving the car its distinctive, motorsport-inspired look, and in the flanks newly designed side sills with a gloss black inlay add further definition between the 19-inch alloy wheels. Not surprisingly the body sits as closely as possible to these on low and taut RS sport suspension.

At the rear, a newly designed fixed rear wing with side winglets catches the eye first, followed by the new RS-specific diffuser and the two large signature oval exhaust tailpipes.

Inspired by motorsport: The interior
In the driver-oriented cabin the fully digital Audi Virtual Cockpit with RS-specific configuration is standard, as are RS sport seats upholstered in fine Nappa leather with diamond stitching and a three-spoke RS sport steering wheel wrapped in leather and Alcantara. In addition to multifunction controls, it incorporates satellite buttons for engine starting and control of the Audi drive select adaptive dynamics system, another standard feature. The extensive equipment list, which already includes everything from MMI navigation and internet-based Audi connect infotainment services to active lane assist and the Audi Parking System Plus, has been expanded further still in this latest version to include Audi Phonebox wireless smartphone charging functionality, electrically folding door mirrors and privacy glass.

Audi Sport Editions for TTRS and RS 3
An even more compelling flagship version of the TT RS has also been created during the update programme for the TT range. The TT RS Audi Sport Edition is available as a Coupe or Roadster and is distinguishable externally by way of its black exterior highlights, which extend not only to the radiator grille, door mirror housings, front blade and rear diffuser insert but also the badging and Audi rings, and by its 20-inch ‘7-spoke rotor’ design Audi Sport alloy wheels with a diamond cut finish in gloss anthracite black. The exhaust tailpipes are also finished in gloss black, giving a clue to another additional feature of this top edition that is largely unseen but often heard – the RS Sport exhaust system gives the five-cylinder engine an even greater share of voice.

The RS 3 Sportback and Saloon which share the formidable five-cylinder unit and 400PS output with the TT RS models are also now available in both ‘standard’ and Audi Sport Edition forms. The RS 3 Sportback Audi Sport Edition features a black styling pack with applications for the radiator grille, window trims and rear diffuser insert, combined with 19-inch alloy wheels in Blade design with a gloss anthracite finish. Inside it is upgraded with carbon inlays and a panoramic glass sunroof. The Saloon is similarly equipped but rides on a 19-inch Rotor design wheel and incorporates a boot spoiler finished in gloss anthracite black.

New R8 V10, V10 performance and V10 performance Carbon Black
The R8 – the Audi Sport model which, by sharing 50% of its parts with its GT3-class competition-bred namesake, can lay claim to genuine top level motorsport pedigree – has also returned to the UK Audi Sport range in even finer fettle.

Highlights of the latest R8 range include more power, torque and performance, taking top speeds in all versions beyond 200mph, complemented by even greater handling precision courtesy of suspension and steering revisions and a striking new Carbon Black specification.

Now available as the 570PS R8 V10 and the 610PS R8 V10 performance, it is the latter which forms the basis of the Carbon Black model. The V10 Performance brings features including ceramic brakes, Sport plus suspension, a fixed gloss carbon rear spoiler and, inside, matt titanium inlays and R8 bucket seats over and above the extensive 570PS model specification. The Carbon Black equipment list goes further still, adding anthracite black 20-inch wheels with red brake calipers, carbon sideblades and styling elements, a black styling pack including black window surrounds and air outlets and a high gloss black finish for the Audi rings and badging. Ride and handling are also further enhanced by Audi magnetic ride adaptive damping.

Picture caption
Good sports – This month updated versions of the Audi TT RS and Audi R8 V10 rejoin the RS 3 Sportback and Saloon in the UK Audi Sport range. All are available in new and even more attractive versions, the TT RS and RS 3 in Audi Sport Edition specification and the R8 as a Carbon Black model.

The UK Audi Sport range – UK OTR Pricing