The Beijing Auto Show Brings us the 400-Horsepower 2018 Audi TT RS

2018 Audi TT RS (Credit: © Audi)

Since the new-look TT rolled out for the 2016 model year, fans of the model have been champing at the bit to get their hands on the RS version. Audi has been teasing us with various concepts, but continuously failed to deliver. Today, the German automaker finally delivers as it has unveiled the insanely powerful and fast TT RS to the world at the Beijing Auto Show.

For 2018, the all-new TT RS carries a big stick in the form of a revised version of the brand’s 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine. Audi spent time lightening this award-winning engine as well as reducing internal friction and bumping its output to a wild 400 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. This represents a healthy gain of 40 horsepower when compared to the last U.S-spec TT RS (the 2013 model) and an increase of 11 pound-feet of torque.

2018 Audi TT RS (Credit: © Audi)

Managing the power is a seven-speed S tronic transmission and a permanent all-wheel-drive system for great grip and launching. This results in a 3.7-second run to 62 mph in the coupe model and a 3.9-second run in the roadster. Audi set the speed limiter to Germany’s favorite top speed of 155 mph, but it will release an extra 19 mph upon request.

The TT RS, as always, continues to have a sportier appearance that sets it apart from its stablemates. In 2018, these distinguishing characteristics will include a revised front fascia with larger air inlets, a refined honeycomb grille, and a lower spoiler. Additionally, the reshaped side sills lead your eyes to the rear where a large fixed spoiler shows its sporty intentions and dual oval exhaust tips emit that legendary inline-five noise from the engine.

2018 Audi TT RS (Credit: © Audi)

Inside, occupants are treated to the standard 12.3-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit with three available views, an RS leather-wrapped sports steering wheel, shifter paddles, and Audi MMI Navigation Plus.

The TT RS will hit the European market in the fall of 2016 at a starting price of €66,400 ($75,075) for the coupe and €69,200 ($78,241) for the roadster. According to typical Audi release cycles, this means that we should see the U.S.-spec TT RS in dealers by early 2017.