Introduced in 1998, the TT has been a mainstay of the Audi line-up for more than 20 years. But with buyer preferences having swung firmly in the direction of its SUV models and Audi directing €14 billion (£12.3 billion) into electric car development over the next five years, serious doubts hang over its future. An earlier plan to turn the TT into a sub-brand supporting up to four models, including a sedan and SUV, was ultimately quashed by Audi board members.
Changes to the facelifted TT RS and TT RS Roadster are subtle. They include a lightly reworked front bumper and a modified wing element at the rear. Inside, there are new colour accents and an upgraded communication system.
The TT RS and TT RS Roadster continue to be powered by the same turbocharged 2.5-litre five-cylinder petrol engine as pre-facelifted models. It delivers 395bhp at 5850rpm and 354lb ft of torque between 1950 and 5850rpm.
The heady reserves are channelled to all four wheels via a standard seven-speed dual clutch S-Tronic gearbox and an electro-hydraulic multi-plate clutch four-wheel drive system.
The performance claims remain the same; the 1450kg TT RS boasts a claimed 0-62mph time of 3.7sec and the 1540kg TT RS Roadster a claimed 3.9sec. The top speed of both models is nominally limited to 155mph but can be raised to 174mph as part of a long list of options that brings upgraded 20-inch wheels and tyres.
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