The 2017 Audi Tt RS marks a significant leap forward for the iconic sports coupe, injecting raw power and cutting-edge technology into its already stylish frame. My first encounter with this beast was anything but ordinary, starting with a slight detour after exiting the Jarama Racing Circuit near Madrid. While momentarily blaming Spanish roundabout design, the truth was, I was simply too eager to get acquainted with the car itself, despite my familiarity with Audi’s Virtual Cockpit system. This initial confusion quickly faded as the vibrant Spanish sun and the promise of open roads took over.
Cruising down the Autopista with the top down in a colleague-driven ‘Ara Blue’ twin, the 2017 Audi TT RS Roadster immediately showcased its appeal. The shared experience, roofs down under the Spanish autumn sun, offered a unique perspective on this dynamic two-seater. Forget the minor navigational hiccup; the focus shifted entirely to the driving experience ahead, towards challenging mountain roads that beckoned.
For someone like me, who hadn’t previously spent much time with the Audi TT, this day in Spain was a true initiation. The mission? To be fully convinced of the capabilities of the TT’s most potent iteration: the RS model. Arriving early allowed for precious extra time behind the wheel. Amongst the perfectly aligned test vehicles, the ‘Nardo Grey’ roadster stood out. Nardo Grey, an Audi RS signature color, has an undeniable allure, a shade that simply commands attention and personal desire.
First Impressions: Design and Aesthetics of the 2017 Audi TT RS
The 2017 Audi TT RS immediately strikes you as a compact powerhouse, exuding muscularity in its design. Audi’s latest design language manifests in aggressive and sharp lines, giving this two-seater a decidedly assertive front fascia. This is further amplified by optional matrix LED headlights and a robust front splitter proudly displaying the engraved Quattro logo. The Nardo Grey finish on the splitter, in my opinion, was a superior aesthetic choice compared to the white contrasting splitters seen on the Ara Blue and Catalunya Red models.
Moving to the side profile, the optional massive 20-inch wheels make a bold statement, appearing even more imposing against the TT’s concise length of just over 4 meters. The rear presents a powerful contrast to the sharp front, yet it’s equally detailed and refined. Highlighting this refinement are the brand-new OLED taillights, a series production first for Audi, their vibrant square shapes creating a visually striking signature. The integrated rear wing adds a touch of sportiness without being overly ostentatious, while the signature RS twin-oval exhaust pipes leave no doubt about this model’s performance pedigree.
Interior and Technology: A Glimpse into the 2017 Audi TT RS Cabin
Assessing the interior of the 2017 Audi TT RS Roadster was effortlessly done with the top down. The saddle-brown interior bathed in sunshine was simply breathtaking. It provided a luxurious contrast to the exterior, enhancing the convertible’s premium feel. While saddle brown exudes luxury, opting for sporty black interiors in the slightly faster coupe remains a popular choice.
Audi truly went all-in with the TT RS, offering an extensive list of customization options to elevate exclusivity. The test vehicle featured quilted leather sport seats and abundant carbon fiber inlays. These are the kind of premium touches typically associated with the R8, adding an unexpected layer of luxury to a car in this segment.
Slipping behind the steering wheel, borrowed from the R8, I encountered a slight challenge in finding my ideal driving position. At 1.88m (6’2”), I found myself quickly at the lowest seat setting without the desired steering wheel height adjustment range for optimal legroom. Whether this was due to the car’s compact size remains uncertain, as I’ve never experienced similar seating issues in other Audi models.
Navigating the infotainment system, I instinctively searched for the traditional pop-up monitor, only to realize it was absent. The 2017 Audi TT RS exclusively utilizes the Virtual Cockpit (VC), a fully digital instrument cluster. While initially requiring a slight adjustment, the 12.3-inch TFT screen is intuitive and easily controlled via both the center console and, more conveniently, the steering wheel. The TT RS steering wheel is notably compact and features a striking red start/stop button along with an integrated drive mode selector.
The Heart of the Beast: Performance and Engine of the 2017 Audi TT RS
Pressing the start button ignites the 2017 Audi TT RS’s five-cylinder engine with a resonant growl. The ‘sport exhaust’ button on the center console was highlighted as essential, promising an even more amplified sound, potentially rivaling the formidable RS6 Avant. While initially skeptical, engaging the sport exhaust dispelled all doubts. The sound is genuinely exhilarating.
Audi TT RS Coupe Catalunya Red Detailing
The 2.5 TFSI engine is a masterpiece, celebrating its 40th anniversary and boasting numerous ‘engine of the year’ awards. Its unique five-cylinder configuration is increasingly rare, with efficient turbocharged four-cylinder engines becoming the industry norm. Audi’s commitment to refining this engine for each new model, prioritizing character over pure efficiency, is commendable. In a market driven by downsizing, Audi distinguishes itself by retaining this charismatic five-cylinder in its entry RS models.
This dedication is evident in the enhanced 2.5 TFSI engine of the 2017 Audi TT RS, significantly improved from its predecessor. Engineers cite up to a 60% difference from the unit in the current Audi RS3, which was soon to be succeeded by a new generation retaining the same engine. The updated engine delivers 400 hp, a substantial increase from the previous 340 hp, and 480 Nm of torque. A new aluminum casting contributes to a 26-kilogram weight reduction, significantly lightening the overall 2017 Audi TT RS.
As indicated by the Quattro badge, the 2017 Audi TT RS features standard all-wheel drive. This combination of AWD, reduced weight, and increased power makes it the fastest TT RS ever produced. It boasts a top speed of 280 km/h and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in a mere 3.7 seconds (3.9 seconds for the Roadster). Launch control demonstrations at the Jarama circuit were particularly impressive.
Despite the benchmark set by electric vehicle acceleration, the 2017 Audi TT RS’s launch control performance was surprisingly impactful. The near-instant throttle response, even with a single turbocharger, was remarkable.
Driving Dynamics: On the Road and Track with the 2017 Audi TT RS
Back on the Spanish highway, the duet of Audi TT RS engines created a delightful symphony for any automotive enthusiast. With the top down and sport exhaust valves open, the car’s soundtrack was fully immersive, occasionally challenged by wind noise above 120 km/h. While highway cruising was reasonably comfortable, my height did impact open-top enjoyment, with airflow uncomfortably hitting the top of my head despite the wind deflector.
2017 Audi TT RS Roadster Ara Blue in motion on a highway
Exiting the highway and reducing speed transformed the experience. The gentler breeze became the expected pleasure of open-top driving. The fully automatic soft top, deployable in just 10 seconds at speeds up to 50 km/h, remained down as I shifted the 7-speed S-tronic dual-clutch transmission into manual mode for spirited driving through the Spanish countryside.
The 2017 Audi TT RS demonstrated remarkable agility in corners, attributed to its improved weight distribution. The front end felt surprisingly light, and the torque vectoring system enabled sharp cornering. The steering, while precise, felt slightly over-assisted, lacking some desired feedback. The car’s advanced driving aids, while effective, somewhat reduced the raw engagement. It is undeniably nimble, incredibly quick, and audibly exciting, yet remarkably easy to drive.
This near-perfection makes the 2017 Audi TT RS highly appealing to a broad audience, not just seasoned petrolheads seeking to exploit minor imperfections and engage in powerslides. To explore its limits further, I had the opportunity to test the TT RS on the Jarama Circuit over three brief laps.
2017 Audi TT RS Coupe Catalunya Red on track
A pre-track presentation highlighted the performance gains over the previous TT RS generation. The successor demonstrably improved lap times across the circuit, showcasing enhanced power distribution. While the launch control experience already underscored the performance leap, I was keen to assess the car’s behavior with reduced electronic intervention.
After two safety car laps, it was time to push the 2017 Audi TT RS on the tight Jarama track with ESP deactivated. The TT RS became noticeably more playful, maintaining its sharp turn-in and exhibiting immense traction thanks to Quattro AWD. It is an incredibly efficient and powerful machine, capable of making even novice drivers feel like track professionals. The advancements Audi achieved with the new 2017 Audi TT RS are genuinely impressive.
Market Positioning and Conclusion: The 2017 Audi TT RS in Perspective
The 2017 Audi TT RS faces strong competition from the BMW M2, yet its performance elevates it to a realm where it can challenge the Porsche 718 Cayman S, and even, in terms of sheer performance, the Chevrolet Corvette. The key differentiator? Its competitors are predominantly rear-wheel drive. While RWD might be preferred by purists for engagement, the 2017 Audi TT RS offers class-leading performance and efficiency.
The price point of the 2017 Audi TT RS mirrors its performance bracket. Starting at €67,000 for the coupe and €69,000 for the roadster in Germany, it occupies a similar price range to the Corvette and Cayman S. For this investment, buyers receive exceptional performance and efficiency. The ultimate question remains: does the 2017 Audi TT RS deliver the same level of driver engagement as its rear-wheel-drive rivals? While arguably less raw in its feedback, the sheer capability and accessible performance of the 2017 Audi TT RS make it a compelling and formidable sports car in its class, broadening its appeal to drivers seeking both exhilarating speed and refined driving dynamics.
