Audi clearly wanted an experienced driver to steer the new TT RS onto the stage at Geneva – so called in the help of works driver Tom Kristensen.
At the launch the carmaker was keen to draw reference to the legendary Coupe Quattro of the Eighties because the new car also features a five-cylinder engine.
The TT RS is firmly in Porsche Cayman territory with 340bhp and a £43,000 price tag (£44,880 for the Roadster). It accelerates to 60mph in 4.6 seconds (4.7 seconds) and top speed is limited to 155mph, however this can be increased to 174mph at extra cost.
There is an RS4-style button to boost throttle response and further enrich the exhaust note. When asked what he thought of the TT RS Kristensen said: ‘The car is very agile and it drives as well as it looks. There is fantastic music played by this engine.’
There is aluminium-intensive McPherson strut front and four-link rear suspension with RS-specific settings and at extra cost the standard sports chassis can also be equipped with the Audi magnetic ride adaptive damping system.
Visually the car features 18” five-spoke alloys, a fixed rear spoiler and trademark RS oval tailpipes. Inside there is brushed aluminium inlays and aluminium footrests and pedals, as well as RS logos adorning the heated Silk Nappa leather sports seats.
Customers can add 19-inch or 20-inch wheels, bucket seats with folding backrests and Ibis White or Phantom black painted interior inlays at extra cost.