New RS Iconic Edition marks 25 years of Audi TT
What's good for the goose is good for the gander, right? Meet the limited edition TT that costs £88k
Can it really be 25 years since the world first saw the Audi TT? Well, almost - it was the 1998 Paris show that the production version was finally revealed, following the 1995 concept. To mark the occasion (and, presumably, get TTs out the door while it’s still possible), Audi has created this - the TT RS Iconic Edition.
Don’t get your hopes up too high; this is not an all-guns-blazing farewell like the R8. Instead, the existing TT RS has been upgraded with an ‘elegant exterior design, sporty Aerokit, and exclusive interior’. There’s no mention of any significant mechanical upgrades, so the 400hp, 2.5-litre, five-cylinder engine is presumably unchanged, the seven-speed DCT is carried over, and the chassis courtesy of the now familiar magnetic RS sport suspension plus. Expect an unchanged kerbweight at 1,475kg, too.
Still, no complaints about the inline-five - ‘one of Audi’s most compelling powertrains’, no less, according to, um, Audi - so it seems churlish to criticise that for sticking with just the 400hp. Nor for the TT RS Iconic Edition reaching 62mph in 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 174mph. No one we know ever complained about either.
Elsewhere, Audi describes the exterior overhaul for the TT as ‘dark elegance’; which means it’s painted Nardo Grey (one of the most popular individual finishes, you won’t be surprised to learn) for ‘an optimal first impression. There are also glossy black inserts (grille, mirrors, Audi rings), 20-inch wheels, ‘partially frosted rear triangular windows with the exclusive “iconic edition” lettering’ and the Aerokit to mark this RS out. The latter is comprised of front flics and blades, a fixed carbon wing and a new diffuser. Audi says wind tunnel development for the upgrades means both drag and lift are optimally balanced; moreover, the rear wing and diffuser are responsible for ‘significantly’ improving the handling. Which sounds a stretch too far, in truth, but that’s what they’re claiming.
Inside every TT RS Iconic Edition will be a host of goodies, including two-tone RS sports seats, contrast stitching in calendula yellow, a numbered plaque, Iconic Edition embroidery and an upgraded B&O premium sound system. (Can’t say Audi doesn’t know its TT customers.) If they don’t fancy the standard spec, buyers are invited through Audi exclusive to configure an Iconic Edition how they wish ‘from individual exterior colours to the colour of the leather to the choice of contrasting stitching.’
If all that sounds a bit much for a humble TT, then wait until you hear about the price. Just 100 of these Iconic Editions will be made for Europe, and only 11 are coming to the UK. The price is £87,650, so those that can afford one can probably splash the cash to spec some different paint as well. Orders are being accepted from this month with deliveries due early next year. As for what happens to the Audi TT after that, don’t expect many more special editions with five cylinders - though the Iconic Edition has to get a Roadster version as well, right?
For context its 0-62 and standing 1/4mile time (11.6s) equal a 2019 Aston Martin DBS and is within a tenth of second of the first generation Audi R8 V10, I think that makes the TT RS sufficiently quick.
I always struggle when companies big up their own stuff by rolling out "Iconic", thats not for them to say really I dont think, thats for the owners and folk who like it, sort of up there with restaurants that add "Our Famous" to some sticky barbecue sauce or other.
I am sure they will sell them, just makes me wonder who buys an 88 grand TT ? What cost of living crisis !
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