► New Audi TT RS Coupe and Roadster revealed

► The five-pot turbo lives on; punches out 395bhp

► Claimed 0-62mph time of 3.7sec for the Coupe

The Audi TT RS is back with more power and tech than ever before, while defying downsizing convention by retaining its characterful five-pot motor.

Audi's new RS, which will be offered as a coupe or a roadster, retains its predecessor’s 2.5-litre five-cylinder engine – although the block is made of weight-saving aluminium, instead of cast iron.

Annette Mollhof, Audi product manager for the RS, said: 'The one core element is the five-cylinder engine. It is one of the most emotional engines in the range.

'It has been completely refreshed but still features that fascinating sound – it is a very strong sound with nothing artificial about it.'

As well as promising a more emotional noise at the tailpipes, Audi reckons the new car will outperform every one of its competitors on the road. Bring on the road tests...

Gimme five: no downsizing here

That new motor is 59bhp up on the old RS, offering a total of 395bhp. Torque's up, too, with 354lb ft eclipsing the previous motor's output by 13lb ft. All of that pulling power is available across a wide spread of the rev range, from 1,700rpm up to a lofty 5,850rpm.

This helps the Coupe race from 0-62mph in 3.7 seconds, with the roadster (accounting for about ten percent of sales) following two tenths after. The TT RS's top speed, as you can likely guess, is limited to 155mph.

As with all Audi performance models, the TT RS comes as standard with all-wheel drive – with bold Quattro badging on the front valance in case you needed reminding.

No sign of a manual gearbox, though, yet – so far Audi has only said that the TT RS will be available with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.

RS looks inside and out

Inside there’s an R8-aping wheel with satellite buttons for starting the engine and adjusting the driving dynamics – and this is the first time this has featured outside of the manufacturer’s supercar.

You also get an RS specific Virtual Cockpit, featuring a g-meter and gear-shift light, plus an RS design package with grey or red seat belt trim, carbonfibre inserts and RS mats.

Around the back there’s an enormous wing, which can be swapped for the standard pop-up one if you prefer, with no apparent performance detriment.

Opt for the cabriolet and you'll get an electronically operated roof which can be operated at speeds of up to 31.1mph.

Loads of options, including OLED tail lights

As you’d expect there are plenty of ways to tailor your TT RS, from a variety of 19- and 20-in alloy wheel designs and an aluminium pack for the exterior.

Performance-wise, you can spec ceramic brakes (for the front only) and a sports exhaust with a volume-enhancing button on the dash.

One other highlight of the TT RS are its optional super-sharp OLED tail lights, which don’t require reflectors – so they can moulded to a razor-thin shape. Expect to see these elsewhere in the Audi range soon.

Audi TT coupe and roadster pricing

European market prices are all that's been quoted so far; reputedly the coupe will start at €66,400 (£51,697) and the roadster will cost €69,200 (£53,896).

That will put it directly in contention with the likes of the new Porsche 718 Cayman S and 718 Boxster S, although unlike the Porsches the Audi's cylinder count has at least remained constant...

You'll be able to place orders for the TT RS soon and deliveries are pegged to begin in September.

Read more news from the 2016 Beijing motor show here



