The U.S.-spec 2018 Audi TT RS will make its debut next week at the 2017 New York auto show, the German automaker announced today. The sport coupe will go on sale shortly thereafter with a base price of $65,875 — a direct challenge to its corporate cousin, the Porsche 718 Cayman S, among others.

Powering the 2018 TT RS is a turbocharged 2.5-liter I-5 good for 400 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque; peak power is available between 5,850 and 7,000 rpm while peak torque is on offer between 1,700 and 5,850 rpm. Audi claims that the TT RS, which weighs just 3,175 pounds in European trim, can hit 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds (the 350-hp Cayman S needs 4.4 seconds) and a top speed of 155 mph, which can be increased to 174 mph with the optional Dynamics Plus package. Sending that power to all four wheels via the standard Quattro all-wheel-drive system is a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic equipped with a launch-control mode.

It will come rolling on 19-inch wheels standard, though 20-inchers are available. LED lighting is found up front and at rear, with an organic LED setup available for the taillights. A leather/Alcantara steering wheel is standard as are Nappa leather-upholstered heated sport seats and Audi's virtual cockpit system that includes a 12.3-inch display. Options include navigation and a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo.

We liked the Euro-spec TT RS in our first drive. We have no doubt that the U.S.-spec version will be just as satisfying.

Source: Audi

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