The hottest of Audi's TT lineup will be making its way to the U.S. late next year and fans who prefer the convenience and fuel efficiency benefits of a dual clutch transmission can rest assure their needs will be catered to. Audi has announced today that the TT RS range, which includes both a Coupe and Roadster, is now available with a seven-speed dual clutch S tronic gearbox along with the standard six-speed manual.
Designed for high efficiency, the seventh gear is configured as a high-geared overdrive which reduces engine speed, thus cutting fuel consumption. The driver can choose between two fully automatic modes and a manual mode where gears are changed using the shift paddles on the steering wheel or with the selector lever. In addition, a launch control function offers virtually perfect acceleration from a standing start, with maximum turbo power and minimum wheel spin. This enables the TT RS with S tronic to accelerate even faster than with the manual transmission.
With the quick-shifting dual clutch gearbox equipped, the TT RS Coupe model manages a combined fuel economy of just under 27 mpg--quite impressive for a car that will go from 0-62 mph in just 4.3 seconds.
No changes have been made to the car’s 2.5-liter five-cylinder turbo, which means peak output remains at 340 horsepower and 331 pound-feet of torque. Drive is sent to all four wheels via a standard quattro all-wheel drive system.
The Audi TT RS is scheduled to arrive in the U.S. in the third quarter of next year as a 2012 model. Sadly, the Roadster model isn’t expected to make it, however, exact availability as well as pricing remain undisclosed.
[Audi]
