Motoring Weekly

New model roars into action

January 3 - 9, 2018
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Gulf Weekly New model roars into action

Gulf Weekly Kristian Harrison
By Kristian Harrison

Audi has welcomed the latest jewel in its sports car crown as the German marque’s showroom in Sitra is showcasing the most powerful TT of all time, the TT RS Coupé, featuring a muscular body, newly developed five-cylinder engine and accompanied by its unmistakable sound.

Audi has upped the ante and has further developed the five-cylinder engine in all areas, with lightweight aluminium construction measures, reduced internal friction and increased power delivery.

As a result, the turbo engine gains a good 17 per cent increase in performance at an unchanged capacity of 2,480cc.

At 294 kW, it is more powerful than ever before. The engine’s maximum torque of 480Nm is available between 1,700 and 5,850rpm and accelerates from 0 to 100kmph in 3.7 seconds.

The power of the 2.5 TFSI turbocharged engine flows via a seven-speed S tronic gearbox, which shifts at lightning speed, to the Quattro permanent all-wheel drive, and can choose from comfort, auto, dynamic and individual drive modes.

For the first time in a series-production Audi, Matrix OLED technology is used in the rear lights as an option. These emit an extremely homogeneous, precise light. The light does not cast any harsh shadows and does not require any reflectors – this makes the OLEDs in 3D design efficient, lightweight and visually impressive.

Large air inlets, a Singleframe grille with a newly designed honeycomb pattern and Quattro logo, and two large, oval exhaust tailpipes exude power. Along the flanks, aerodynamically-shaped side sills emphasise the sporty design.

The cockpit with its slim instrument panel has clean lines and is clearly laid out. Controls and display in the new TT RS are focused completely on the driver. Particularly striking are the round air vents, which occupy a central position in the instrument panel and house the controls for the standard deluxe automatic air conditioning. All information is displayed as standard on the fully digital Audi virtual cockpit with 12.3-inch screen. The driver can choose from three views, including a special RS screen that highlights the tachometer and provides information on tyre pressure, torque and g-force, among other things. The tachometer also serves as a shift indicator.

For the first time in the RS portfolio, the RS sport leather steering wheel with shift paddles has two satellite controls for turning the engine on and off as well as the Audi drive select dynamic handling system, in addition to multifunction buttons. The driver can influence the exhaust flap control and thus the engine sound via the sound button on the centre console.

In essence, drivers can control all important functions without having to take their hands off the steering wheel – just like in a race car.

The new TT also offers a range of high-end infotainment technology. The options include MMI navigation including free text search and natural language voice control. Using the Audi phone box, compatible mobile phones can be charged inductively and paired with the on-board antenna for optimal reception. The Audi smartphone interface displays selected apps from the phone directly in the Audi virtual cockpit. Finally, the Bang & Olufsen Sound System provides for an excellent sound experience on board.

For more information, visit the Behbehani Brothers Audi showroom in Sitra, or call 17459933.

 







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