Audi TT RS Roadster: Taken to the max

Some people are never happy. Despite the riches that are laid before them, they always want more. Audi's TT is a case in point. The second-generation model initially came in two flavours: a 197bhp 2.0-litre turbo and a silky 3.2-litre with 247bhp, neither of which were lacking in performance. But that clearly wasn't sufficient for some, so the TTS came along with a 268bhp version of the 2.0-litre turbo and performance figures that would disgrace some very expensive machinery: how does 0-100kph in 5.2secs sound?

You can only assume then, that Audi drivers are amongst the fussiest in the land, because now there's the TT RS.

What's all this then?

It's the first TT to wear the RS badge, which has adorned the most powerful cars to come from Ingolstadt. As a result, it carries some serious expectations.

This isn't a case of just sticking a badge where it doesn't belong. The TT RS packs real firepower: under the stubby bonnet is a 2.5-litre five-cylinder powerplant that kicks out 335bhp and 450Nm of torque. Transferred, as you would expect, through the legendary quattro four-wheel drive system and a six-speed manual gearbox.

In case you're in any doubt that this is the ultimate TT, the exterior should confirm it once and for all. There are vents at the front that would swallow smaller cars, the side skirts are on the generous side and at the rear there is a wing that would not look out of place on a World Touring car. It nudges right up against the line between subtle and not, but by doing so you're left with no doubt that this is the daddy of the TT line up. Ever willing to please its customers, Audi will let you swap that wing for a more discreet one, though that would be missing the point.

And the point is?

This is not a car for a wallflower. With such a wide range of TTs to choose from, it takes a determined and keen individual to plump for this, the Dh268,000 Roadster (although the R8 V8 is Dh425,000, with almost identical performance figures). Despite the focus on performance, the TT RS actually makes more sense in drop-top form, because it's as much about flash as it is about tearing around deserted B-roads. It does both very well though.

With so much power on offer and the traction to exploit it, the TT RS has supercar-baiting ability that can be accessed remarkably often. Audi has a bit of history when it comes to five-cylinder powerplants, most notably the original Quattro, and the sophisticated burble that emanates from the exhaust on a cranked throttle is designed to be evocative. Just as with the last-generation RS4, punch the Sport button and the throttle response is sharpened and the exhaust note is allowed free reign. You'll be seeking out tunnels on a regular basis. Pay a bit more and you can de-restrict the RS to reach a higher top speed of 280kph - that's almost as quick as a Porsche 911 Carrera 4, and the cabrio version will set you back Dh354,700.

The rest of the car feels up to the job too. The six-speed gearbox has a shorter throw, the upgraded brakes are strong and reliable and the suspension is suitably firmed up. Arguably it's too firm in the Coupé, although the excellent Magnetic Ride option would sort that out, but the Roadster feels a fraction softer without being anything other than distinctly sporty. You're never left wanting for grip or poise, and it's this level of control and user-friendliness that allows you to use this machine every day.

There are a couple of provisos which are worth a second thought. Despite a comprehensive standard specification, there are some extras that you'll want - the 19in wheels, Magnetic Ride, the sports exhaust and possibly the speed de-restriction, so you can brag. Do so and you'll sail comfortably past the Dh300,000 mark when the car arrives here next year, and that's a lot of money, but not that much when you consider the competition. The other thing is that buyers looking for the absolute last word in handling purity and scalpel-sharp steering may be disappointed.

The truth is that the number of people in the market for this kind of car who would find the TT RS insufficiently exciting or dynamic could be counted on the fingers of no hands. It's as exciting to drive and to look at as a sports car at this price should be, and for many people the combined acclaim of the four rings and RS will be enough to seal the deal.

Specs