By Dan Trent | |
| 03 March 2009 13:47:09 | |
Audi A4 Allroad, TT RS debut at Geneva
You won’t hear much talk of recession or credit crunch doom over at Audi, the German firm apparently still on a high.
Is it all bluster? Well, the £100k V10 R8 launched recently looks out of place but the new A4 Allroad reflects Audi’s ambition.
GALLERY: Audi at Geneva in pictures
GALLERY: Audi at Geneva in pictures
Beefed-up A4
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Click images to enlarge |
Having launched the sporty S4 last year Audi’s latest variation on the winning A4 theme sees it following the A6’s example and offer a beefed up Quattro variant with hints of off-roader ability. The socially acceptable choice for SUV downsizers? Audi must be hoping so.
Running 20mm higher than a standard A4 Avant, the Allroad features an off-road setting for the traction control. Like the S4 it also offers Audi’s latest seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch gearbox, the engine choice comprising 2.0 and 3.0-litre diesels and a 2.0-litre TFSI petrol.
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With the A4 leading its segment in Germany Audi is full of confidence, this Allroad version being described as ‘more topical than ever’ as people downsize from full size SUVs but want to retain a bit of off-road ability. Black plastic cladding and extra ride height mark the new car out but aren’t shown to best effect on the white show car.
No such issues with the all-new Audi TT RS, the 340hp, five-cylinder turbocharged super TT hoping to take on Porsche’s Cayman S. It’s certainly got the soundtrack, Audi having released a sound file of the new car’s distinctively Audi five-cylinder warble ahead of the show. And as befits the most potent TT ever there’s a bodykit and large fixed rear wing.
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Audi TT RS |
Gaping vents on the front valance and a diffuser style rear bumper with enormous oval exhausts complete the look, the TT RS every inch the junior R8 with performance to scare the best Porsche, BMW and others can throw at it. Underlining the motorsport link the TT RS was driven on stage by eight times Le Mans winner Tom Kristensen.
Flying the flag for his sponsors, he told showgoers the new super TT “drives as good as it looks”, extolling the virtues of the fantastic power to weight ratio and resulting 4.6-second 0-62mph sprint. This is in addition to a potential top speed of 174mph, the standard 155mph limiter removable at extra cost.
Rear-drive balance
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As befits and RS Audi the spec is seriously hardcore too, the TT RS gaining an RS4-style ‘Sport’ button that sharpens up the throttle response and opens up a flap in the exhaust for an even louder exhaust note. An updated four-wheel drive chassis is, when needed, able to direct nearly all the power to the rear wheels too.
This should bring some R8 style rear-drive balance to the car, the RS running 10mm lower than standard and Audi’s magnetic ride adjustable damping system available as an option. Huge 370mm/310mm brakes are also included, as is a Sport mode on the ESP to reduce electronic intervention to a minimum for keen drivers.
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18-inch wheels are standard, with 19s and even 20s available optionally. Inside there’s standard ‘Silk Nappa’ leather, aluminium trim, a flat-bottomed steering wheel and plenty of RS logos. Race style seats, colour matched inlays and various nav and infotainment options offer various ways to add to the price too.
Which at £42,980 for the coupe and £44,880 for the Roadster puts the TT RS in serious company. Add a few options and you’ll be knocking on the door of £50K without too much difficulty. Is the TT really able to cut it in this league? We’ll find out when we get to drive it but few would bet against it.
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Geneva Motor Show 2009 - your vote
- Which car unveiled at Geneva would you most like to see on your driveway?
- Aston Martin One-77
33% - Audi TT RS
6% - Bentley Supersports
5% - BMW 5 Series GT
4% - Ferrari 599XX
10% - Fiat 500 Cabriolet
2% - Lamborghini LP670-4SV
18% - Lexus RX450h
2% - Mazda 3 MPS
1% - New Mercedes-Benz E-Class
4% - Porsche 911 GT3
5% - Rolls-Royce 200EX
4% - Saab 93X
1% - Skoda Yeti
2% - Volkswagen Polo
3%
- Aston Martin One-77
