The Audi TT RS Coupe (8J, facelift) with the 2.5 TFSI plus engine, producing 360 horsepower, represents the pinnacle of performance for the second-generation TT. Introduced in May 2011 and continuing through 2014, this variant was positioned as the highest-performance offering within the 8J TT lineup, exceeding the standard TT RS in both power and exclusivity. It built upon the already successful formula of the 8J platform – a collaboration between Audi and Volkswagen resulting in a lightweight, sporty coupe – and aimed to deliver a more focused driving experience. The “plus” designation signified a substantial power increase over the original TT RS, cementing its status as a true competitor to other high-performance sports cars.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Audi |
| Model | TT |
| Generation | TT RS Coupe (8J, facelift 2010) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.5 TFSI plus (360 Hp) quattro S tronic |
| Start of production | May, 2011 |
| End of production | 2014 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Coupe |
| Seats | 4 |
| Doors | 3 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban | 12.3 l/100 km (19.1 US mpg, 23 UK mpg, 8.1 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban | 6.3 l/100 km (37.3 US mpg, 44.8 UK mpg, 15.9 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined | 8.5 l/100 km (27.7 US mpg, 33.2 UK mpg, 11.8 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 197 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 4.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 4.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 3.9 sec |
| Maximum speed | 280 km/h (173.98 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 4.1 kg/Hp, 244.1 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 3.2 kg/Nm, 315.3 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 360 Hp @ 5500-6700 rpm |
| Power per litre | 145.2 Hp/l |
| Torque | 465 Nm @ 1650-5400 rpm (342.97 lb.-ft. @ 1650-5400 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | CEPB |
| Engine displacement | 2480 cm3 (151.34 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 5 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 82.5 mm (3.25 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 92.8 mm (3.65 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.7 l (6.02 US qt | 5.02 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 10 l (10.57 US qt | 8.8 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1475 kg (3251.82 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1875 kg (4133.67 lbs.) |
| Max load | 400 kg (881.85 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 290 l (10.24 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 700 l (24.72 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 60 l (15.85 US gal | 13.2 UK gal) |
| Length | 4198 mm (165.28 in.) |
| Width | 1842 mm (72.52 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 1952 mm (76.85 in.) |
| Height | 1342 mm (52.83 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2468 mm (97.17 in.) |
| Front track | 1555 mm (61.22 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1546 mm (60.87 in.) |
| Front overhang | 911 mm (35.87 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 819 mm (32.24 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.32 |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 10.96 m (35.96 ft.) |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 7 gears, automatic transmission S tronic |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link spring suspension with stabilizer |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 245/40 R18 |
| Wheel rims size | 9J x 18 |
INTRODUCTION
The Audi TT RS Coupe (8J, facelift) 2.5 TFSI plus quattro S tronic, produced from 2011 to 2014, represents the ultimate iteration of the 8J TT generation. Built on the Volkswagen Group’s PQ35 platform (internally designated 1HX0/A3), the TT RS was conceived as a compact, high-performance coupe. The facelift in 2010 brought subtle styling revisions, but the “plus” variant introduced in 2011 focused primarily on a significant engine upgrade. This model aimed to bridge the gap between the standard TT RS and more expensive, larger Audi performance models like the R8. It was primarily sold in European and Asian markets, with limited availability in North America.
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the TT RS plus is the 2.5-liter inline-five cylinder engine, designated CEPB. This engine is a highly sophisticated unit, building upon the foundation of Audi’s earlier 2.5-liter five-cylinder engines. The CEPB features direct fuel injection (FSI) and a twin-scroll turbocharger with an intercooler, allowing for rapid response and high boost pressures. The engine’s unique firing order (1-2-4-5-3) contributes to its distinctive exhaust note. The 360 horsepower output is achieved through revised engine mapping and increased turbocharger boost. The S tronic 7-speed dual-clutch transmission is standard, providing incredibly fast and smooth gear changes. This transmission features a multi-plate wet clutch and allows for both fully automatic operation and manual gear selection via steering wheel-mounted paddles. The quattro all-wheel-drive system is integral to the car’s performance, utilizing a multi-plate clutch to distribute torque between the front and rear axles as needed, optimizing traction and stability.
Driving Characteristics
The 360 hp and 465 Nm (343 lb-ft) of torque delivered by the 2.5 TFSI plus engine translate into exhilarating performance. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph takes just 3.9 seconds, and the car reaches a top speed of 174 mph (280 km/h). The S tronic transmission plays a crucial role in this performance, providing near-instantaneous shifts. Compared to the standard TT RS (340 hp), the “plus” variant offers a noticeable increase in power across the rev range. While the standard TT RS was already quick, the plus model feels significantly more responsive and provides a more visceral driving experience. The quattro all-wheel-drive system ensures excellent grip in all conditions, allowing drivers to confidently exploit the engine’s power. The gear ratios in the S tronic transmission are optimized for both acceleration and high-speed cruising. The exhaust note, characteristic of the inline-five engine, is a prominent feature of the driving experience, providing a sporty and engaging soundtrack.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The TT RS plus came generously equipped as standard. Interior features included sport seats upholstered in Nappa leather with embossed RS logos, a flat-bottomed steering wheel, aluminum pedal caps, and exclusive interior trim elements. Exterior styling cues included a unique front bumper with a single-frame grille, side skirts, a rear diffuser, and an RS exhaust system with black tailpipes. Optional extras included carbon fiber interior trim, Bang & Olufsen sound system, and various driver assistance systems such as parking sensors and adaptive cruise control. The overall interior ambiance was focused on sporty luxury, with a clear emphasis on driver engagement.
Chassis & Braking
The TT RS plus features a fully independent suspension system. The front utilizes a McPherson strut setup with coil springs and an anti-roll bar, while the rear employs a multi-link suspension with a stabilizer bar. This suspension configuration provides a good balance between ride comfort and handling precision. Braking duties are handled by ventilated disc brakes on all four wheels, providing ample stopping power. The braking system is further enhanced by ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and electronic brake-force distribution. The car’s relatively low weight (1475 kg / 3252 lbs) contributes to its agile handling characteristics.
Market Reception & Comparison
The TT RS plus was generally well-received by automotive critics. Reviewers praised its potent engine, responsive transmission, and engaging driving dynamics. It was often compared to rivals such as the Porsche Cayman S and the BMW M Coupe. Compared to the standard TT RS, the plus model offered a significant performance upgrade for a relatively modest price increase. Fuel economy, while not a primary concern for buyers in this segment, was reasonable for a high-performance car, averaging around 27.7 US mpg in combined driving. Reliability was generally good, although the complex engine and turbocharger system required careful maintenance.
Legacy
The Audi TT RS plus (8J) remains a highly sought-after vehicle in the used car market. Its combination of performance, style, and relative rarity has made it a collector’s item. The 2.5 TFSI engine, while complex, has proven to be reasonably durable when properly maintained. Regular oil changes and adherence to the manufacturer’s recommended service intervals are crucial for long-term reliability. The S tronic transmission is generally reliable, but clutch wear can be a concern, particularly for cars that have been driven aggressively. Today, the TT RS plus represents a compelling option for enthusiasts seeking a high-performance coupe with a unique character and a distinctive engine note.
