AUDI TT RS Roadster Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

Just like its fixed-roof coupe brother, the most powerful version of the third-generation Audi TT Roadster was facelifted in 2019. As expected, most of the improvements were made to the design of the model, with the engine and transmission being almost identical as its predecessor.

The revamped TT RS Roadster has new front and rear ends albeit in a very subtle way that needs a closer look to appreciate all the new details. At the front, the quattro logo now has a matt titanium-look and sits in the lower section of the grille, which is gloss black and surrounded by the hallmark matt black Singleframe.

The side intakes found on its predecessor have been enlarged and are each divided by vertical strips that make car appear even wider. The front spoiler blade has the same color as the rest of the body but can be optionally painted in a matt aluminum look, glass black or even carbon.

The standard LED headlights have been revised as well, while the optional matrix LED lights are even more responsive. The rear gets optional matrix OLED taillights, which have a distinctive 3d design and can put on a spectacular show every time the car is turned on.

Most of the interior has been left alone, although Audi did specify the car with an improved RS package as an option. Among various exterior enhancements, the package adds red or blue highlights to the air vents, seat belts and the floor mats, while an extended version of the package also comes with contrasting design elements on the seats and center console.w

In 2016 Audi introduced at the same time the Audi TT RS and its open-top version, the TT RS Roadster. It was one of the fastest roadsters ever produced by the Audi at that time.

The Audi TT RS Roadster was less than a half of second slower than the Audi R8 Spider from that time, even if it had 140 hp less than the mid-engine Audi supercar. The price difference between the two vehicles was huge. Of course, the R8 was the much-famed vehicle but the compact roadster was clearly a better bang for the buck.

On the outside, the TT RS featured a large black singleframe grille with a silver rim and a silver front lip under the spoiler. It wasn't there only for the look, it had its reason for keeping the car planted on the road. The big side air-intakes in the bumper were needed to cool the brakes. The arched raked A-pillars were the same as in the TT Coupe and in the back, a retractable wing from the trunk-lid was extended automatically. Under the rear bumper, two oval chromed exhausts were breathing out loud the power from the engine.

Inside, the TT RS featured the same turbine-like air-vents and the Audi Virtual Cockpit for the instrument cluster. The sport-bucket seats featured a special design, with bigger bolstering on the sides.

The inline-five engine under the hood resembled the 5-cylinder engine from the glorious Audi S1 that dominated the World Rally Championship back in the '80s.

Audi introduced an evolved version of the TTS Roadster in early 2012 as a 2013 model-year, offering more power and a revised look for its compact roadster.

Thanks to the increased demand for sporty compact premium vehicles, Audi hit the jackpot with the TT and the TT Roadster. But soon, its customers asked for more. Then, the TTS and the TTS Plus versions came on the market.

With its aggressive stance and the unique look of the front bumper and apron, the TTS RS Plus roadster was a promise of performance. The silver accents on the lower lip spoiler and the diamond-pattern mesh grille flanked by two big air-inlets were unique for this version. Like any RS model, it sported the matte-silver door mirrors, while at the back, a fixed-wing adorned the trunk lid. Curiously, there were no specific side skirts for this, but it added 19" light-alloy wheels as standard. Last but not least, a set of oval-shaped exhausts poked through the rear apron.

Its cabin was fit for two occupants on a set of sport bucket seats with high bolstering areas. The roll-bars behind the seats were similar to the ones installed on the rest of the TT Roadster range. Additional badges and logos appeared on the seats, in the tachometer, and on the door sill trims. The driver's information system was specific to the RS and featured a turbo boost pressure gauge, oil temperature, and a lap timer.

The RS ran on a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine that produced 335 bhp. The engine was mated to either a 6-speed manual or seven-speed S-tronic automatic (twin-clutch) gearbox, and the power was sent in all corners. For the brakes, the carmaker employed four-piston fixed calipers and perforated rotors on the front axle.

Audi introduced in 2009 the high-performance sport version of the Audi TT called the RS. The model is commercialized under the two body types as the normal version, meaning coupe and roadster. As expected, the interior and exterior both underwent design changes for customers who want those exclusive looks and touches.

The front and rear got more pronounced air diffusers and stabilizers and the ride height was reduced by 10 mm. The main piece of interest however, is the newly developed inline 5-cylinder turbocharged engine that has a rated output of 340 hp. The TT RS Roadster can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in just 4.7 seconds.

The interior was beautifully finished, with fine leather sport seats and a perforated steering wheel. The RS badges are present on the seats and on the steering wheel.

Specific to the RS, the driver’s information system was equipped with turbo boost pressure, oil temperature and a lap timer. The RS ran on a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine that produced 335 bhp. The engine was mated to either a 6-speed manual or an S-tronic twin-clutch gearbox and the power was transmitted to the all four wheels. The top speed of the RS was 155 mph.

Safety wise, the Audi TT RS was equipped with adaptive front and side airbags, pre-tensioning seat-belts and whiplash-reducing headrests.