Audi TT RS Surfaces Ahead of Schedule

Here are some more sneak peeks at the upcoming Audi TT RS which is slated for its official unveiling at the Geneva auto show next month.

Notice the brake calipers with the RS badge on them? Yes, they've beef up the braking system but, more importantly, its a sign that Audi means business by slapping an RS tag even there.

The TT RS hearkens back to the brash, daring Audi's of the 1980s with a 5-cylinder engine providing the boogie for this top-of-the-line sports version of the TT.

Available in both coupe and cabriolet body styles, the TT RS will come with a turbocharged 2.5 liter, 5-banger churning out 340 hp (253kW) and 450 Nm (332 lb-ft) of torque. A 6-speed manual gearbox manages the transfer of power to the all-wheel drive system. 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) comes in at around 5 seconds, with top speed electronically limited to 250 km/h (155 mph).

Distinguishing the TT RS on the outside (besides the badge, of course) over the 272 hp TT S model are the larger front air vents, twin-spoked alloy wheels, a fixed wing at the back and a new rear diffuser.

The TT RS will come with LED daytime running lights to accompany the bi-xenon headlights and on the inside there's an RS cabin package with Alcantara and leather sports seats, a sports steering wheel with lots of functionality and an RS badge smack in the middle of the central console that let's everyone know what exactly you're driving.

Unless you're in the US, in which case, you won't, as of yet, get a chance to own one of these as Audi hasn't green-lighted the TT RS for the North American market.

The TT RS will be rolled out in markets across Europe in the weeks after its Geneva premier.