Since 2005 the high performance RS version of the TT has been caught numerous times testing uncovered in both coupe and roadster trim. Then earlier this year, Audi debuted the performance minded TT-S in Detroit and most recently, Audi has taunted us with a near production version of the TT Clubsport Concept.
These latest images show a TT-S body, but like a bluffing poker player, there's always a "tell". Characteristic of the exclusive high-performance Audi RS range, this Audi TT prominently displays its wide oval tailpipes, which imprecisely fit the dual exhaust pipe slots of the TT-S rear bumper in addition to RS wheels and covered up RS brake calipers.
However, the "one RS model at a time" policy that RS series producing subsidiary, Quattro GmbH, self imposes will finally be broken as the TT-RS and RS5 production schedules overlap. Previously reported in 2007 and then corroborated by the leaked 2012 Audi Rollout Schedule document, the TT-RS hits the market in August 2009 while the RS5 arrives in July 2010 according to the leaked Audi 2010 Engine Product Offensive.
Although it is widely believed the TT-RS will receive a 350hp 2.5-liter turbo inline 5-cylinder, speculation also puts a turbocharged version of Volkswagen's 3.6-liter 280bhp V6 from the Passat as a possible candidate as well.
Hopefully, the TT-RS will finally show up in Paris this October.
