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Audi buffs up the TT with an RS trim (pictures)

The TT RS boasts one more cylinder than the standard Audi TT, and a whole bunch of horsepower. With standard all-wheel drive and magnetic ride suspension, this car is one fun ride.

Wayne Cunningham
Wayne Cunningham reviews cars and writes about automotive technology for CNET's Roadshow. Prior to the automotive beat, he covered spyware, Web building technologies, and computer hardware. He began covering technology and the Web in 1994 as an editor of The Net magazine.
Wayne Cunningham
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The current generation of the Audi TT has been around since 2006. For the 2012 model year, Audi makes an RS version available. RS stands for RennSport, a German phrase meaning Racing Sport.
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In its RS version, the TT uses the same small-coupe design with a very rounded cabin roofline, but gets lowered. It also boasts a black-painted grille and an aggressive lower front air intake.
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The TT RS gets Audi's signature row of LED parking lights.
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The TT RS' engine is impressive, a 2.5-liter with direct injection and a turbo making 360 horsepower.
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The TT RS should really be considered a two-seater with room for groceries behind the seats.
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Audi's Quattro all-wheel-drive system comes standard on the TT RS.
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The TT RS comes standard with Audi's magnetic ride suspension, which stiffens up the dampers at the touch of a button.
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Instead of the retractable spoiler of the standard TT, the TT RS gets this fixed spoiler.
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Technically, the TT RS is a hatchback, and offers quite a bit of easily accessible cargo space.
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As a premium car, the TT RS boasts power-adjustable seats for both driver and front passenger.
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Not only is the rear legroom minimal, there is no real headroom, so adults will have to bend forward.
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Audi only offers one tech package with the TT RS, bringing in navigation and digital audio sources.
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An electric power-steering system helps save fuel, but its tuning is imprecise.
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The voice command button activates the hands-free Bluetooth phone system.
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The LCD in center of the instrument cluster shows audio and phone information, as well as trip data.
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A six-speed manual is the only transmission available with the TT RS.
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The base electronics include this stereo system with satellite radio and a CD player.
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The base audio system includes nine speakers and a 140-watt amp, but it gets easily overwhelmed by road noise.

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