Audi TT RS plus confirmed for UK

Called the TT RS plus, its greater muscle is complemented by an electronically raised top speed limit.

It has already been seen at motor shows, but until now it wasn’t known whether it would come to the UK.

For a £3,085 price premium over the existing TT RS, the plus also features larger 19-inch alloy wheels in a unique design, a different grille and carbon fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP) door mirror housings. Black, oval exhaust tailpipe trims show that the plus is fitted as standard with a sports exhaust system.

A ‘carbon design package’ under the bonnet adds exclusivity and style for those that way inclined, and inside the cabin a ‘TT RS plus’ logo on the gearstick is a subtle identifier.

Sat-nav, Bluetooth and iPod connectivity are all standard on the plus where they aren’t on the standard TT RS, and when all this is combined with the engine modifications the plus begins to look like good value.

Power has been raised by 20bhp, from 335bhp to 355bhp. Torque is up from 332 to 343lb.ft, and with the higher numbers comes a reduced 0-62mph sprint of 4.1 seconds with the optional S tronic dual-clutch gearbox. The manual version takes 4.3 seconds.

Top speed is no longer limited to 155mph, again to differentiate the plus from the standard TT RS. The new figure, 174mph, is the equivalent of 280kph and is a maximum generally adhered to by prestige and sports car makers for faster special editions.

The TT RS plus will be available in coupé and roadster guises, with the latter fielding a £1,980 price increase and an incidental increase in CO2 output and fuel consumption.

The range will be priced from £48,945 on the road for the manual coupé, rising to £52,265 for the roadster with the S tronic gearbox.

Pictured: The new Audi TT RS plus