Vans, Cars and Leasing

If you are after the ultimate Audi TT, the 269bhp TTS unveiled in Detroit isn’t it. Insiders at the German firm have confirmed that an even faster version of the coupé is to be added to the line-up – the TTRS.

It was initially thought such a car would have the 4.2-litre V8 from the R8 supercar. But Audi now reveal it will use an all-new 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbo engine with around 350bhp.

Powering all four wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox or DSG paddleshift, the range-topper should be capable of sprinting from 0-60mph in under five seconds. While this is similar performance to the R8, Audi is likely to limit the TTRS’s top speed to 155mph to differentiate it from the 187mph supercar. The new model is tipped to arrive in showrooms in summer 2009 – a year after the TTS goes on sale. That car will cost around £32,000, and the TTRS is set to command a significant premium.

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The tii debuted at the Tokyo Motor Show last October, and was billed as a design study. However, these images show that the striking extras have made it to production, and will be available across the 1-Series range. And the good news for enthusiasts is that you’ll be able to order a car that looks virtually identical to the stunning show model. The prestige German brand is planning to offer customers a range of glitzy extras, including a smart bodykit and performance upgrades.

Its revised bumpers and lowered sills are lifted straight from the black and white Tokyo concept. The show car’s bare carbon fibre bonnet is missing, but its unpainted door mirrors are made of the lightweight material, as is the diffuser-style section of the rear bumper. Other additions include stripes along the sides of the car and a neat spoiler on the rear bootlid. There’s plenty of exciting kit inside, too, including a hi-tech Formula One-style steering wheel that promises to become this year’s must-have gadget.

This features a digital readout at the 12 o’clock position that functions as a speedometer and lap timer. It’s sure to appeal to enthusiasts and is flanked on the suede-rimmed wheel by a pair of change-up lights.

They illuminate in stages as the engine revs rise for the perfect gearchange. To complete the tii look inside, the catalogue also highlights a pair of body-hugging bucket seats. However, the concept car’s contrasting black and white dials haven’t made it to production.

The extra kit is expected to take the form of accessory packs in UK showrooms later this year. The focus is on cosmetic upgrades rather than performance hikes, but specially tuned suspension to improve handling is also on the cards, along with a quickshift gearchange. Finally, improved brakes are available to fit behind the tii’s larger alloy wheels.

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