The Audi TT RS Supercar

After arriving straight after the R8 V10, arguably one of the best cars out there, this has to be some car. It must have all the cool features Audi has to offer in one compact package. It must be something like combining the performance of the Audi S4 that made it one of the best front-engined Audi in ages and a drive train that will make its legendary predecessor - the 1980 Ur-Quattro proud all in the shell of a roadster.

The RS responds to these demands with a torque-split in its four-wheel- drive system. That is Audi's Quattro technology for you. Underneath the hood is a turbocharged, compact, longitudinally mounted melodious straight-five engine, just like the original Audi Quattro had except that the RS has all these in carbon fiber housing as a bonus. This specially engineered compact unit kicks out an astonishing 340 bhp from its 2480cc and enables the RS to go from 0 to 62 in just 4.6 seconds plus the turbocharger boost is available deep down 5400 rpm all the way to 6700 rpm. All this power is matched with a six-speed manual transmission and twin chrome exhausts. Along with its go-faster drive train, you get all the usual sporting kit like a flat-bottomed steering wheel complete with RS badge, sports seats in Nappa silk leather, brushed aluminum inserts and electronic climate control.

There is also an optional magnetic damping system for more driving comfort and two types of rear spoilers to choose from. Even the whole package has a couple of choices - you can have the coupe for about £43,000 or opt for a sportier roadster for about £45,000. For a price like that, you would hope that the RS would stand out from the older TTs not just in the inside but on the outside. Well the good news is that though the new RS's shape is just like the old TTs, the new RS has its own oddities to complement its improved performance like its rear foiler, a lower lip spoiler, wider honeycomb air intakes and the new RS badges.

The legacy of Quattro's straight five does not just end there. The TT RS's engine might be new but the sound is an uncanny simulacrum of the old Quattro. Audi is also nice enough to include a Sport button that opens the tailpipe, which takes the noise to a completely new level. The button also functions to sharpen throttle response and firm the magnetic dampers if they are installed.

For a keen driver, the TT RS handles well and is the right car to take a walk around tight corners. The steering is lightweight and does not feel nose-heavy even for a front-engine. It turns in quickly enough, the firm suspension resists body roll and the wide wheels ensure there is a good amount of rubber on the ground for a good grip during the turn.

All in all the new TT RS is undeniably fast, and it's quantifiably better against most of the cars in its class for standard equipment and power, torque and even fuel efficiency delivered in one neat kit.