What's all this about?
Audi has updated its TT range for the 2019MY with the mildest of facelifts and some changes to the 'lesser' models, including a slight downgrading of the TTS as a result of emissions-cutting technology (it has lost 4hp to stand at 306hp now), while the petrol models gain those utterly confusing '40' and '45' TFSI badges that mean you haven't got the first clue what sort of power they're putting out, unless you've got a handy Audi deciphering table to hand. Anyway, all this updating means that there's just one model left to be, er... 'overhauled', which is the mighty TT RS.
Ah, right! So, as the TTS has lost power, presumably the RS has gained ponies to compensate?
Umm... no. No, it hasn't. We mean, a 2.5-litre, turbocharged inline-five making 400hp and 480Nm ought to be enough for anyone's taste. Especially as, driving all four wheels through quattro and a seven-speed S tronic transmissions, the TT RS Coupe (it's also available as a Roadster) can thunder from 0-62mph in just 3.7 seconds. The top speeds remain the same too, at 155- or 174mph (depending on whether you've paid a lot of cash to have the speed limiter raised).
Oh. So what HAS changed for the TT RS, the 2019 edition?
It looks a bit different. Bigger air intakes and a full-width splitter frame a front end that is subtly massaged from the pre-facelift model, while round the side are redesigned sills featuring gloss-black inlays. The door mirrors and the aforementioned splitter can all be specified in a variety of finishes (gloss black, carbon, matte aluminium, body colour...) and the TT RS's distinctive fixed rear spoiler has been remodelled, as it now features side winglets. The diffuser sitting way below it, between the two huge oval tailpipes, has also been tweaked but we can't spot much of a difference there, even when staring at comparable images of pre- and post-facelift TT RS Audis.
So far, so samey. Is there anything really notable that has changed?
You might spot one of the three new body colours (out of eight available) for the TT RS. One of them, Kyalami Green, is exclusive to the 400hp motor, while both Pulse Orange and Turbo Blue have been seen elsewhere in the Audi line-up, although they're still new for the TT RS. The front lights are LEDs, with the option to upgrade to matrix LEDs, while the rears can be specified as 3D-effect OLEDs. And if you manage to peek inside a 2019MY Audi TT RS, you'll spot a red 12 o'clock marker on the steering wheel, while any versions fitted with the RS Design Package will have red or blue highlights on the air vents, seat belts and floor mats (an extended version of this also sees the seats and centre console sporting contrast finishes).
Cor! Audi really is following 'if it ain't broke...' here, isn't it?
Indeed so. Anyway, the revised Audi TT RS is on sale in its German homeland right now, so prices and exact specs for the UK will be confirmed ASAP. We'll bring you details as soon as we can.
Matt Robinson - 6 Feb 2019