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by Dan Trent

March 10, 2009

You won’t hear much talk of recession or credit-crunch doom over at Audi. But is the German firm just putting on a defiant face? While the $140,688 V10 R8 launched recently might look out of place, the new A4 Allroad reflects Audi’s ambition.
 
Having launched the sporty S4 last year, Audi’s latest variation on the winning A4 is a beefed-up Quattro variant with hints of off-roader ability. Could the A4 Allroad be the socially acceptable choice for SUV downsizers? Audi is hoping so.
 
Running 0.8 inch higher than a standard A4 Avant, the Allroad features an off-road setting for the traction control. Like the S4, it also offers Audi’s latest 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch gearbox, the engine choice comprising 2.0- and 3.0-liter diesels and a 2.0-liter TFSI powered by trusty old unleaded.
 
The Allroad variant is being described as "more topical than ever" as people downsize from full-size SUVs but want to retain a bit of off-road ability.
 
Audi TT RS
No such issues with the all-new Audi TT RS, the 340 horsepower, 5-cylinder turbocharged super TT hoping to take on Porsche’s Cayman S. It’s certainly got the soundtrack; Audi released a sound file of the new car’s distinctive 5-cylinder warble ahead of the show. And as befits the most potent TT ever, there’s a new body kit and large fixed rear wing.
 
Gaping vents on the front valance and a diffuser-style rear bumper with enormous oval exhausts complete the look. The TT RS is every inch the junior R8, with performance to scare the best that Porsche, BMW and others can throw at it. Underlining the motorsports link, the TT RS was driven onstage by eight-time Le Mans winner Tom Kristensen.
 
Flying the flag for his sponsors, he told show-goers the new super TT "drives as good as it looks," extolling the virtues of the fantastic power-to-weight ratio and the resulting 4.6-second zero to 62 mph sprint. This is in addition to a potential top speed of 174 mph.
 
As befits an RS Audi, the TT RS gains an RS4-style "Sport" mode that sharpens up the throttle response and opens up a flap in the exhaust for an even louder exhaust note. An updated four-wheel-drive chassis is, when needed, able to direct nearly all the power to the rear wheels, too.
 
This should bring some R8-style rear-drive balance to the TT, with the RS running 0.4 inch lower than the standard TT and Audi’s magnetic ride adjustable damping system available as an option. Huge 14.6 inch/12.2 inch brakes are also included, as is a Sport mode on the ESP to reduce electronic intervention to a minimum for keen drivers.
 
Eighteen-inch wheels are standard, with 19s and even 20s available optionally. Inside, there’s standard "Silk Nappa" leather, aluminium trim, a flat-bottomed steering wheel and plenty of RS logos. Race-style seats, color-matched inlays and various navigation and infotainment options offer various ways to add to the price, too.
 
At $60,450 for the coupe and $63,124 for the roadster, the TT RS in serious company. Add a few options and you’ll be knocking on the door of $70,325 without too much difficulty. Is the TT really able to cut it in this league? We’ll find out when we get to drive it, but few would bet against it.
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