New Audi TT RS here mid-2017

It was first revealed at the Beijing motor show in April and now Audi has launched its new TT RS in Europe ahead of its Australian release around mid-2017.

When it arrives here – in coupe form only; the roadster remains under consideration for Australia – Audi says its hottest TT ever will cost about $145,000, which is significantly more than the TT S Coupe ($99,900) and the previous-generation TT RS Plus ($139,900).

To justify the circa-$45,000 step up from the TT S, the new TT RS will come with a host of standard equipment, including LED headlights (matrix headlights will be optional), 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit instruments, a dixed (but deletable) rear wing, Audi side assist and active lane assist, MMI navigation plus, heated and power-adjustable RS-specific front seats with electro-pneumatic side bolsters and Audi smartphone interface.

Of course, TT RS customers will also be treated to 100km/h acceleration in just in 3.7 seconds, making it only slightly slower than Audi's new V10-powered R8 supercar. Like the R8, the TT RS comes only with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

This is courtesy of a new version of the 2.5-litre inline turbocharged five-cylinder that powers the RS 3 hot hatch and the previous TT RS, which attracted 174 Australian buyers between 2010 and 2014. Audi Australia expects the new TT RS to find slightly more homes than that.

The first-generation TT RS produced 250kW/450Nm, consumed 8.5L/100km, weighed 1475kg and could hit 100km/h in 4.3 seconds, while the later 'plus' version was unchanged in terms of weight and consumption but boosted its outputs to 265kW/465Nm, cutting 0.2sec from its 0-100 sprint time.

Now, the new TT RS raises the bar again, with a wholesome 294kW and 480Nm, which combines with a slightly lower 1440kg kerb weight to reduce consumption to 8.4L/100km and lower the 0-100km/h sprint time to just 3.7 seconds.

Head over to the Reviews section to read our first drive report from the global launch in Spain.