Car Throttle

If there is one brand that has been happy to oblige enthusiasts with all manner of performance cars over the past few years, it has been Audi. It has successively brought out variants of the R8 (V-10 FSI, R8 GT) as well as with other models up and down the lineup. The Audi TT-RS is the most powerful version of the TT available, and we're sure glad it made its making its way to the United States. Initially, it was supposed to be sold in Europe only, along with the RS5. What's up with that? However, Audi has decided to bring both cars here for North American buyers. RS is the most powerful line of performance vehicles at Audi, but French magazine L'Automobile

Waiting for something can be the hardest part - and this writer isn't exactly the most patient guy in the world. Audi first showed off its TT-RS back in March of 2009, at the Geneva Motor Show. Then, the car was destined only for the European market. In 2010 Audi decided to really listen to enthusiasts, and after a "petition campaign" in August, in September the TT-RS was given a green light for sale in the United States. Now, over three years after introduction the first TT-RS has arrived. As is the case with a lot of new car launches, Audi delivered the car to a more high-profile buyer, Don Istook. He is a veteran race driver with experience racing Audis. He gives a ringing endorsement:

Last September, Audi confirmed that the TT-RS would be be sold in the United States. That came after much hand-wringing over its arrival by enthusiasts here in North America. The car was introduced after a petition campaign started by Audi that resulted in 11,500 "expressions of interest." The TT-RS marks the most expensive Audi TT yet, and also the fastest. It has been officially priced at $56,850, before destination, taxes and the myriad litany of other fees we get stuck with when buying a new car. 0-60 arrives in just 4.1 seconds, thanks to a turbocharged 2.5-liter five-cylinder under the hood that makes 360 horsepower and 343 pound feet of torque. Audi says peak torque comes between 1,650 and 5,400 rpm for "power on

The Volkswagen GTI turns 35 this year. 35!  They've really been selling a hopped-up version of their shopping cart for 35 years now!  And it's really not that much of a surprise.  Sure, people were skeptical that the GTI would be popular when it first came out - who wants a fast Golf?  Why wouldn't I just get a Mustang? - but the combination of fun-to-drive and practicality sparked an entire market segment that still persists today, having gone through more troughs and waves than the stock market.  (OK, maybe that's a stretch.) Also celebrating a milestone anniversary this year is the Wörthersee festival held in Reifnitz, Austria, which is officially putting 30 candles in it's cake.  This GTI-centric 3-day show attracts thousands of rabid fans

When I was little, I wanted to be a race car driver. I was unaware that A) the best way to make a small fortune racing is to start with a big one,  B) I'm way too big, and C) I should've started dominating kart racing while I was still in the womb.  Thankfully, companies out there feel our pain and offer race-oriented versions of their street cars to customers with a big enough bank account.  While I may not ever be a famous race driver, I may one day be rich enough to afford something like the new TT GT4. Revealed today at the Shanghai Grand Prix race, the TT GT4 is intended for private sale and use in the GT4 racing class.  It

Audi has great momentum in the marketplace, and has broken sales records in a difficult economic climate. Sales and improvements in image have come from both a stellar mainstream lineup as well as image building performance vehicles. Now there is set to be a few more additions to that arsenal. The RS5 high performance variant of the A5 has already been confirmed. Another performance model highly sought after by enthusiasts here has been the TT-RS. Last month, Audi started an online "petition" regarding the TT-RS. In the petition, Audi asked for expressions of interest in the TT-RS should it make the trip to United States shores. The fact that Audi opened the question up publicly indicated that the brand was already seriously contemplating the idea, if

Audi has found itself with an increasing focus on performance as it has garnered steam in the United States. The brand is experiencing record profits and sales here and around the globe. The R8 halo performance model showed off a bolder Audi and other models like the A7 Sportback and RS5 have continued that. The TT-RS is one European model that American enthusiasts have drooled over. It is the hottest TT yet, packing 340 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, along with significant upgrades to suspension and braking. But it hasn't been available in the U.S - not yet at least. Audi has launched a "petition" marketing campaign that aims to build anticipation for the TT-RS model. Head over to the website www.ttrspetition.com and you can sign up with your

U.S Audi fans rejoice! Fellow CarThrottle writer James mused in his Audi TT-RS article about what would be a big mistake not bringing this car to the U.S. Looks like the TT-RS might be coming to the U.S after all, James! Over at MotorTrend, they've published a report a few weeks ago stating their expectation to see the TT range-topper RS making it Stateside. Audi sources tell them the chances are highly likely of it happening. I was waiting to see if there was any other follow ups on this article from either Motor Trend or some other sources, but that hasn't proved to be the case. As per usual, these rumors fly right in the face of Audi's official position regarding the model. Even if they were absolutely certain of it's launch,

That was fast! Some media outlets just can't hold their proverbial horses, and this time CarScoop let the cat out of the bag on the 2010 Audi TT-RS, which will be debuting next month at the Geneva Auto Show.  The TT-RS will be the fastest production TT since the curvaceous sports car's launch in 1999.  The TT-RS will feature a totally new engine, exterior and interior upgrades, reworked suspension, and some massive brakes. Under the hood is a 2.5L, direct-injected turbocharged 20v inline-five cylinder.  It's safe to assume this motor is a derivative of the 2.5L port-injected motor used in the US market VW Jettas and Rabbits (which makes 170bhp), but Audi has turned the wick up just a notch.  This turbo 5-banger, in the