Audi TT-RS Photoshoot Feature

This may be my favorite photoshoots that I’ve published here yet – not only are these super cool cars, but the colors just absolutely “pop” and photograph nicely together. Both cars are 2012 Audi TT-RSs – one in Sepang Blue and one in Suzuka Grey, both owned locally here in Phoenix. We started the day at a nearby watering hole named the “TT Roadhouse” as we thought the sign would make a cool backdrop, although I struggled a bit to get the photos to turn out as well as I would have liked. We then moved to an abandoned car dealership for the second round of photos which turned out REALLY cool with lighting that was a little more photography-friendly. I’ll share more photos as well as background on the cars as you read on after the jump…

If you aren’t familiar with the TT-RS, it’s an amazing car that we almost didn’t get in the US. After a Facebook Petition demonstrated sufficient demand here in the States, Audi decided to import ~1,000 models of the TT-RS over the course of 2012-2013. With a 0-60 time that rivals that of an R8 (3.6 seconds) and a price tag less than half of an R8, this is a true enthusiasts car.

What’s super cool about the TT-RS is that not only is a performance bargain, but simple modifications can really push the envelope with this engine. The car shipped to the US with 360 hp and 332 ft-lbs or torque; but the blue one was tuned and given water-meth injection to bump those numbers to 415 horsepower and 463 torque! You can view more information about these mods and see the dyno sheets on theGoodSpeed blog. Couple that power with the famous Quattro drivetrain, a large set of brakes and a great chassis, and you’ve got a recipe for fun.

Besides the unique (and powerful) Inline 5 engine, the Audi TT-RS got special body work to distinguish it from the base TT and TT-S models. Although the layman may not recognize the difference, a much more aggressive front facia along with 19″ wheels, big brakes, and a revised rear bumper & spoiler tip off Audi fans that is is no ordinary TT. The Suzuka Grey TT-RS in these pictures went one step further to customize the exterior of the car with red Audi rings, a black roof & trunk, and an OSIR carbon fiber rear spoiler, while the blue TT-RS removed some of the badging to make his car more of a sleeper. When you look inside these cars you’ll see that the interior also got special treatment over a base TT, such as a nicer steering wheel, alcantara seats, stainless steel pedals, and perforated air leather throughout. The TT-RS was only imported as a manual transmission car to the US, another indication that this is an enthusiasts car.

While I had the Suzuka Grey (which comes off white-ish in certain lighting) and the Sepang Blue cars together, I decided to throw my car in for a few photos to get the “red while and blue” scheme going for some patriotic shots. German cars in American colors.