SPYSHOTS: 2016 Audi TT RS caught for the first time!

Here it is, then. The first shots of the upcoming 2016 Audi TT RS – photographed here in prototype guise sans camouflage. We take it then that Audi has got nothing to hide with this TT, even going as far as to maintain the plethora of ‘S’ badges on this particular test mule. With that said, we doubt Audi is fooling anyone, what with the previous-gen TT RS escorting it in some shots.

Looks wise, the 2016 Audi TT RS features the prominent Singleframe front grille with the aforementioned ‘S’ badge housed within. Nothing much can be said about the rear of this mule either as it sports the same quad tailpipe configuration seen on the lesser TT S variant.

The final article will most likely sport a more aggressive outlook with larger air intakes up front and twin, circular exhaust outlets more familiar to ‘RS’ models of late. Having said that, expect Audi to keep things relatively subdued on the inside – only time will tell, for sure.

The biggest giveaway, however, lies in this prototype’s braking system – larger, drilled rotors are to be found lurking beneath the multi-spoke alloy wheels. The devil is in the detail, as they say. Technically-inclined readers will know that such a setup does not exist on the TT and TT S while eagle-eyed ones will be able to notice that the ‘RS’ insignia on the caliper has been painted over.

As for technical information, word on the vine is that the 2016 Audi TT RS could arrive powered by a variant of the turbocharged, 2.5 litre TFSI five-cylinder engine found in the Audi RS3 Sportback – said mill pumps out 367 PS and 465 Nm of twist. Another likely candidate is said to be the turbo’ed 2.0 litre TSI mill from the upcoming Volkswagen Golf R 400. Said (madder) choice develops 400 PS along with 450 Nm of torque.

Whatever choice of engine it may receive, expect the TT RS to feature a S tronic dual-clutch transmission and trademark quattro all-wheel drive as standard. Performance figures will most definitely better the numbers recorded by the TT S – said model sprints from nought to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds.

With development of the 2016 Audi TT RS already in motion, the public can expect the finished product to debut at the upcoming 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show in September before going on sale at the end of the year at the earliest. Prices are expected to hover about the €60,000 (RM237,263) mark.

GALLERY: 2014 Audi TT S

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