MTM Tweaks the Audi TT RS up to 424-Horsepower

The new Audi TT RS with its 340HP 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-five that harks back to the original Ur-Quattro of the 1980s is the center of focus for MTM's latest tuning proposal. The German firm has developed new software for the engine's ECU and a sport exhaust system featuring new middle- and end- pipes with throttle valves.

The tuner offers three different engine packages, the first two being extremely close in performance. The Stage 1 kit boost power from 340HP to 402HP and maximum torque from 450Nm to 550Nm for a top speed of 285km/h (177mph) while the Stage II kit, to 408HP and 555Nm for a maximum speed of 287km/h (178mph).

Finally, the Stage III kit lifts output to 424HP and 560Nm allowing the TT RS to achieve a top speed of 292km/h or 182mph.

The engine upgrades can be complemented with a set of 19- or 20-inch Bimoto alloy wheels.

Autonomous Audi TTS Takes Driving Out of the Equation [with Video and Photos]

This here is the Autonomous Audi TTS, a research model for a car that does away with the driver altogether in order to explore the best capabilities of current and future driver assistance technologies. The prototype car is the collaborative work of the Volkswagen Group Electronics Research Laboratory (ERL), the Stanford University Dynamics Design Lab (SDDL) and Sun Microsystems.

Nicknamed after Michelle Mouton, one of the most successful female rally drivers ever, the Autonomous TTS is equipped with a fully automated drive-by-wire system that controls the steering, throttle, brakes, gearbox and parking brake as well as a special GPS system to help communicate with the piloting software developed by the researches over at Standford University.

The software package is what enables the vehicle to drive at the limits of handling in various speeds and conditions on a range of surfaces.

While Audi doesn't intend to use the Autonomous TTS to completely substitute the driver (or at least we hope it doesn't...), the company says that the technology found in the car could help dramatically reduce the number of fatalities worldwide by intervening in hazardous situations as well as to take over routine driving tasks such as parking the car in an assigned spot in a garage.

The prototype model is still in the testing phase but if all goes well, Audi is considering a run up at Colorado's famous Pikes Peak to replicate the 12.4-mile Pikes Peak International Hill Climb sometime in the first quarter of 2010.

Who's a Pussy Now? Video of Audi TT Driver Takes Leopard for a Spin

Not that we agree, but the Audi TT is often referred to derogatorily as a "hairdresser's car". Well, let's just say that we'd really like to see someone go up to this particular TT driver and tell him that in his face, or better yet, let him know it via the front-passenger's side window... Click through to watch this bizarre video.

Audi Celebrates 100 Years with Special Edition TT Coupe in Japan

Unlike people that celebrate their birthday one day, companies usually try to make the best of it (commercially) by rejoicing all year around. Continuing its centenary festivities, Audi has now announced the launch of a special edition version of its TT 2.0 TFSI Coupe, this time for the Japanese market. The German firm will produce a total of 100 numbered examples of the coupe that's based on the S-Line version and will be available in a choice of two special colors, a pearl blue and a bright orange finish.

Highlights include the carbon fiber exterior trim, the 19-inch alloy wheels shod in 255/35 R19 sport tires and the upgraded interior with black leather seats and contrasting stitching in white.

AVUS Performance Launches 450HP Audi TT RS "Ur Quattro"

Named after the legendary, original Audi Quattro coupe of the late 1980s, AVUS Performance's take on the new TT RS Coupe sees the car's 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-five receive a 110 horsepower and 140 lb-ft of torque bump thanks to the modified turbo, reprogrammed ECU and a new exhaust system. This brings the five-cylinder engine's output to a total of 450HP and 472 lb-ft. Avus did not disclose prices for the engine mods.

The German tuners says that acceleration from zero to 60 mph (96km/h) is trimmed from Audi's 4.6-second claim for the stock TT RS to 3.8 seconds on the TT RS "Ur Quattro" while top speed is increased from 174mph (280km/h) to 194mph (312 km/h).

Avus also modified the coupe's suspension with adjustable coil-over shocks (priced at €1,299) that lower the ride height and help the RS handle the corners.

The TT-RS' exterior has been upgraded with a flat-black finish (vinyl wrap) that costs €1,999 and a set of 20-inch Sportec Mono alloy wheels in a glossy black finish shod in 255/30/20 Hankook S1 Evo tires priced at €6,400 but only until December 15, as Avus currently offers a 25 per cent discount on the tire/alloy combos.

Buyers can also opt for a pair of Recaro bucket seats and various accessories for the interior.

VW and Audi Models Recalled Over Two Separate DSG Problems

Volkswagen Group of America has issued two separate recall for numerous Audi and VW models equipped with its DSG dual-clutch transmission. The first recall involves 16,000 2009-2010MY cars manufactured between September 2008 and August 2009. The models affected are Audi's A3, TT Coupe and Roadster, plus VW's Eos and Jetta Sedan and SportWagen. In this case, a faulty temperature sensor could cause the DSG transmission to shift into neutral while the vehicle is being driven.

The company said that it will contact owners of the affected models so they can take the cars to local dealers for any necessary repairs free of charge.

The second recall affects approximately 43,000 Volkswagens and 10,300 Audis of the 2007-2009 model years including the VW R32, Jetta, Jetta SportWagen, GTI, Eos, as well as the Audi A3 and TT.

According to the German automaker, some customers reported transmission performance issues under certain driving conditions. Volkswagen claims that the problem was caused by a faulty component inside the Mechatronic unit. The company will repair or replace the components in the transmissions of the affected models free of charge.

Furthermore, VW said that it will extend its New Vehicle Limited Warranty to cover the DSG transmissions affected by the customer service program and the voluntary safety recall. According to the company, the extended warranty is for 10-years/100,000-miles and can be transferred to subsequent owners of the cars.

"Safety, customer satisfaction, quality and long-term reliability are top priorities at Volkswagen and Audi. We have been studying the symptoms customers have reported, and are working closely with the NHTSA," said Stefan Jacoby, president and CEO, VWGoA. "We listened to our customers' concerns, and are taking action to address them. We are focused on taking all the appropriate actions to ensure the complete satisfaction of our existing customers."

Sportec Boosts Audi TT RS to 400HP with Stage 1 Upgrade Kit

Audi TT RS coupe and roadster owners are starting to get more options when choosing to upgrade their vehicle. Following MCCHIP's performance kit, APS of Brackley, UK importer for the Sportec range, announced the launch of a Stage One engine package that pushes the German sports car's 2.5-liter turbocharged five cylinder output to a hefty 400 horsepower.

Sportec's kit remaps the factory model's ECU increasing power from 340HP at 5,400 rpm and 450Nm (328lb.ft) at 1,600rpm to 400 horsepower at 5,800rpm and 544Nm (401 lb.ft) of maximum torque at 2650rpm

The Swiss tuner says that after the conversion, the 0-100 km/h (62mph) sprint time for the Audi TT RS falls from 4.6 to 4.2 seconds while the company claims that in-gear acceleration times are "greatly improved". The Stage One package also includes the removal of the factory 250km/h or 155mph top speed limiter.

The kit is priced in the UK at £1,200 fitted (including VAT) and is covered by a guarantee - though APS did not disclose details on the time period.

The firm also revealed that a full program of additional complimentary performance, dynamic and styling upgrades for the Audi TT RS are currently under development with more details to be released at a later stage. For the record, the pictures below are of the factory TT RS.