The Roadster variant of the TT RS might not be the sharpest specimen – the Coupe better wears that accolade – but it does add another layer to the overall driving experience. Design cues remain unmistakably TT with those distinctly rounded-off edges and almost 50:50 front to rear ratio aspect, as opposed to the long bonnet and short rear overhang of the classic roadster design formula. 

Nestling in an in-line position is the company’s much-vaunted 2.5-litre, five-cylinder, turbocharged petrol engine that pushes out 294 kW and 480 Nm through a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox. While those might not be class-leading outputs, the engine’s signature warbly note more than makes up for it. Very few, if any production engines in the sub-3.0-litre category can outshine Audi’s five-cylinder powerplant for sheer symphonics. 

It has a rich, bassy timbre at startup and just above idle speeds, enough to keep you enchanted. However, bury the throttle to the floorboards and let the gearbox rummage deeper down the cogs as it finds a more appropriate lower gear. Once done, the engine clears its throat and belches out a note reminiscent of the Ur quattro rally car, interspersed by what is a familiar V10 ensemble right up to the 6,800 r/min crescendo. Hey, Audi, can you please keep this engine for as long as possible and basically shoehorn it into as many cars in your stable before you put it out to pasture? 

Handling, meanwhile, is of the neutral variety, but you can get the back to step out slightly with all the nannies turned off, which brings a quotient of fun and playfulness that was never part of the previous TT’s repertoire.