The 2012 Audi TT RS Plus is actually less in Geneva

The heart of the 2012 Audi TT RS Plus is the same 2.5L turbocharged 5-cylinder engine found in the non-Plus TT RS, which sends 360 horsepower and 343lb-ft of torque to all four wheels via the buyer’s choice of a 6-speed manual transmission or a 7-speed dual clutch automatic unit. This allows the Audi TT RS Plus Coupe to dash from 0-62 in 4.1 seconds when fitted with the S Tronic 7-speed dual clutch, which also features a launch control feature that helps this sporty little Audi rip away from the starting line. When equipped with the standard 6-speed manual transmission, the TT RS Plus Coupe can hit 62mph in just 4.3 seconds – still not too shabby. Those who want some open air driving can also benefit from the TT RS Plus package in Roadster form, which moves out from 0-62 in just 4.2 seconds with the dual clutch and 4.4 seconds with the manual transmission. The top speed of both the Coupe and Roadster version of the 2012 Audi TT RS Plus is limited to 173.98 miles per hour, while both versions also yield better than 27 miles per gallon with the S Tronic dual clutch.

The key difference of the 2012 Audi TT RS Plus is the reduction of weight which, while no specifics are given by the German automaker, cuts around 100 pounds off of the Audi TT RS currently in dealerships around the country. When equipped with the manual transmission, the TT RS Plus Coupe tips the scales at just 3,190 pounds for a power to weight ratio of just 8.8lbs per horsepower while the open air Roadster boasts a ratio of 9.26lbs per hp. For a simple comparison, the 2012 Ford Mustang GT has a power to weight ratio of 8.7lbs per horsepower – to give you an idea of the kind of competition the TT RS Plus could hang with on the open road while also offering better than 27mpg.

In addition to the lightweight space frame construction and a sport tuned suspension setup, the 2012 Audi TT RS Plus features a high performance braking system with 4-piston calipers up front pinching down on drilled rotors. The TT RS Plus includes the unique black and red 19” lightweight wheels wrapped in high performance tires and Audi’s magnetic ride adaptive damping system is available as an option on the TT RS Plus for those who want even better handling. The Plus also has a rear spoiler out back for added downforce while hitting the 174mph top speed.

The pricing of the 2012 Audi TT RS Plus has only been listed for the German market so this might be a high performance coupe and roadster that Americans don’t get a chance to buy but with any luck, Audi will offer this –at least in some quantity – for those Audi lovers living in the US.

Stay tuned to TorqueNews.com for more from the 2012 Geneva Motor Show!