Audi TT RS Plus (2012) first official pictures

Audi has unveiled a go-faster version of the TT. As if the regular TT RS isn't fast enough, here's the new 2012 TT RS Plus – a tuned version of the coupe and roadster with the wick turned up to 355bhp.

It's based on the regular RS model, which means the five-cylinder turbo engine continues. But there's an extra 20bhp on tap, nudging power even further past Porsche Cayman R territory.

Pretty quick. The top speed limiter is increased, which means 174mph is possible, according to Audi. But it's still limited: the TT RS Plus would charge past 180mph or so if the electro-nannies were disengaged.

And with 343lb ft of torque – 11 more pound feet than before – the 0-62mph sprint is devastatingly fast too. Equipped with the optional S-tronic twin-clutch transmission, the TT RS Plus will pass the benchmark in just 4.1 seconds. Pick the manual box, and you'll be two-tenths behind.

Audi says the TT RS Plus weighs 1450kg in coupe form. And that's with the Quattro drivetrain, which is understandably standard.

Not a huge amount more. The 19in alloys are new, featuring RS3-style black paint and red highlights. They're wrapped in thin 255/35 section rubber.

Adaptive damping, aka Magnerride magneto-rheological dampers, are optional, while a fixed wing increases downforce at the rear of the car.

This wouldn't be a tweaked-up car unless it had some cosmetic tricker. So a carbonfibre reinforced finish is used on the door mirrors and there's a new black finish to the exhausts.

By Tim Pollard