Geneva 2012: Audi TT RS plus

• Hardcore Audi TT breaks cover
• 355bhp and 174mph top speed
• Latest Audi 'plus' variant

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This is the Audi TT RS plus – a Porsche-chasing 174mph version of the Audi TT RS – that will be revealed at the Geneva motor show next month.

See also: All Geneva motor show 2012 news

The TT RS plus will come in coupe and Roadster form, with both powered by a tuned version of the 2.5-litre five-cylinder engine found in the TT RS. Power from the uprated engine is boosted by 20bhp to a Porsche Boxster-beating 355bhp.

Drive is delivered to all four wheels through a standard six-speed manual gearbox, or optional seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission with launch control.

This combines to blast the S tronic-equipped coupe from 0-60mph in 4.1 seconds – 0.2 seconds quicker than the standard version. The manual gearbox adds a couple of tenths of a second.

Audi's engineers have added to the drama by introducing a sound flap in the exhaust to intensify the noise from the five-cylinder engine.

Despite the sizeable increase in performance, fuel economy remains respectable, with average economy of 33.2mpg for the coupe and 32.8mpg for the Roadster.

To help keep things under control, there's an uprated version of the TT RS's already sport-tuned suspension. An adaptive damping system that offers various levels of firmness is optional.

Cosmetic tweaks to set the plus apart from the standard RS include 19-inch red-rimmed black alloy wheels, a new-look grille, carbonfibre door mirrors and black oval tailpipes.

Audi hasn't released any details about UK pricing or on-sale dates, but in Germany the TT RS plus costs €60,650 (around £50,845) for the coupe and €63,500 (£53,235) for the Roadster.

Pete Barden