There is always an opportunity to be had when a model line reaches its conclusion. Take a small number from the end of production, add a spoiler here, a wing there, a spot of chintz perhaps, tell the world it’s a limited edition, limit that number to the amount you were going to sell anyway, then use all the above to charge a fortune for it.
That, precisely, is the recipe for this Audi TT RS Iconic Edition, of which just 100 will be made, 11 of which are destined for the UK and all are sold despite a price of – wait for it – £87,650, some £26,775 more than the standard TT RS to which it is mechanically identical. So you’re paying for those front winglets and spoiler, rear wing, some fancy-pants yellow stitching inside and, above all, the right to tell your mates you’re one in a hundred.
It’s all a bit of a cynical cop out and an unworthy end to a car I’ve by and large admired for 25 years. And it’s still good, good enough to deserve more than this. Actually I think the TTS is the one to have (and for nearly £40k less than this) but I still really enjoyed the yowl of the RS’s straight-five motor, its blistering point-to-point speed and its superb build quality. Yes, the tech’s a bit old now and the rear seats as useless as ever, but I’d understand entirely anyone wishing to treat themselves to a new TT before it’s gone. Except this one. AF
Price £87,650
Engine 2.5 litres, five cylinders, petrol, turbocharged
Power 395bhp
Torque 354lb ft
Weight 1450kg
Power to weight 272bhp per tonne
Transmission Seven-speed dual clutch, four-wheel drive
0-60mph 3.7sec
Top speed 174mph
Economy 31.0mpg (WLTP)
Verdict An unnecessary final fling
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