2023 Audi TTRS Iconic Edition

This third generation Audi TT RS was registered on 17 March 2023 - which surely has to make it the youngest car we’ve ever had through our hands.

It is an example of the TT RS Iconic Edition coupé - a special edition of the soon to be discontinued TT line launched last autumn. Aside from only coming in Nardo Grey and having black badging and wheels, the main differentiator of the Iconic is that it comes with a factory aero kit adding winglets on the front bumper, a front splitter and most noticeably a large carbon-fibre rear wing.

The engine is the same and the top speed of 174 mph is actually marginally slower than the “standard” RS because of the aero, but it will still do a 0-62 mph time of 3.7 seconds. Only 100 Iconic Edition cars have been built (just for Europe) of which 11 are in right-hand-drive for the UK market. This one is the last of the UK’s allocation and number 40 of 100.

It is then a rather special - and rare - tribute to the outgoing Audi TT.

No car’s exterior is ever described as perfect - well not on this site anyway - and practically new cars like this one are no exception. It is, however, immaculate - as you’d expect for a very young car with such low mileage which has recently been treated to a protective ceramic wax coating by one of the country’s leading detailers.

Nardo Grey - named after Audi’s legendary test track in southern Italy - is the only colour the Iconic Edition was available in. While there are some who hanker after more vibrant colours on sports cars, there is no denying the popularity of this high-gloss but solid mid-grey. Audi clearly thinks it is “iconic” enough for this edition.

All of the aero appendages are finished in either gloss black or lacquered carbon-fibre weave and the badges are mostly blacked too, with just the red flash behind the R of RS.

The TT RS sits on 20-inch 7-arm Audi Sport alloy wheels, coated in a gloss black. All are shod with matching Pirelli P-Zero low profile tyres.

Like the outside, the interior is practically untouched - the protective blue film applied in the factory still covers the sill kick plates for example.

The unmarked upholstery is a combination of Nappa leather and alcantara - in a mix of grey shades with contrasting yellow stitching. The front seats are leather but with alcantara facings, embroidered with “RS iconic edition” and detailed with hexagonal quilting stitches. The rear +2 seats are similarly clad but without the quilting or embroidery.

The dash is also contrast stitched and the flat-bottomed steering wheel is clad in alcantara with a yellow top-centre marker line.

Elsewhere in the cabin, other high wear surfaces such as the door handles and around the gear selector are trimmed in a silvered carbon fibre weave. The infotainment system pipes sound through Bang & Olufsen speakers.

The grey carpets are protected with RS-monogrammed and yellow edge-trimmed floor mats.

Up front, the engine bay is literally fresh out of the wrapper, with everything just as it came out of the factory. The TFSI (turbo fuel stratified injection) engine sits transversely but pretty much all that can be seen of it is the top cover and a large air intake duct and filter box.

The undersides of the car are exactly how you would imagine on a new car that has been driven just 300 miles. Not spotless - particularly given the weather of late - but everything is intact, rust-free and still showing the factory stickers, even with the light smattering of road dirt.

Under the rear hatch, the boot linings and carpet are of course immaculate. There is a two-part parcel shelf filling the gap between the rear window and the back of the split-folding rear seats. Under the floor is a foam structure which houses the battery, tyre inflator and sealant canister, tool roll and warning triangle.

Well, here’s a challenge - how to highlight the history of a car that’s barely two months old?

It doesn’t have an MOT - it’s too young to need one. It hasn’t had a service, it has only 310 miles on the clock. There is just the one invoice on file - from Topaz Detailing for a ceramic coating to the body and a PPF application across the front and side sills - a bill nudging close to £4k.

Perhaps we’ll use this section to give you the full alphabetical feature list - as there are doubtless a few exciting things we haven’t yet mentioned:

· 20in Alloy Wheels - Audi Sport - 7-Arm Gloss Black - Iconic Edition

· Anti-Theft Alarm

· Audi Connect Infotainment Services - 36 Month Subscription

· Audi Drive Select

· Audi Magnetic Ride

· Audi Matrix LED Headlights

· Audi Phone Box with Wireless Charging

· Audi Smartphone Interface

· Audi Virtual Cockpit with RS Specific Display

· Black Styling Package

· Bluetooth Interface

· Coloured Interior Elements in Slate Grey

· Comfort and Sound Package

· Cruise Control with Speed Limiter

· DAB Digital Radio

· Deluxe Automatic Air Conditioning with Integrated Digital Displays

· Door Armrest - Centre Console and Dashboard with Calendula Yellow Contrast Stitching

· Door Sill Trims with Aluminium Inlays and TTRS Logo

· ESC - Electronic Stabilisation Control with Sport Mode inc ABS - EBD - ASR - EDL

· Extended Leather Package

· Exterior Mirrors - Electrically Adjustable - Heated and Folding - Automatically Dimming on Both Sides - Including Automatic Kerb-Side Function for the Passenger-Side

· First Aid Kit and Warning Triangle

· Gear Lever with Numbering - 30-40

· Headlights - High-Beam Assist

· Heated Front Seats

· Iconic Edition Aero Kit Exterior Styling

· Inlays - Race Aluminium

· Keyless Go

· LED Interior Lighting Pack

· Light and Rain Sensor

· MMI Navigation Plus including MMI Touch

· Online Media Streaming

· Pedals and Footrest - Stainless Steel

· Privacy Glass

· RS Body Styling

· RS Brake System

· RS Sports Suspension

· TTRS Exhaust Sound Button in Centre Console

· Top Speed Restriction Increase to 174 mph

· Tyre Pressure Warning Light

· Window Lettering - Iconic Edition

· Satnav Systems

· And has a Meta Trak S5-VTS fitted.

The vehicle is currently financed, which will be settled with the lenders prior to collection.

The Market by Bonhams defines itself as an auction site for “classic and collectable cars”. Whilst this effectively brand new Audi is a long way from the former category, it most certainly qualifies for the latter adjective. Audi have said that there won’t be a Mk4 TT - or at least not one with a combustion engine - and therefore no new TT RS, so this car could well be the last of their red-hot coupés to hit these shores. Who wouldn’t want that in their garage or collection?

We think this one - number 40 of 100 and one of the 11 UK RHD cars - will sell for between £93,000 and £100,000.

That might sound like very strong money if you think back to the humble first generation TT, but this is the ultimate expression of Audi’s compact sports car and a comparison to their R8 supercar is probably more appropriate given the looks and performance of this Iconic Edition.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located with us at The Market HQ near Abingdon; to arrange an appointment please use the ‘Contact Seller’ button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.