With their absence from the 2022 catalogue for Canada, the sporty 2022 Audi TT RS and the 2022 Audi RS3 will be truly missed in automotive landscape in Canada. Only 50 units, called the TT RS Heritage Edition, will be offered in the U.S. market before the model is discontinued.
Let’s take a look at this unusual car.
The History of the Audi TT RS and RS3
Launched on the North American market in 2012, the Audi TT RS is the high-performance version of the TT. First unveiled in 2009 at the Geneva Motor Show, it was created by Quattro GmbH, the developer of high-performance models. At the time, it was the very first compact sports model from the four-ring manufacturer to earn the RS designation.
Now in its 4th generation, the Audi RS3 was offered at a starting price of $65,600 when it last appeared on the catalogue, making it a relatively affordable car in its class.
The outgoing 2021 Audi TT RS and RS3 offer an impressive spec sheet. They are powered by a 5-cylinder 2.5 L TFSI engine with a whopping 394 horsepower. It is paired with a 7-speed S-tronic transmission and the Audi Magnetic Ride suspension. The Audi Sport Package with a fixed RS sport suspension and a carbon fibre engine cover is available on option.
The TT RS and RS3 were hugely successful and not just because of their attractive prices. They boast a sporty yet refined interior made with high-quality materials, including Nappa and Alcantara leather. They also included RS sports seats with stitching.
They are also packed with comfort features such as heated seats, air-conditioning and ambient lighting.
Deciding to Discontinue the TT RS and RS3
The Audi TT RS had a sword of Damocles hanging over it for some time. Audi announced in 2019 that it would be discontinuing the TT range because, according to the manufacturer, sales targets were no longer being met.
What’s more, the arrival of new all-electric vehicles was the last nail in the coffin for these Audi sports models. Audi also stated in a press release that the decision not to offer the Audi TT RS and RS3 in Canada in 2022 was the result of “a change in regulations in the approval process for new vehicles” in Canada:
“Due to specific changes in the law for the registration of new vehicles in the Canadian market, it is no longer possible for Audi Canada to offer the 5-cylinder engine. Consequently, we regret to inform you that Audi Canada and its dealer network can no longer market and sell the RS 3 and TT RS in the Canadian market due to the inability to satisfy certain technical requirements”.
So we will have to settle with simply watching (from afar) as the last TT RS units in the North American market are sold exclusively in the U.S., and in very limited numbers.
Audi’s Heritage Edition
Only 50 Audi TT RS units will be available for the 2022 edition, sold under the name Heritage Edition. These will come in 5 different body colours, with only 10 vehicles in each shade. These are inspired by colours offered by the very first Audi Quattro coupe: Malachite Green, Alpine White, Tizian Red, Helios Blue and Stone Gray.
And just to make us even more envious, here’s a look at the features coming standard with TT RS:
- OLED taillights;
- Sport exhaust system with black tips;
- Aluminum exterior accents including mirror caps;
- 20-inch two-tone wheels;
- Electric rear spoiler;
- And much more.
The interior also features an Alcantara leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearstick lever, carpets with contrasting stitching and RS logos, and exclusive Audi engraving on the rear window, among other features.
Under the hood you will find the powerful 5-cylinder engine with an incredible 394 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. Its top speed is 280 km/h.
The Audi TT RS Heritage Edition is offered at $82,495 USD; that’s a significant increase from the base model, almost $10,000 more.
Conclusion
While we are sad to see these models go, we can expect Audi to offer great all-electric models in the near future. If you want to get your hands on an Audi RS 3 or TT RS at any price, you better hurry! There are few left on the pre-owned market!
To learn more about these models or the rest of the Audi line-up available in Canada, simply stop by for a visit today at Audi Lauzon!
