First 2012 Audi TT RS Delivered to US Customer

Marking the return of the Audi RS line to the American performance car scene, the first 2012 Audi TT RS in the U.S. has just been delivered to veteran race car driver Don Istook by the Forth Worth Audi dealership in Texas. Istook is, in fact, one of the 11,500+ fans who have signed the Audi TT RS Facebook petition drive last year, the one that convinced the four ring brand to bring the 360-hp coupe to the U.S.

The Texan also has an interesting history of his time spent behind the wheel. He was also one of the first drivers to race an Audi Quattro in the U.S. in 1985 and he drove Audi S4 models in the Motorola Cup, which later became the Grand-Am Cup.  More recently he has raced Audi TT quattro coupes.

"Having raced at almost every major track in the U.S. and Canada, I've pushed the limits in many cars in my 34 years as a race car driver," Istook said. "I like my street car to give me some of that thrill.  With my new Audi TT RS, I not only get that thrill, but I also get that 'race car' sound."

Under the hood of the 2012 Audi TT RS lies a 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder TFSI engine developing 360 hp and 343 lb-ft of torque. Pricing starts at $56,850 (excluding $875 destination charges, taxes, title, options and dealer charges).

"For the past few years, American sports car enthusiasts have pleaded with us to make the marquee available here. With the TT RS we are now furthering the Audi performance story that includes models from the Audi S4 to the new Audi R8 GT," said Johan de Nysschen, President, Audi of America.

The German brand has also confirmed U.S. introduction of the Audi RS 5 coupe sometime next year.