In the current issue of Journeys, Darren Moody describes his drive in the awesome Audi Performance R8 Carbon. Here are his reviews of Audi’s TT RS and RS5 LE.

TT RS

 The growling engine note of the 5-cylinder turbo TT RS propels this nimble Audi at tremendous pace. The 250kW engine just keeps giving up the rev range slotting the next gear with the customary exhaust blurp. The TT always feels light on its toes and points in at corners with absolute precision, but will provide some understeer if the limits are pushed.  Despite slippery surfaces the amount of grip was astounding. Audi have made 45 of these models available to Australia. On top of the sensational 5-cylinder turbo Quattro TTRS, the LE spec gives you a 7-speed S-Tronic transmission, 19” titanium look alloy wheels, sports exhaust, Bose audio, adaptive headlights, black exterior package, extended leather package, three LE colours. Priced at $139,900 (plus on roads), which includes $8,460 additional value.

RS5

The RS5 LE has Audi’s hi-tech 4.2 litre direct injection V8, which creates a fantastic sound track as it heads towards its 8,500rpm redline. The ability to drive this vehicle at speed with ease is amazing – the sports centre diff allows as much as 80% of drive to the rear wheels, or alternatively if conditions dictate 70% of drive can come to the front wheels. While amazingly quick the RS5 would make a great grand tourer eating up the miles, and providing plenty of smiles when the road gets twisty.

Only 25 RS5 LEs are available. The Limited Edition package nets you 20” titanium- look alloys, sports exhaust, Bang & Olufsen surround audio, panoramic glass roof, black exterior package, driver’s seat memory function and exclusive LE colours. Add all this to the awesome sound track of the 331kW 4.2L Audi V8 and Quattro drive system and you have one hell of a drive. $175,300 (plus on roads) will get you into one with $13,600 worth of extras thrown in.

Snapshot