My FH5 Log: UNSCRIPTED

Do you remember the episode from The Grand Tour where the third-generation Audi TT RS and the Ariel Nomad got compared by Clarkson and Hammond while May's busy making his own fire engine? That's unscripted television to you and me but hey, the TT RS ended up being the better one compared to the Nomad, probably because of the "unscripted" finish line's cheering on Clarkson.

Bringing the "unscripted" rivalry to Forza Horizon 5, the Ariel Nomad and the third-generation Audi TT RS are here to settle the score once again just like what they did in Croatia, only without the lady rooting for the gorilla behind the Audi.

But first, let's get to know about these "unscripted" rivals...

Built by the makers of the mind-blowing Atom, the Nomad is basically the Atom's off-road cousin made to tackle the roughest roads on Planet Earth. Like the normal Atom, the Nomad's equipped with the same Honda 2.4L i-VTEC engine producing 235BHP of power and 300Nm of torque while mated to a 6-speed close ratio gearbox. Because it weighs 670kg, its power-to-weight ratio is 6.25lb/hp. It will do 0-60mph in 3.4 seconds and onwards to 125mph. Aside from that, the Nomad comes with a FOX off-road long-travel coilover suspension, hydraulic handbrake, four-piston calipers, adjustable dampers with remote reservoirs, double unequal-length fabricated wishbones, heavy-duty uprights, quick-ratio ally Rack & Pinion, and others.

The TT RS is the flagship variant of the third-generation Audi TT that is powered by the upgraded version of the 2.5L five-cylinder turbocharged engine that produces 60PS more than the previous TT RS, making it 400PS of power output and 480Nm of torque. Mated to a 7-speed DCT, the TT RS is capable of hitting the 0-100kph time of 3.7 seconds and a top speed of up to 280kph thanks to its optional extra.

With Bob the Builder and the air hostess having their say, it's time to bring these two on a rally stage...above the caldera, just to find out if they're just like their stint at The Grand Tour a few years ago, only this time without a pretty lady to root for the Audi. This is a proper finish line with a proper audience watching the two unscripted rivals do their thing.

Let's Go!

With a case of deja vu done, here are the results, and it's a close one, I believe...

Nomad - 0m54.788s 

TT RS (8S) - 0m54.521s

Now that's a close result but hey, the Audi won the unscripted duel against the Ariel, just.

From the rugged rear-wheel-drive Nomad to the all-wheel-drive turbocharged TT RS, these unscripted rivals were proven to be great to drive on and off the road but in the end, it's the Audi the superior one because...it's an Audi. No explanations are needed. I guess Clarkson's right after all about the TT RS but...something tells me about this Audi. I wonder what it could be?

I'll figure it out soon because there's something about this TT...

GT SPORT: First ride

With the latest Gran Turismo making its debut on the PS4, looks like I am now back to the writing board to talk about the cars of this newest title and how they impress me not just by their looks but by how they react or feel on the track. First up, let's look at the car I obtained on my first day of gameplay with GT SPORT.



Sorry, a little dark with this picture but bear with me folks because this is the car I got on my first day of GT SPORT gameplay. It's the Audi TTS, a semi-high-performance variant of the third-generation Audi TT.

What is it then? The TT S is powered by a 2.0L TFSi petrol engine that produces 310PS of power output while mated with a choice of either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed flappy paddle that can do 0-100kph in 4.6 seconds and a top speed limited to 250kph. Apart from the power, the third generation TT S utilizes the MQB platform from every VW Group vehicle of today, and because of the next-generation Audi Space Frame, it's surprisingly lighter than the previous TT S model, and with Audi's signature quattro permanent all-wheel drive, it's capable through different road conditions, be it rain or shine.



It's quite surprising that everyone who's starting GT SPORT for the first time gets their hands on this but let's not get too excited because this car can get bitey because of its understeering nature. Despite this, the Audi TT S is a nice starting point for those who want to sample the twists and turns of the tracks offered on GT SPORT. It can be mild and tangy but it's the start of many things to come in GT SPORT.

So, care to see what I did with this on the Tokyo highways? Let's roll the tape and thank goodness, I made my first GT SPORT clip for this post.





Mild as I said but the TT S knows how to impress a beginner before setting off to check out some more cars and tracks offered in-game. Needless to say, before you head off to the big leagues, why not take some time to discover the cars and tracks in GT SPORT?  There's so much to discover before getting ready for the race of your lives so take your time before you raise a hand for a challenge.

Audi TT Mk3 (Typ 8S) RS

The most powerful version of the Audi TT is back for more, only this time it's now heavily based on the current-generation model as the all-new Audi TT RS is ready to take on the big guns with its blend of compact sizing and big power from its signature five-cylinder engine, proving that this car isn't just a VW Golf R in coupster look, it's one way why Audi makes the most serious machines for those who can't afford a more expensive R8 supercar. The question is, is it good?

2017 Audi TT RS

Before you get your hands on the new Audi TT RS, first you must get to know more about the TT RS in terms of how it looks, how it behaves, and so on, and so forth, and introduce yourself to the hot TT RS is just the half of the story. For this new model, the TT RS offers two body styles to choose from; an open-top version if you're not too serious about pushing this car beyond limits or a hardtop version if you really want to discover its utmost potential as a hot TT for the privileged few. Whichever style you go, you will always be greeted by its racy exterior design just as what you expect from most Audi RS models, hardcore Audis made by the madmen from quattro GmbH for people who believe they like to make a world their racetrack by any means necessary.

It's fair to say that with such exterior design, the new TT RS has a striking impression of a Soviet-made handgun that sounds like the banging of a gong on a dam, and if whoever's driving any kind of TT, even the TT S, will be extremely jealous enough to have one of these someday but that will take a lot of time to wait until it's here, or the budget to spend one because the new model starts at 66,400 Euros for the Coupe version and 69,200 Euros for the Roadster version.

Either way, they're still fitted with its signature 2.5L 5-cylinder engine as before, only this time it's all new and producing 60PS more than the last time, meaning it's now 400PS of power and 480Nm of torque. Sounds juicy enough to put the VW Golf R to shame but there's one major point that will upset some speedo boys elsewhere; it's available only with a 7-speed DSG gearbox. That's it. A 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox. Even with all that power, you speedo boys are not going to enjoy the paddle-shifting, two-pedal layout offered by the most powerful TT in the range, not if that setup propels this car from 0 to 100kph to 3.7 seconds (3.9 for the Roadster) and electronically limited to 250kph (or 280kph for an optional extra).

For all that power, Audi resorts to improving the dynamics of the TT RS to give the new model some character hidden beneath its exterior design. Despite having an automatic gearbox, which sounds unruly for speedo boys, there's so much time to explore more about the TT RS's dynamism that the folks from quattro GmbH spent endless hours fine-tuning its racy handling for your own driving pleasure. As a four-wheel drive car, the TT RS can be a fun and enjoyable sportscar even when the weather turns against the drivers. It sure is addicting at first but when things are taking it very seriously when it comes to driving it on track days, it's a struggle where its unpredictable understeering acts as a recoil from your steering attack through the harsh bends. Needless to say with that kind of character, you'll gonna need to spend lots and lots of man-hours to get its handling right on track until the day comes when setting lap times in this car becomes as clear as a crystal maze.

As a driver's car, the Audi TT RS is an addictive addition to your garage and you can spend most of the vacation leave getting to know more about this car not in terms of how it looks but by the way it drives with that kind of setup, despite its added power from its signature five-cylinder engine, you can find it very struggling to be accommodated to its double-clutch gearbox set up because some speedo boys won't go easy with the DSG setup, no matter how quick this car is from the starting line. On the bottom line, there's so much to learn from the new model, in fact, this model needs to be more enjoyable than this so speedo boys can deserve more for the hottest TT ever made.

Photo: Audi AG

Audi TTS Mk.3

Last year, the Audi TT has been regenerated to its third-generation and with this new model, think of it as a beginners' luck because this new model doesn't feel as intimidating as most sportscars behave in an unmanageable manner but for those who are looking for some challenge should consider this;

2015 Audi TTS Coupe

2015 Audi TTS Roadster

This is the new Audi TTS and you can think of it as the new Audi TT that is set for the most intermediate drivers. It's not too boring and easy as the normal TT but it's not too harsh and fun as...um...well, expect more from the new TT very soon but still this is the medium of the range because this is the slightly hardcore version of the new model that is made for those who are not interested in sportscars that are as mad as supercars but hey, this is a different breed you know.

You can buy one with either a hardtop coupe that costs you 49,100 Euros or an open-top roadster model which costs you 52,300 Euros but mind you, the Roadster model is heavier and slightly slower than the hardtop model even though they're electronically limited to 250kph. Yes, they both have the same 2.0L TFSi engine producing 310PS of power and the same choice of either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed flappy paddle but the coupe version can do 0-100kph in 4.6 seconds while the roadster version can only do 0-100kph in 4.9 seconds.

Handling wise, the TTS doesn't smack you down like a wrestler hitting your face with a padlock but it's like a karate kid carving a wooden statue out of his karate. While the normal TT feels somewhat milder to drive, the S feels...um...slightly the same as the normal TT even though it comes with added power. It maybe feel more like a hot hatch but for a sportscar of this magnitude, the TTS doesn't feel the cut.

In terms of cruising, the TTS isn't half bad. By the time you're driving home after a game of poker with your mates at the City of Dreams, it feels as civilized as you riding in your neighbor's car after a night out. Hmmm... I see, but this is even more noticing than your neighbor's car because this is just a lame excuse to think you have a hot car cruising home in the late night.

So, how do I like about the TTS? Well, it was the added power on its turbocharged 2.0L engine, the handling's not so intimidating, and it's a 4WD coupester capable on taking on any weather it sees. Things I don't like about it is the pricing, the confusing interior where you can't find anything to listen to your music, its understeering, and that's pretty much it.

Photo: Audi AG

Audi TT Mk3 (Typ 8S)

The folks from Audi have been waiting for this since...well, eternity, knowing that their favorite coupster, the Audi TT, is about to regenerate, and after moments of waiting, this is it. The Audi TT has been regenerated to its third-generation and it's going to be the most advanced TT to date.

2015 Audi TT

2015 Audi TT Roadster

So what is it, then?

This is the all new, third-generation, Audi TT. It comes with two different flavors; the hardtop coupe and the roadster which is somewhat heavier than the hardtop version due to its extra bracing and strengthening.

Which TT should I choose?

It depends on how much you have in your wallet. If you're a bit too serious, go for the hardtop, but if you're going for an open-top ride, go for the roadster but due to Europe's dropping temperatures, I'm afraid that the roadster version will have to wait in the garage unless you have its roof closed and prepped up with very warm clothing. Still can't take a joke? Whichever TT you'll choose, you'll be getting to know more about the new TT thanks to its new tech, new engine choices, and a completely new platform.

Hey...isn't the new TT wears the MQB outfit from the Golf?

That's right. Like any other cars from the VW family tree, the new Audi TT is outfitted to its bare skin with VW Group's breakthrough MQB platform. If you don't know about it, let me give you a quick refresher. MQB or Modularer Querbaukasten is a revolutionary platform from VW Group where the engine is transversely mounted and it's flexible enough to allow individual models to have a variety of wheelbase, track and external dimensions. This new TT fits to the new platform like butter.

How does it perform?

2015 Audi TT

2015 Audi TT Roadster

Let's call it mild and tangy because the new TT feels like it's not so hard to drive although this car might face some understeer woes because of being too much grip. Because most of the models ranging from the 2.0L TFSi and the 2.0 TDI ultra come with the front-wheel drive powertrain, the only model I'm interested with is the 2.0 TFSI quattro S tronic model. This is the best pick for the normal TT models while the hotter TT S models are standing by until the snow thaws and the flowers bloom.

With the quattro all-wheel drive system, the new TT feels like it firmly grasps through the corners without the drama. Although it feels a bit okay for the driver but it doesn't have the lairy attitude that your would expect from its RWD opposition or from its big brother, the Audi R8. Furthermore, even with the quattro on it, this car doesn't burn your tongue badly like extra hot sriracha sauce. It tastes like...hmmm....sweet and spicy pancit canton. Mmmm...

How about the inside of the new TT

2015 Audi TT

The inside now looks a bit questionable although the new TT's interior is more driver-focused than any other sportscar in existence. You will notice that the sat-nav is now on the speedometer and this is as confusing as the Ferrari 458 or the F12berlinetta. Of course, you can't have both the speedo and the navigation system in the same place via instrumental panel and if you're wandering where the CD player is...don't because the CD player is nowhere to be found. It's kinda harsh that this is made from one of the carmakers who believe that the age of compact discs or CDs is approaching its Revelation due to the fast-changing technology. It's like killing Saturday morning cartoons from broadcast TVs and feels like our lives are a bit empty without stuff we remember when we're young. Kinda harsh, isn't it?

Cost?

The new TT starts at 35,000 Euros for the Coupe version and 37,900 Euros for the Roadster version. In fact, you can charge more for engine choices, optional extras, and accessories but even if you're not going for it, the TT is less costly to own than the big guys like the Jaguar F-Type, the Lotus Evora, the Porsche Cayman, and many others. Don't think of getting too excited to have one because...it feels too mild for the pros but if you're a bit too intermediate, try this one for a change.

Available colors: Brillantschawz, Ibisweiß, Vegasgelb, Florettsilber Metallic, Gletscherweiß Metallic, Monsungrau Metallic, Mythosschwarz Metallic, Nanograu Metallic, Scubablau Metallic, Tangorot Metallic, and Daytonagrau Perleffekt.

Photo: Audi AG

Welcome Back: 2010 Audi TT RS Coupe

Your rival video game has the Audi TTS, which is fun but not enough power to woo me. This game, Forza Motorsport 4, has the Audi TT RS, which has more power than the lame Audi TTS and a lot more fun to drive. Go ahead, you'll be the judge...

No tunnel's safe for this car!

The most powerful version of the Audi TT, the TT RS, comes with the 2,480 cc Inline-5 20v DOHC (CEPA) TFSi engine that generates about 335bhp of power and 332lb-ft of torque. Since the RS2 Avant, most Audi RS models are assembled at the quattro GmbH factory in Neckarsulm, Germany but for the TT RS, it's not made in Neckarsulm but instead produced at Gyor, Hungary, just like any other TT variants.

This car was mated with a 6-speed close-ratio manual transmission and in tradition, it's available only with quattro all wheel drive powertrain. By 2010, a year after the TT RS' 2009 debut, it was offered with a 7-speed DSG transmission for quick shifting.

In the USA, when it was launched in third-quarter of 2011 thanks to some 11,000-signature petition on the internet, the Audi TT RS does not come with launch control, 7-speed DSG, or Recaro seats.

Welcome Back: 2007 Audi TT Coupe S-Line

It's a car with pure energy

Off to Scotland for some golfing!

If the first generation Audi TT was made to be more of a fashionista's choice, then this second-generation Audi TT is the opposite because what Audi made is more athletic than ever. It's no longer a cow in the track suit, it's a cow GTI in racing overalls!

In reality, we have a choice of either a 1.8-litre EA888 TFSi, EA113-variant 2.0-litre TFSI, or the 3.2L VR6 engine. Here in Forza 4, what we have is the one with the 3.2L VR6 engine, the one we found on the old TT. It produces 268bhp of power and 350Nm of torque.

It maybe the baby of the Audi sportscars but it's highly advanced in terms of technology. With the help of the magnetic suspension, which Audi stole that idea from the Chevrolet Corvette, the handling is racing car sharp.

Jeremy Clarkson drove this one while Richard Hammond drives the Mazda RX-8 and James May drives an Alfa Romeo Brera in series 9, episode 2 of BBC Top Gear where the boys compare the Audi TT, Mazda RX-8 and Alfa Romeo Brera in Scotland.

Welcome Back: 2004 Audi TT Coupe 3.2 quattro

This may have a flappy paddle gearbox but
it seems to be an effective one...

Driven by instinct

The Audi TT, this car has been lashing on the Cool Wall years ago. Some say this is COOL but some say, this is SERIOUSLY UNCOOL just because...they accessorize it or treat it as an accessory to your right. However, this is more of a hair-scrunchy thing for men.

I have to say that this car is just so stylish, hip, and cool. From the exterior to the interior, it's just well made to be more fashionable but you can't just get in and go because you need to be more fashionable to suit the TT's fashionable behavior. Most people have an hour or so to get home from work and go out for a night but when they have an Audi TT, this isn't enough. It takes several hours to find the right dress and proudly say "Hi! I got an Audi TT!"

The TT was launched as a coupe in 1998 and as a roadster in 1999. It uses the platform derived from the Volkswagen Golf MK4. The name was derived from the successful motor racing tradition of NSU in the British Isle of Man TT race. It can be also attributed to "Technology & Tradition". Driven by design, driven by turbo, and driven by quattro, the Audi TT has the commercial tagline of "Driven by instinct".

Early TT models come with a 1.8T engine with various power outputs and mated with either a 5-speed MT, 6-speed MT, or a 6-speed tiptronic. In 2003, a more powerful 3.2 V6 engine was introduced and it churns out 247HP of power and 320Nm of torque. It comes with a 6-speed DSG transmission that takes .4 seconds faster than manual shifting.

This first-generation TT was nominated for the North American Car of the Year award in 2000. It was also on Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best lists for 2000 and 2001

Jeremy Clarkson reviewed this one on Top Gear and when handed to The Stig, the V6-powered TT lapped the Top Gear Test Track on 1:32.7, quicker than the old Volkswagen Golf R32.

Audi TT RS - Forza 3 Owner's View

The Audi TT RS strolls around Suzuka

You know PGA Cars never sold the TT RS
in the Philippines but, what's that plate doing?

FINAL IMPRESSION: The Audi TT RS Coupe. A 4WD high-performance coupe that produces 340PS/5400rpm in power output, 450Nm/1600rpm of torque output, top speed limited to 250kmh, and 0-100kmh in 4.6 seconds. It is mated with a 6-speed automatic transmission for the fun-to-drive feeling. Here in Forza 3, the Audi TT RS is focused solely on its style, performance, and packaging. Most players find this car very amusing than the standard second-generation Audi TT because of its agility and the willpower to take against all odds.

Aside from that, players find this car their "everyday car" because they can decorate anything with decals and vinyls handmade by players to bring out some taste of glamour to the Audi TT RS. I often get a chance to take advantage to Post-it something on the TT RS' rear view because of...plates handmade by me. For instance, the "PGA Cars" plate I made really confuse others thinking that the Audi TT RS was sold in the Philippines via PGA Cars (which is the official Audi distributor of the Philippines) but honestly, PGA Cars never sold the Audi TT RS Coupe to the Philippines but only a handful of gray market imports would know about that.

I really like the way the Audi TT RS behaves...