2012 Audi TT: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 13, 2026
The big change for the 2012 Audi TT is the arrival of the TT RS in the U.S. This 360-hp flagship raises the lineup’s performance ceiling, while the regular TT and TTS see little change.
About the 2012 Audi TT
2nd generation Audi TT (8J), after the 2011 styling and powertrain update; 2012 is a late-cycle post-refresh year and the first U.S. model year for the TT RS.
Audi markets the TT as a compact premium sports car that mixes standout design with all-weather confidence and a high-quality cabin. Compared with rawer rivals, it leans more toward everyday usability, quattro traction, and a driver-focused interior than pure track-car attitude. In coupe form it also offers useful hatchback cargo flexibility, while the roadster keeps the same small, upscale sports-car feel with open-air appeal.
The 2012 range starts with the upscale, everyday-focused TT, which pairs a 211-hp turbo four-cylinder with all-wheel drive and a dual-clutch automatic. The 265-hp TTS adds sharper suspension tuning, while the new TT RS tops the range with a turbo five-cylinder, a six-speed manual, stronger brakes, and a fixed rear wing.
What changed, by category
2012 Audi TT specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 5-Cyl, Turbo, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Manual, 6-Spd | Auto, 6-Spd w/S tronic | Auto, 6-Spd w/S tronic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 18 mpg | 23 mpg | 23 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 25 mpg | 31 mpg | 31 mpg |
| Horsepower | 360 hp | 211 hp | 265 hp |
| Torque | 343 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 13.1 cu-ft | 8.8–13.1 cu-ft | 8.8–13.1 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 29.3 in | 29.3 in | 29.3 in |
| Seats | 4 | 2–4 | 2–4 |
| Doors | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Adaptive Headlights | |||
| Alarm System | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| Fog Lights | |||
| Power Retractable Soft Top | |||
| Rear Spoiler | |||
| Bluetooth | |||
| Navigation System | |||
| Premium Audio | |||
| Satellite Radio | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | |||
| Leather Seats | |||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2012 Audi TT?
The biggest change is the TT RS joining the U.S. lineup for the first time. It adds a 360-hp turbo five-cylinder, a six-speed manual, adaptive suspension, stronger brakes, and RS-specific bodywork.
Is the 2012 Audi TT a full redesign?
No, the 2012 Audi TT is not a full redesign. It is a late-cycle year for the second-generation TT, following the 2011 styling and powertrain update; the new TT RS is the main development.
How is the 2012 TT RS different from the regular 2012 TT?
The 2012 TT RS is the much more performance-focused version. It has a 360-hp turbo five-cylinder and six-speed manual, compared with the regular TT’s 211-hp turbo four-cylinder and dual-clutch automatic, and it also adds adaptive suspension, larger brakes, and a fixed rear wing.
Does the 2012 Audi TT RS have an automatic transmission?
No, the 2012 Audi TT RS uses a six-speed manual transmission. The regular TT and TTS use six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmissions.
Is the 2012 Audi TT meaningfully different from the 2011 model?
Only if the TT RS matters to you. The 360-hp TT RS is new to the U.S. for 2012, but the regular TT receives only minor feature reshuffling and the TTS is essentially unchanged.