First U.S. Audi TT RS delivered in Fort Worth

Ex Grand-Am driver Don Istook from Fort Worth, Texas, is the lucky customer who took delivery of the first Audi TT RS model on U.S. shores since the 2008 Audi RS4.

Istook was one of the 11,500 fans who signed the petition to bring the TT RS here, so it's only fitting that he gets one of the early copies.

Istook was one of the first drivers to race an Audi quattro in the United States, and he drove Audi S4 models in the Motorola Cup.

"Having raced at almost every major track in the U.S. and Canada, I've pushed the limits of 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."

Istook was even nice enough to leave the car at the Fort Worth dealership for a few more weeks so customers can get a better look.

The TT RS has a 2.5-liter, turbocharged five-cylinder engine delivering 360 hp between 5,500 rpm and 6,700 rpm. Twist comes in at 343 lb-ft between 1,650 rpm and 5,400 rpm. The all-wheel-drive RS is priced at $57,725, including an $875 destination charge.

The high-performance RS gets 19-inch wheels, a diamond-patterned grille, a fixed rear wing, oval exhaust pipes, a rear diffuser and adaptive headlights. It comes only with a six-speed manual transmission.

On the inside, the RS has a CD and MP3 player, satellite-radio subscription and Audi concert radio. Navigation, real-time traffic, Audi's MMI and a Bose sound system are optional.

Audi's next move will be the U.S. introduction of the slick Audi RS5 coupe next year.

By Jake Lingeman