After giving the green light to the U.S. specification TT RS last year, the flagship version of Audi’s sports coupe has finally arrived in the States. It will go on sale within the next few weeks with prices starting at $56,850 (*) excluding destination charges, taxes, title, options and dealer charges.

Interestingly, the North American version of the TT RS is more powerful than its European sibling as the 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder TFSI engine is said to deliver 360-horsepower and 343 lb-ft of torque between 1,650 and 5,400 rpm. The European market model is rated at 340HP and 450 Nm (331.90 lb.-ft.) of torque.

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Are you bummed out about not being able to buy Audi's five-cylinder TT RS here in the States? Well, you may be in luck because the Ingolstadt-based automaker is "seriously rethinking" its original plan not to import the flagship version of its TT series in North America.

And mind you, this isn't one of those unsubstantiated rumors that are floated on the net one day, and denied the next. The German firm's U.S. division has just rolled out a special website asking buyers to express their personal interest in the car by signing a petition. The move comes only days after Audi announced plans to sell the hot RS5 Coupe in the USA starting from early 2012.

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Audi has published a new picture gallery of the subtly facelifted 2011 TTS Coupe that will go on sale in the U.S. this fall. Cosmetic changes are limited to the revised single-frame grille with its aluminum-look horizontal double bars and the bumper, along with the addition of a new Panther Black exterior finish and a new two-tone (silver/black) option for the interior.

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If we are to believe the organizers of the AMI auto show in Leipzig, then along with the new BMW 5-Series Touring (pictures of which have already been released), the German salon will also host the world premiere of the facelifted Audi TT and either a new or updated version of Volkswagen's Golf-based Touran compact MPV.

No other details were released about the two cars but we reckon that since the show runs from April 10 to 18, it won't be long before the VW Group makes an official announcement.

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At a first glance, few would guess that the first generation Audi TT shares a platform, engine and most of its mechanics with parent company Volkswagen's Golf as well as the VW Jetta, New Beetle, Seat Leon, Skoda Octavia etc., etc.

Call it down right honesty, call it stupid, you know, call it whatever, but the owner of this 2000 model year Audi TT Coupe, which is up for sale on eBay, had no problem at all replacing Ingolstadt's four-ring logos with the VW badge. He even went as far as adding a couple of VW emblems on the seats.

"I just added Volkswagen logos around to make it look different, since they are the same company," said the eBay with a sincerity that could do with a good a dose of self-irony. More pics for your enjoyment after the jump.

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Welcome to a new series which will be following your favorite cars that made it from concept to reality. Strap in, it's about to get fun-u-cational. As always, any recommendations, suggestions, thoughts and ideas are much welcome.

Audi's TT: The little squashed Beetle that could (and did). This is the car that brought Audi some serious attention in the mid- to late-90's while also influencing design for the brand that always wanted to play in the BMW/Benz league. Mission accomplished.

Debut (Concept): 1995 Frankfurt International Auto Show (TT Coupe) ; 1995 Tokyo Motor Show (TTS Roadster)

Debut (Production): 1998 Paris Motor Show (1999 Model Year Audi TT Coupe) ; 1999 Geneva Motor Show (2000 MY Audi TT Roadster)

Lost in translation: Other than the Coupe's more cleanly styled rooftop design that did not include rear-quarter windows and the TTS's funky front fender vents, not a whole lot.

But we got to keep: Just about everything else including the baseball stitching on the roadster's seats. Sweet.

Fun fact: The TT name has a bit of a bickering going on behind it. While those clinging to the past stand by the fact that it hearkens back to the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy (TT) motorcycle race and NSU's Prinz-based 1000TT, 1200TT, and TTS of the 1960's, others claim Audi originally meant for it to stand for Technology & Tradition.

Did you Know? Due to some highly publicized high speeds crashes, Audi was forced to revise the TT's suspension and ESP settings, and to add a rear spoiler to force the car to stick to the road.

Where is it now? Enjoying a second generation with a more mature design that incorporates a retractable rear spoiler, and more trim levels that you can throw a shoe at, including a 5-cylinder, turbocharged 340-horse RS bomb-on-wheels.

By Phil Alex

Phil Alex was born in Rhode Island in 1985. He graduated with degrees in Finance and German from Wofford College in 2007 and has had an obsession with cars and travel. Currently he resides near Japan's international airport in Narita. He makes no apologies for his articles and welcomes all feedback, as long as it is adamantly worded. If for any reason you are inclined to vent some more, check out more of his posts on the Examiner here.

AUDI TT COUPE CONCEPT

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AUDI TTS ROADSTER CONCEPT

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1998-2006 AUDI TT COUPE & ROADSTER PRODUCTION MODELS

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