The hottest of Audi's TT lineup will finally be making its way to America, due here in the third quarter of 2011. The credit is due in part to a Facebook petition called "Bring it to the U.S." which saw 11,500 signatures over the course of a month.

If you're not up to speed on the TT-RS, you ought to be. The 360-horsepower turbocharged 2.5-liter five-cylinder variant of the TT delivers 4.6-second 0-60 mph times in the TT's svelte package thanks in part to its quattro all-wheel drive. The mid-mounted engine is so good it won the International Engine of the Year award in its category this year.

For those fearing a two-pedal dual-clutch solution, relax: the TT RS gets a traditional six-speed manual gearbox.

Unlike Europe, where a convertible version of the TT RS is available, we Americans will have to make do with the tin-top only. Pricing and other details for the TT RS's American debut remain undisclosed, but you can be sure we'll bring you the latest as it breaks.

[Audi]