The five-door coupe gets the special “RS” badge.
It was going to happen. We were all anxiously awaiting its arrival, especially as the model evolved from its concept to a production model, and then to the sporty “S” model. Now the special “RS” badge is worn by the Audi A7 Sportback, and it’s going to offer one hell of a ride.
Just like its S7 sibling, the new Audi RS 7 is packed with a twin-turbocharged 4.0 TFSI V-8 engine that’s been tweaked to produce just as much power as the Audi RS 6. The 4.0-liter V-8 wears its two twin-scroll snails right in between the cylinder banks alongside the intercooler to provide instant response and up to 1.2 BAR (17.4 PSI) of boost pressure. Switchable flaps in the exhaust alter the sound and backpressure depending on the throttle position or the push of a button, while an optional sport system provides a thunderous growl from the V-8. The high-revving engine starts by producing a maximum torque of 516 lb-ft. of torque at just 1,750 RPM all the way to 5,500 RPM while the maximum 560 horsepower is reached at 5,700 RPM to 6,700 RPM. All this power comes with an estimated 24 mpg (US avg.) due to a standard start-stop, thermal management, and cylinder on demand (COD) systems.
Paired up with the high-revving horsepower machine are the iconic Audi Quattro all-wheel drive and an eight-speed Tiptronic transmission. To improve acceleration, the lower gears have closer ratios while the final eighth gear is tall for economy. Drivers can change gears manually via steering wheel paddles or the gear selector, or allow for automatic shifting in “D” or “S” modes. The Quattro all-wheel drive of the Audi RS 7 features a center differential with high locking rate to quickly alter the power between the front and rear axles. In standard mode, 60-percent of the power is sent to the front wheels while 40-percent goes to the rear. Torque Vectoring software helps to improve the overall dynamics of the five-door coupe and can be aided by an optional sport rear differential.
All of this high-powered technology in the drivetrain equates to a big smile on the face of the driver. Acceleration to 62 mph from rest takes just 3.9 seconds. There are three different top speeds depending on how adventurous and how much money you want to spend. The standard Audi RS 7 is limited to 155 mph; those equipped with the Dynamic package are set back to 174 mph, while the Dynamic package plus models can reach 189.5 mph.
The body of the new Audi RS 7 is constructed with up to 20-percent aluminum and ultra high-strength steel components to create a rigid structure. An air suspension with adaptive damping comes standard and lowers the body by 20 mm while customers that want an even more dynamic ride can opt for the sport suspension plus with dynamic ride control and steel springs and three-stage dampers that are controlled via oil lines and a central valve. Four internally vented brake discs that measure 390 mm at the front axle use six-piston black calipers to bring the five-door coupe to a halt. As an option, customers can check the box for the carbon fiber ceramic discs that 420 mm discs and anthracite grey calipers to provide fade-free stopping power. Customers can choose to stay with the standard 20-inch, seven twin-spoke lightweight forged aluminum wheels with a polished finish or upgrade to three designs of 21-inch cast wheels.
The exterior of the new RS 7 is more aggressive, muscular, and powerful due to its exclusive bodywork. Thanks to the new front fascia with large air intakes and high-gloss black protective grille with a honeycomb mesh design, the car has a more commanding presence. The rear sports an electronically-deploying spoiler integrated into the trunk, a new RS-specific diffuser, and two large oval tailpipes. Optional matte aluminum and carbon packages are available that include various add-ons such as carbon fiber mirrors, a Quattro badge beneath the grille in the front center air inlet, and more aggressive aerodynamic pieces. Ten different paint finishes including a new Nardo grey and Daytona grey with a matte effect can be applied to the five-door coupe.
That special “RS” touch carries over to the interior where the driver and passengers are greeted with illuminated entry sills and held in place with standard RS sport seats with integrated headrests covered in a mix of black nappa leather and alcantara with quilted center inserts. For those seeking more comfort Audi offers power-adjustable memory seats. Facing the driver are black-faced gauges with white numbering and red indicators with a three-dimensional “RS” logo in the tachometer, and a three-spoke flat-bottomed steering wheel provides superb control and grip. Piano wood sits on the center console while the foot rest, pedals, and soft keys in the MMI wear an aluminum-look finish. Sporty carbon fiber or four other materials can be optionally installed throughout the cabin along with a range of headliner, leather, and alcantara colors through the Audi exclusive program.
The new Audi RS 7 should be headed to the United States in the future. Audi has not announced pricing or availability with the new five-door coupe, but keep it here for updates when they become available.
Audi RS 7 Specifications
Engine:
Displacement: 4.0 liters
Number of Cylinders: V-8
Aspiration: Twin-turbocharged
Maximum Boost Pressure: 1.2 BAR (17.4 PSI)
Maximum Horsepower: 560 /412 kW from 5,700 to 6,700 RPM
Maximum Torque: 516.29 lb-ft./700 Nm from 1,750 to 5,500 RPM
Estimated MPG: 9.8 liters per 100 km (approx. 24.0 US mpg)
Transmission:
Type: Eight-speed performance-tuned Tiptronic
Drive: Quattro all-wheel with center differential and torque vectoring
Optional: Rear sport differential
Performance:
Acceleration 0-62 mph: 3.9 seconds
Top Speed: 155 mph (std.)/173.98 mph (opt. dynamic pkg.)/189.52 mph (opt. dynamic plus pkg.)
Audi RS 7 Gallery
[Source: Audi]
Is the new RS 7 your favorite “RS” model from Audi? Leave a comment and let us know!
