The new Audi RS7 Sportback had its world premiere in Detroit, during the opening of the 2013 NAIAS. The new Audi RS7 is powered by a 4.0 TFSI twin-turbo V8 engine that sends 412 kW (560 hp) between 5,700 and 6,700 rpm and 700 Nm (516.29 lb-ft) of torque between 1,750 and 5,500 rpm to all four wheels via the quattro permanent all-wheel drive system. With this powerful engine under its hood, the Audi RS7 is capable of getting from nought to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 3.9 seconds and to reach a top speed of 189.52 mph (305 km/h). Even though it offers almost supercar levels of performance, the RS7 is highly efficient. Audi rates it with a fuel economy of 9.8 liters of fuel per 100 km (24.00 US mpg / 28.8 UK mpg). Its CO2 emissions have not been announced. Audi limits the maximum speed of the RS7 to 155 mph (250 km/h), but this limitation can be removed through the optional dynamic package or dynamic package plus.
To make sure everybody knows this is an RS, Audi equips the RS7 Sportback with switchable flaps in the exhaust system or with an optional sport exhaust system. To improve the efficiency of the engine, the Ingolstadt carmaker gives the RS7 a cylinder on demand (COD) system, which deactivates cylinders 2, 3, 5 and 8 when their extra horsepower is not required. The engine is mated to an 8-speed tiptronic transmission.
The Audi RS7 Sportback comes with a center differential with its own oil cooler that offers a standard power distribution ratio of 60/40 between the rear and the front axles.
The RS7 comes with torque vectoring as standard and with an optional sport differential for the rear wheels.
In terms of design, the Audi RS7 distinguishes itself from the regular A7 through more aggressive looking bumpers, a high-gloss black protective grille, matt aluminum trim parts, and active rear spoiler, a rear diffuser and the trademark oval tailpipes. There's also an optional carbon fiber styling package for the RS7's exterior as well as all-LED headlights.
At the interior, the RS7 comes with distinctive gauges, a flat-bottomed, three-spoke leather steering wheel, illuminated door entry sills, various aluminum and carbon trim parts and RS badges. The high performance four-door coupe offers 535 and 1,390 liters (18.89 to 49.09 cu ft) of luggage space.
The Audi RS7's standard equipment list includes, among others, xenon plus headlights, a tire pressure monitoring system, and the parking system plus. Optional extras include a head-up display, and a Bang & Olufsen sound system. The Audi RS7's price list starts in the UK, where it will go on sale later this year, at £84,000 OTR. The full details and specifications of the RS7 Sportback are available here.
Audi RS7 Sportback video:
