Audi will be expanding its RS model line-up with the introduction of the Audi RS 7 Sportback at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS).
Some cars deserve to be introduced starting first from the exterior styling, the interior styling followed lastly by the engine that actually propels them. However cars such as Audi’s RS models as well as Mercedes’s AMG models all deserve to start first with the engine specs whilst the interior and exterior to some extent tend to be more arbitrary. So, on that note we’ll start with the key differentiator from a standard A7 Sportbackand the RS 7 Sportback, the engine.
The five-door coupe Audi RS 7 Sportback is powered by a twin turbo 4.0 V8 TFSI engine producing 412kW available between 5700 and 6700rpm. A constant 700Nm of torque is available between 1750 and 5500rpm.
This enables the RS 7 Sportback to sprint from 0 to 100km/h in 3.9 seconds and on to a top speed of 305km/h when the speed governor is deactivated upon customer request. All of this achieved while consuming a relatively frugal 9.8 l/100km. This fuel efficiency is achieved in part due to the Cylinder On Demand (COD) system which allows the 4.0 litre V8 engine to run on 4 cylinders.
The cylinder heads have the exhaust side on the inside and the intake side on the outside. The two twin-scroll turbochargers, which produce up to 1.2 bars of relative boost pressure, are located together with the intercooler in the inside V of the cylinder banks. Consequently, the gas paths are very short and response very good. The RS-specific engine management and unthrottled intake system also contribute to the dynamic character of the twin-turbo V8. Switchable flaps in the exhaust system make the engine sound even fuller at the push of a button or under strong acceleration. Audi also offers an optional sport exhaust system.
The engine of the Audi RS 7 Sportback is coupled to an 8-speed tiptronic transmission which offers drivers the option of choosing between modes D and S or change gears themselves using the shift paddles on the steering wheel or the selector lever, which sports a unique RS design.
The Audi RS 7 Sportback comes standard with Quattro permanent all-wheel drive. At the heart of the Quattro is a centre differential with a high locking rate and separate oil cooler to regulate temperature. It distributes the power as needed within a wide range between the front and rear axles. In the standard configuration, 60% flows to the rear and 40% to the front.
Putting the power to the road are the 20-inch forged lightweight wheels in a seven twin-spoke design. An optional 21-inch cast wheel with a choice of three designs is also available.
Stopping power for the Audi RS7 Sportback comes via four internally vented discs which feature a weight-saving wave design and measure 390 mm in diameter up front. Black painted six-piston calipers – optionally available in red – grip the discs. An optional 420mm carbon fibre ceramic disc with anthracite gray calipers is also available.
The ride of the Audi RS 7 Sportback should also be well-balanced considering the adoptive air suspension and damping. An optional sport suspension is available as an alternative to the air suspension for those wanting a firmer and more dynamic setup.
Now on to the exterior styling, to compliment the menacing grunt of the 4.0 litre V8 the look of the Audi RS 7 Sportback firmly follows the Audi RS model ethos on styling.
A series of specific design details give a sporty edge to the Audi RS 7 Sportback. These include the distinctive bumpers and high-gloss black protective grille with honeycomb structure at the front of the car as well as add-on parts in matt aluminium. At the rear of the car, which features a power extending spoiler, the diffuser and the two large, elliptical tailpipe trims of the exhaust system catch the eye.
The RS 7 Sportback is available in a choice of ten exterior colours and will have two styling packages on offer for customers to choose from; matt aluminium and carbon. With these, the front center air inlet also sports a quattro badge. With the carbon styling package, the front splitter and the diffuser are somewhat more boldly shaped. Other options include the exterior mirrors with exposed carbon housings and the all-LED headlights, whose designer trims are tinted for a unique look.
The interior also sports the normal Audi RS detailing which includes a 3 D RS 7 logo in the tachometer, the flat-bottomed three-spoke leather steering wheel, illuminated door entry sills and the displays for the MMI and driver information system also sport RS badges. The driver information system includes a shift light, which indicates when the rev limit is reached. Displays for boost pressure and oil temperature plus a lap timer round out the RS 7 Sportback specific menu.
Also not to forget are the Audi RS sports seats with pronounced side bolsters and integrated heads restraints designed to keep the occupants but mostly the driver in place and in control of thi fiery beast that is the Audi RS 7 Sportback.
The Audi RS 7 Sportback comes with a generous list of standard equipment, including xenon plus headlights, a tire pressure monitoring system, the parking system plus, three-zone automatic air conditioning, cruise control and the Audi sound system in addition to features mentioned previously. High-end options include a head-up display, a comfort package, the dynamic package and the dynamic package plus.