Audi’s RS7 Sportback, capable of an eye-popping 190 mph, is set to take the fight to the recently unveiled BMW M6 Gran Coupe and an upgraded Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG.
Pictured here following an unveiling at the Detroit auto show, the luxury liftback extends Audi’s RS lineup and runs a twin-turbo 4.0-liter, 560-hp V8. North American launch details have yet to be announced but officials suggest the five-door will reach dealerships during the third quarter.
Distinguishing features include an aggressive-looking front bumper with large cooling ducts that include vertical mounted vanes for improved airflow to the radiator, intercoolers and front brakes. The grille also gets a high gloss honeycomb insert and RS7 badge. Buyers can choose to further differentiate from lesser A7 models through an optional element in the lower section of the grille containing the word “quattro.” Audi also offers clear coat carbon fiber in place of the standard matte silver trim.
Further back, there are widened front and rear fenders, chunkier sills underneath the doors, an RS7 badge attached to the trunk lid and a deeper rear bumper that incorporates a more prominent diffuser element and houses two large tailpipes.
Power for the RS7 Sportback hails from the same twin-turbocharged gasoline engine used by the recently unveiled third-generation RS6 Avant, alongside which it will be assembled at Audi’s Neckarsulm plant in Germany. The 90-degree unit runs a maximum 17.4 psi of boost pressure to maximum power at 5,700 rpm and 516 lb-ft of torque on a band of revs between 1,750 and 5,500 rpm.
Owing to the inability of Audi’s seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox to handle the heady torque loading of its engine, the RS7 Sportback receives a standard eight-speed automatic transmission. It operates in combination with the latest evolution of the German carmaker’s quattro all-wheel-drive system, offering the choice between D (drive), S (sport) and M (manual) modes.
The Torsen system gets a self-locking differential. A so-called sports differential, which continuously alters the distribution of drive between the rear wheels in a torque vectoring process, will be an option.
Audi is yet to confirm a curb weight figure for its latest RS model, but claims it delivers 62 mph acceleration in 3.9 seconds and a nominal top speed limited to 155 mph. Buyers can choose to raise the top speed to 174 mph with an optional dynamic package and to 190 mph with a dynamic-plus package.
The RS7 uses a raft of contemporary fuel-saving features, including automatic stop/start, brake-energy recuperation and a cylinder-on-demand system that deactivates four cylinders via electromechanical actuators on partial throttle loads.
Underpinning the RS7 is a heavily reworked version of the standard A7 Sportback’s chassis boasting widened tracks and air suspension. Audi will also offer the new performance model with an optional steel-sprung suspension in combination with dynamic ride control as part of a package known as sport suspension-plus-a move that is reflected on the RS6 Avant. Further chassis options include a so-called drive select program that brings a more direct steering ratio.
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