Audi momentum continues with enticing new RS7

Making an impression has become the self-elevated premise of ‘Four Rings’ branded Audi, highlights Iain Robertson, especially when it introduces yet another model to its hugely desirable RS line-up, and he guides us through its technological mastery.

Taking the perfectly acceptable and urbane A7 Sportback as a starting point but retaining only its bonnet, roof, front doors and tailgate seems wasteful on one hand but holds a portent of grandeur on the other one. With its bolstered wheel-arches, body panels stretched sinuously from stem to stern and signature 21.0-inch diameter alloy wheels hugging the coupe form to the road surface, the new RS7 is every gram of its 1.9-tonnes kerbweight a sporting Audi of the highest calibre.



The sheer drama of its bodywork provides the strongest visual clues of sledgehammer performance potential and owners, who can order their cars in November for delivery in early-2020, will not be disappointed. Behind its industry-leading laser headlamps and beneath the taut bonnet is Audi’s 4.0-litre TFSi V8 petrol engine that develops a prodigious 595bhp, allied to 590lbs ft of torque. Yet, it is a technological showpiece, featuring 48v mild hybrid support and a capability to shut down up to four of its cylinders, dependent on conditions, for maximum efficiency.



The power unit drives all four wheels intelligently through an 8-speed Tiptronic, fully automatic transmission, the amount of power directed to each axle varying between up to 70% to the front and up to 85% to the rear, again, dependent on conditions but all without driver intervention. Suspended by air struts and five-link location, the damper rates are adaptive, provide automatic levelling for enhanced stability and three selectable driving modes. Sitting 20mm lower than a standard Audi A7, at speeds in excess of 74mph the suspension lowers by a further 10mm to enhance the already slippery aerodynamics.



Progressive power steering, optimised for feel at the leather-wrapped steering wheel, is supported by wheel selective torque control that removes any skid-causing slippage by applying the brakes gently within milliseconds to the wheels that need it. Of course, the Audi Drive Select program features a choice of no less than six profiles: comfort, auto, dynamic, efficiency and two RS specific modes that can be operated via the RS button on the steering wheel. Audi’s intentions are to create the highest levels of driver involvement, with minimal risk.



Two versions will be available in the UK, standard and Vorsprung, the latter being the more overt performance offering that also includes 22.0-inch alloys. While the top speed is a notional 155mph standard, the Vorsprung allows up to 190mph, while simply blitzing the 0-60mph benchmark in a far from modest 3.3s. While both front and rear bumper and side skirts are typically aggressive, at speeds above 62mph a blade spoiler arises from the trailing edge of the hatchback to provide additional dynamic stability. Thanks to a characterful V8 soundtrack, an RS7 driver can be heard coming, as well as departing, the perfect ways to make an impression.


FCD Summary

Making an impression has become the self-elevated premise of ‘Four Rings’ branded Audi, highlights Iain Robertson, especially when it introduces yet another model to its hugely desirable RS line-up, and he guides us through its technological mastery.

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