Audi RS7 Sportback: a sexier alternative to an Avant

NAIAS Detroit 2013

The Audi A7 finally gets a high performance RS version! Say hello to Ingolstadt’s Detroit 2013 debutant – the new Audi RS7. Previously, one had to settle for an S7 if he wanted to have a powerful large 5-door Sportback – it was powered by a 4.0 litre bi-turbo V8 doing 420 PS and 550Nm.

The RS version is also powered by a 4.0 litre bi-turbo V8, but in the RS7, it’s tuned up to 560 PS and a constant 700Nm of torque between 1,750rpm to 5,500rpm, similiar to the tune used in the RS6. The 100km/h sprint takes just 3.9 seconds, equal to that of the RS6.

NAIAS Detroit 2013

The RS7 version of the engine features RS-specific engine management and an unthrottled intake. The twin turbos are both twin-scroll units, and produce up to 1.2 bars of pressure. They are located within the V bank of the engine. As a result, the gas paths are very short, improving response. 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.

No twin clutch to be had here – like the RS6, Audi uses an 8-speed tiptronic automatic transmission. The lower gears are spaced closely together for a sportier drive while the final 8th gear is tall like an overdrive for better fuel efficiency. There’s either a D or S mode, or you can manually shift via steering wheel mounted paddle shifters, or the gear selector lever.

Audi RS 7 Sportback

The V8 engine also features cylinder on demand, where at low to medium engine loads and speeds, cylinder 2, 3, 5 and 8 are deactivated by closing their valves via electromechanical actuators. The 4.0 TFSI then runs as a four-cylinder engine until the driver accelerates more strongly again. The operating points in the active cylinders are displaced toward higher loads, increasing efficiency. Audi claims cylinder on demand improves NEDC fuel consumption by roughly five percent, and even greater savings of approximately 10 percent are possible when driving at moderate speeds.

An Audi RS car wouldn’t be complete without quattro, so Audi’s famed all wheel drive system is naturally standard. Audi’s quattro uses a center differential with a high locking rate and a separate oil cooler to regulate its temperature. It distributes the power as needed within a wide range between the front and rear axles. In the standard configuration, 60 percent flows to the rear and 40 percent to the front.

Audi RS 7 Sportback

Torque vectoring is implemented via software and supports the work of the differential at the cornering limit with minimal braking of the wheels that are under a reduced load. Audi also offers the optional sport differential for the rear axle, which uses two superposition gears to actively distribute the power between the wheels. ESP stability control is standard, but can be completely deactivated.

The RS7 rides on a full air suspension, which lowers the body by 20mm. It also features adaptive damping, which adjusts the suspension’s response to the condition of the road, the driver’s style and the mode selected in the Audi drive select system. Alternatively you can specify the Sport Suspension Plus system with steel springs and three-stage adjustable dampers that features Dynamic Ride Control.

Audi RS 7 Sportback

Wheels are polished forged 20 inch lightweight wheels as standard with a 7-twin spoke design, with the option of 21 inch cast wheels in three design choices. These wheels hide performance brakes, with large 390mm discs up front. Six-pot brakes grip the discs, finished in black as standard or red as an option. You can also upgrade to 420mm carbon fiber ceramic discs with anthracite gray calipers.

Sadly, Euromobil doesn’t offer any Audi RS models in Malaysia, although the R8 is available. But perhaps you can make a special order. Drool at more high-res images of the Audi RS7 after the jump.

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Paul Tan

After dabbling for years in the IT industry, Paul Tan initially began this site as a general blog covering various topics of personal interest. With an increasing number of readers paying rapt attention to the motoring stories, one thing led to another and the rest, as they say, is history.

 

Comments

  • Alpha on Jan 15, 2013 at 11:00 pm

    Oooh, Lambo-esque vents in front! I like!

    A competitor to the CLS63 AMG. Although it seems that the CLS63 AMG-S is faster.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
    • After looking at those AMG-S monster performance sheets, the numbers here are almost mundane.

      The CLS 63 AMG-S is fundamentally faster, This is more striking looking. But my personal winner goes to the all-rounder, the M6 Gran Coupe. Yes it is slower but that’s RWD and these are 4WD. Better looking too in my opinion.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 3
    • Petrolhead on Jan 16, 2013 at 1:48 am

      the rear lights remind me a little of Lamborghini’s, oh wait a min.. I’ve forgotten that Audi and Lamborghini are under VW group. it all makes sense now

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • Louis on Jan 15, 2013 at 11:06 pm

    Best…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 2
  • Louis on Jan 15, 2013 at 11:07 pm

    Audi RS best…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 1
  • khairulx19a on Jan 16, 2013 at 12:52 am

    sweet 700nm of torque to play with plus with practicality

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 1
  • I don’t like the ‘quattro’ writing on the front grille! It looks… Weird…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 2
  • hanjengbabun on Jan 16, 2013 at 8:04 am

    back similar to merc cars

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 4
  • only if this is available in Malaysia. But i think the chances are slim since the little brother S7 isnt being intro to Malaysia due to our Bolehland’s fuel quality.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • BMW BEST on Jan 16, 2013 at 3:02 pm

    WOW!!!NICE!!!Sexy indeed!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • PauKaya on Jan 16, 2013 at 3:20 pm

    people who says this car is very nice obviously never driven one before. the steering of the past few RS can be shockingly dull. I just hope they stepped the game up a little.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 7
  • Anonymous on Feb 11, 2016 at 10:04 am

    Is this available in malaysia?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 1
 

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