The new Audi RS7 Sportback has made its debut at the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show, arriving with a new widebody exterior appearance, a 591 horsepower twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8, standard adaptive air suspension, and other features intended to reinvent the five-door grand tourer.
While the RS7 is based on the new A7, the only exterior sheet metal it shares with it are the roof, doors, tailgate, and hood. Everything else is RS-specific, from the widened wheel arches to the sportier front fascia and in-your-face rear diffuser. Audi's large oval-shaped RS exhaust tips also return and are joined by other accessories like optional matrix LED laser headlights and standard LED rear lights with dynamic turn signals. Large 21-inch wheels are offered as standard, while huge 22-inch RS-specific wheels are available as well.
Paired with the 591 horsepower twin-turbo V8 is a 48V mild hybrid system, which can recuperate up to 12 kW of power under braking or while the vehicle is coasting and store it in a small lithium-ion battery. The energy is then used to power the start–stop system, allowing the engine to shut off when coasting at speeds of up to 22 km/h and seamlessly spring back to life when the driver gets back on the gas. Audi says the system can reduce fuel consumption by as much as 0.8 L/100 km.
Paired with the engine is an eight-speed automatic transmission and Audi's quattro all-wheel drive system. Together, they enable the big five-door to hustle from zero to 100 km/h in around three seconds and reach a top speed of up to 305 km/h if you opt for the Dynamic Plus performance package. The top speed is 280 km/h with the regular Dynamic package applied, while the base model is electronically limited to 250 km/h.
Adaptive air suspension, Dynamic Ride Control, Progressive Steering, and optional Dynamic All-Wheel Steering will help the RS7 through the corners, while standard steel vented disc brakes bring the package to a stop. Optional carbon-ceramic brakes are also on the table and help shed 75 lb of unsprung weight over the standard brakes. Audi's Drive Select system with Comfort, Auto, Dynamic, Efficiency and Customizable modes gives the driver full control over the car's various systems.
The inside is typical Audi RS fare, with Nappa leather RS sport seats, a flat-bottom RS steering wheel, Audi's Virtual Cockpit driver's display and a center console display with RS-specific menus. Two RS design packages, available in either red or gray, help bring a splash of colour to the cabin and add contrasting stitching, seat belt straps with coloured edging, and RS floor mats. Trim options include carbon, natural gray-brown wood or matte aluminum.
Canadian pricing and availability is not yet available for the new Audi RS7 Sportback. The vehicle will launch in its home market of Germany later this year, with other markets to be announced by Audi at a later date.
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