2014 Audi RS7 details

2014 Audi RS7

The RS 7 is developed and assembled by quattro GmbH, Audi's boundary-pushing performance division—and is the most powerful RS available in the United States. From the throaty growl produced by the 4.0-liter TFSI V8 engine, down to the Carbon Optic package that accents the exterior, the RS 7 is built with one goal above all.

Outside, the sharp shoulder line pulls the eye from aggressive air intakes, down the sleek body to the adaptive rear spoiler. Inside, the ergonomic sport steering wheel, with aluminum-optic shift paddles, is designed to unleash gear after gear. All told, the RS 7 flawlessly takes luxury, aesthetics and performance to an entirely new level.

The chassis of the Audi RS7 Sportback combines tremendous dynamic potential with good comfort. Up front is a five-link axle that can handle longitudinal and lateral forces separately. It comprises two transverse links on the upper plane, the support link and control arm in the lower plane, and the track rod. Its bearings respond smoothly in the longitudinal direction, and are stiff in the transverse direction for precision.

Under the hood of the new Audi RS 7, Audi placed a powerful 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 engine that delivers a total of 560 horsepower available between 5,700 and 6,700 rpm and a peak torque of 516 pound-feet of torque available between 1,750 and 5,500 rpm. With this incredible power, the RS 7 will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds and up to a top track speed of 174 mph. The dynamic package increases the top speed to an even more amazing 189 mph.

The large five-door coupe uses a 4.0 TFSI engine producing 412 kW (560 hp). The sprint from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) takes just 3.9 seconds, and the speed governor can be deactivated upon customer request to permit a top speed of up to 305 km/h (189.52 mph). Despite this superior performance, the Audi RS 7 Sportback consumes on average just 9.8 liters of fuel per 100 km (24.00 US mpg).

The RS 7 is equipped as standard with combination leather/alcantara upholstery, heated front seats, a navigation system, a 14-speaker AM/FM/CD stereo with SiruisXM radio and full iPod integration, a sunroof, tri-zone automatic climate control, ultrasonic and rearview camera parking assist systems, Bluetooth connectivity, xenon headlights with LED running lights, a proximity key and 20-inch wheels.

The Audi RS7 starts at $104,900, extremely pricey for a 2014 midsize luxury sedan, which costs $60,300 on average.