New RS 7 Sportback
- RS 7 Sportback also now available priced from £83,495 OTR – first deliveries in early 2014
- RS 7 Sportback powered by V8 biturbo petrol engine with cylinder-on-demand technology – 0-62mph in 3.9 seconds, top speed governed at 155mph but can be increased on demand to 174mph or 189mph, up to 28.8mpg possible
The Audi RS 7 Sportback
Combining the finesse of the A7 Sportback with the ferocity of the twin-turbo V8 at the heart of the acclaimed RS 6 Avant gives the new RS 7 Sportback the same exceptional 3.9-second 0-62mph acceleration potential, 189mph top speed capability and scope for 28.8mpg economy.
With the help of its two turbochargers, the 4.0-litre TFSI engine delivers its formidable peak power of 560PS between 5,700 and 6,700 rpm, and peak torque of 700 Nm between 1,750 and 5,500 rpm. The two large twin-scroll turbochargers located, along with the intercooler, inside the ‘V’ of the cylinder banks, produce up to 1.2 bar of boost pressure, helping to generate incredible accelerative force. The RS-specific engine management and unthrottled intake system also contribute to the engine’s dramatic response, which is delivered with all the charisma expected of a V8. Switchable flaps in the exhaust system can make the sound even fuller at the touch of a button, and customers seeking an even more dramatic drive can choose a sports exhaust system from the options list.
Variable top speed
‘Standard specification’ in performance terms for the new RS 7 Sportback – although anything but standard – is a phenomenal 0-62mph acceleration time of just 3.9 seconds and a governed 155mph top speed. Customers with Autobahn aspirations can increase the latter to 174mph by specifying the optional Dynamic package, and boost it even further still with the Dynamic plus package, which calls a halt to acceleration at 189mph.
Despite performance of this magnitude, the RS 7 Sportback nevertheless manages to maintain a firm grasp on reality where economy is concerned. Thanks partly to an engine start-stop system and innovative thermal management technology, but primarily to the new engine’s cylinder on demand (COD) system, it can cover up to 28.8mpg according to the combined cycle test. At low to intermediate loads and engine speeds, the cylinder-on-demand system shuts down the intake and exhaust valves of cylinders 2, 3, 5 and 8. The engine then runs as a four-cylinder until the driver demands strong accleration. Efficiency in the active cylinders is increased because the operating points are displaced toward higher loads.
Active engine mounts
The switch between four and eight-cylinder operation takes just a few hundredths of a second, and the only real indication to the driver that it is taking place is a visual signal within the instrument cluster. Active engine mounts use out-of-phase counter-oscillations to compensate for the vibrations that occur during four-cylinder operation.
The 4.0-litre TFSI is paired with the familiar, and highly favoured, eight-speed tiptronic transmission featuring shortened shift times and offering ‘Sport’ and ‘Manual’ modes in addition to the standard ‘Drive’ setting. For manual shifts drivers can use the paddles on the steering wheel or the RS-specific selector lever. The lower gears of the tiptronic are tightly spaced for optimum performance, while a tall eighth gear reduces fuel consumption.
In the RS 7 Sportback the quattro permanent all-wheel drive system which is one of the hallmarks of the RS lineage incorporates torque vectoring, a self-locking centre differential with an elevated locking value and a sport differential on the rear axle to distribute power steplessly between the rear wheels.
RS 7 adaptive air suspension
Adaptive air suspension with RS-specific settings works in harmony with the quattro system. The specially tuned set-up lowers the body by 20 millimetres, and incorporates damping with configurable settings. As an alternative, sports suspension plus with Dynamic Ride Control (DRC) is available as an option. This system employs steel springs and three-way adjustable shock absorbers that are interconnected diagonally by means of oil lines and a central valve for improved stability.
Both set-ups are controllable via the Audi drive select adaptive dynamics system, which enables the driver to choose between Comfort or Dynamic modes depending on their preference, or an Automatic mode in which sensors automatically adjust the settings based on driving style, speed and prevailing conditions. An Individual mode is also available in which the driver can assign one of these three settings to each individual component of the driving experience, from the suspension or steering weighting to the throttle response and the sport differential. A dynamic steering option, which allows the driver to steplessly vary the system’s actual ratio and boost, can also be controlled via the Audi drive select system.
Behind the standard 20-inch seven twin-spoke design alloy wheels are four internally vented discs with weight-saving wave-like outer contours which provide suitably resolute and reassuring stopping power. The sizeable discs are gripped by six-piston calipers and are available in either black or red. Also available as an option are carbon fibre-ceramic brake discs with anthracite grey calipers.
The elegant body, comprising 20 per cent aluminium and considerable high strength steel content, contributes to handling composure with its outstanding rigidity, and is embellished by numerous RS-specific design details. Matt titanium applications, a high gloss black honeycomb radiator grille, exclusive front and rear bumper treatments and a rear diffuser flanked by two large, elliptical exhaust tailpipes provide visual differentiation without overstatement. In common with the other members of the A7 Sportback range, the RS 7 Sportback is also pinned more securely to the road by an electrically extending rear spoiler providing additional downforce.
The interior of the RS 7 Sportback conveys the sporting theme with similar subtlety, but leaves passengers in no doubt that they are travelling in a very special Audi flagship. RS logos appear in the dials with their white faces and red needles, on the flat-bottomed three-spoke multifunction steering wheel, in the illuminated entry sills, in the rev counter and in the displays for the MMI and the colour Driver’s Information System (DIS). This RS 7-specific DIS features a new shift light function in which a bar of green segments is gradually illuminated as revs increase, and the bar turns red and begins to blink when revs approach the red line. The DIS also integrates displays for the selected gear, boost pressure and oil temperature gauges and a digital speedometer.
RS logos are also punched into the front RS super sports seats with their pronounced bolsters, integrated head rests and honeycomb-quilted Valcona leather upholstery. The two-seat rear bench which is standard for UK models also has pronounced contours for optimum grip. Power-adjustable front comfort seats can also be added at extra cost to replace the more overtly sporting RS originals.
The footrest, pedals and switches in the MMI navigation plus terminal have an aluminium look which contrasts with the piano finish for the decorative bezel surrounding the retractable monitor and the carbon inlays. A black headlining is standard, but Moon Silver or black Alcantara options are also available.
SEARING PERFORMANCE AND EVEN SHARPER STYLE
Mighty twin-turbo V8 engine retains its rightful place at the heart of the new-look RS 7 Sportback but is now even more efficient
- New headlights and design details for a dynamic five-door coupé
- 4.0 TFSI with 560 PS and efficient CoD technology
- Four per cent reduction in CO2 emissions to 221g/km
- Fuel consumption improves by three per cent to 29.7mpg combined
- Board Member for Development Prof. Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg: “Audi RS 7 Sportback is an outstanding piece of sports equipment”
The RS 7 Sportback – the most potent five-door coupé in the Audi range – now looks even sharper and performs even more efficiently, yet no less formidably. The new generation RS 7 Sportback, which becomes available to order in the UK later this summer ahead of first deliveries in late 2014, combines subtle styling enhancements with new LED lighting, upgraded infotainment features and revisions to the 560 PS V8 TFSI powerplant which enable it to comply with new EU6 emissions regulations.
“The Audi RS 7 Sportback confirms the reputation of the RS models as the superior, top athletes of our brand,” states Prof. Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, Member of the Board of Management for Technical Development of AUDI AG. “The combination of a powerful four‑litre V8 engine with Cylinder on Demand technology, quattro drive and intelligent lightweight design makes the RS 7 Sportback an outstanding piece of sports equipment for any fan of dynamic and yet efficient driving.”
Even at first glance, the Audi RS 7 Sportback reveals its dynamic character – the long bonnet, flowing C-pillars and the sharply sloping rear end form an aesthetic overall impression. New design details add striking touches. They include the Singleframe grille with the black honeycomb typical of RS models, with the corners now even sharper and more distinctive. Three optional packages – matt aluminium, gloss black and carbon – make the look of the RS 7 Sportback even more distinctive.
Subtle modifications have also been made to the bumper, with its distinctive air inlets. The headlights, also adapted to the new singleframe grille, now feature LED technology as standard. Matrix LED technology is available for the first time on the RS 7 Sportback, with integrated dynamic turn signals on the front and rear. The tail lights also have a new interior design. New to the paint palette are the colours Floret silver, metallic; Glacier white, metallic; Mythos black, metallic and Sepang blue, pearl effect.
In the elegant black interior, dominated by the RS sport seats, the designers have made judicious changes to the instrument cluster, including the air outlet controls of the vent nozzles, the shift paddles behind the steering wheel and the quattro emblem on the instrument panel. The standard MMI navigation plus with MMI touch now uses the modular infotainment platform of the latest generation; its highlight is an efficient graphics processor from Audi partner, Nvidia.
The EU6-compliant 4.0 TFSI engine in the revised Audi RS 7 Sportback provides the same prodigious 560 PS, with a constant 700 Nm (516.3 lb-ft) of torque at engine speeds between 1,750 and 5,500 rpm. The engine catapults the five-door coupé from 0 to 62mph in 3.9 seconds; the optional dynamics packages allow top speeds of 174mph and 189mph respectively. On a combined cycle however, the resonant V8 twin-turbo returns up to 29.7mpg, and emits 221 grams of CO2 per km. A key factor in this efficiency is the Cylinder on Demand (CoD) system, which can shut down four cylinders during partial load operation.
An eight-speed tiptronic transmission tuned for optimum performance also features a tall final gear to contribute to fuel efficiency. The might of the V8 engine is harnessed by the quattro permanent all-wheel drive system and used to best effect by the standard Sports differential, which apportions torque in precisely measured quantities between the rear wheels according to driving conditions.
RS adaptive air suspension is fitted as standard, together with adaptive damping, and is controlled via the Audi drive select driving dynamics system. Audi offers the tauter RS sport suspension plus with Dynamic Ride Control (DRC) as an alternative. A further option is dynamic steering, which continuously varies the steering ratio for greater agility.
The revised Audi RS 7 Sportback is fitted with 20-inch forged lightweight alloy wheels as a standard. Optional 21-inch cast aluminium wheels are available in three different colours. The four internally ventilated brake discs have a weight-saving wave design. Alternatively carbon fibre-ceramic discs are available as an option. Electronic Stabilisation Control (ESC) features a Sport mode that can be deactivated altogether if required.
In-car internet
As befits the ultimate incarnation of the A7 Sportback, the RS 7 features a generous list of standard equipment, and it is possible to upgrade this list even further with a portfolio of exceptional driver assistance, driver entertainment and driver information systems, including adaptive cruise control, night vision, the Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System with 15 speakers and 1,200 watts of total power and mobile phone preparation – High with Audi connect, bringing web-based services to the car.