Audi Sport has unveiled the 591bhp second-generation Audi Audi RS7 Sportback, with a series of upgrades designed to make it a true ‘Gran Turismo’ atop the ever-expanding RS range.
The new machine, revealed at the Frankfurt motor show ahead of going on sale early in 2020, is based on the Audi A7 Sportback, and serves as a sister model to the recently revealed Audi RS6 Avant. It uses the same powertrain as that model, with a 4.0-litre turbocharged V8 fitted with a 48V mild hybrid unit to produce 591bhp and 590lb ft. That results in a 0-62mph time of 3.6 seconds, with a limited top speed of 155mph, or 189mph with the optional Dynamic Plus pack.
The RS7 has been given a major makeover from the A7, with the the bonnet, front doors and boot lid the only body panels remaining unchanged. At 1951mm wide, it is 40mm than the A7. Exterior designer Francesco D’Amore told Autocar that the extra width “allowed us to show the prestige in the car.”
It features a redesigned gloss black Audi Sport single frame honeycomb grille at the front, along with enlarged air vents inspired by those on the R8 supercar - both to make the styling more aggressive and because the engine requires extra cooling.
The rear of the car features an RS-specific bumper featuring an enlarged diffuser and surrounded by large oval chrome exhausts, which D’Amore said are the largest ever featured on an Audi Sport model.
LED lights are standard both front and rear, with a thin strip of lights running the width of the boot lid, where a spoiler extends at speed above 75mph.
As standard, the RS7 comes with 21-inch cast aluminium wheels, with 22-inch versions available as an option. There is a choice of standard RS disc brakes, measuring 420mm at the front and 370mm at the rear, or ceramic brakes measuring 440mm and 370mm respectively.
The interior features a number of Audi Sport-specific design features, including an RS steering wheel featuring large aluminium paddle shifter and Nappa leather sport seats as standard. The Audi virtual cockpit system and head-up display features a number of bespoke RS screens, including two RS modes as part of the Drive Select system.
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those big archs over the
those big archs over the exausts look awful.
but they do look better in black than silver.
Half close your eyes this is
Half close your eyes this is undeniably an attractive shape in the manner of the first generration CLS
But closer examination reveals bonnet creases, air vent hexagons etc. that ruin the overall shape completely.
Audi is now the VAG marque with the most uncertain design direction.
Having a nose for design purity
Audi, this car would look gorgeous if you would stop taking a tin opener to the front bumper. Fed up of the ma-hoos-ive nostrils either side on everything you do now. That is lazy design and engineering. Come up with a pretty way to get air to the front brakes, like everyone else does, please.