by Steven J. Ewing (RSS feed) on Feb 7th 2011 at 3:31PM Normally, any spy shots having to do with Audi's RS series involve large wheels, huge fender flares and low-profile tires. This potential prototype for the Audi RS7 Sportback, however, appears to be going incognito under standard A7 skin. The dead giveaway that this A7 is more than meets the eye? The brakes. Specifically, our spy photographers tell us that they've seen prototypes of the standard S7 Sportback plenty of times, and none of those cars we fitted with brakes this large. Even so, the quad exhaust pipes out back are similar to what all of Audi's S models use, though we're told that when it hits production, the RS7 will use a large, dual-exhaust setup. As for what's underhood, the latest speculation suggests that a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine will be in use, producing somewhere around 550 or 600 horsepower. This power will be managed by a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox and sent to all four wheels via Quattro all-wheel drive. Expect the production car – with the normal aggressive RS fittings – to debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show this September.
These are ceramic brakes which were available for the last S8 (and not only the RS models). So that's not necessarily anything else than an S7. Best regards, south
You can't know for sure,the s7 has been tested thoroughly. The huge gap the in front bumper indicates something different. There have many reports indicating both the s7 and rs7 debuting this year, though I think early next year is a more plausible time frame for the rs version.
Just a quick slightly-off topic question. Where and what is this place that the car was shot ? Seems like a common place for cars to be tested (check out the dog-loving Volvo in the background of both recent photos... kinda like The Grudge!) http://www.germancarforum.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=480621&d=1296490814
Somewhere in Sweden, probably Arjeplog or Arvidsjaur. Many manufacturers do their cold-weather testing there.
The A7 IMO is already the best looking out of the A6/A7/A8 trio, the S7 will only further distance the design from the boring A8 and the confused looking A6. Still want to see an S8, there is some hope there for the A8's design in S guise. M
I'm of the same opinion as yourself, the S6/7 have completed most if not all of their winter testing and the gap is considerable suggesting this is something different but that being said when you check out the arches they remain the same as before so I can't say for sure. Previous S7 photo Most recent photo
Agreed,the wheel arches are exactly the same, but if this is infact the rs7 no dramactic changes would be seen so early in testing. As time goes on the more traditional styling cues will be on display,though I can't say with certainty what it is. since I dont know for sure. I know Audi has made clear there would be a real push to introduce the RS version earlier in a model's life cycle, and if this turns out to be true it would be a definite milestone for the high preformance segment of the brand.
I'm of the same opinion as you have here, logic is telling me the S7 is done and dusted, no need for winter testing this late on and as such this must be the RS7 at it's earliest stages. The quad pipes means nothing, look inside the big ovals of an RS model and you see twin pipes anyway. The flared arches was a stupid argument by me against this being the RS model anyway, the track of the S5 and RS5 are the same so why would the RS7 be any different and as you pointed out the styling changes would come much closer to the revealing. Word is that S and RS models will appear much sooner in the model life cycle, the RS5 was the first signs of this but even it was late compared to what Audi are looking for in the future. Another option open to Audi is to develop the car at quattro Gmbh but construct them else where, it's the most logical answer to address their production limitations. I suppose we will know soon enough. :t-cheers:
