A7/S7/RS7 Audi RS7 First Drives

[tristatez28lt1]

Here's the first American one I'm aware of:

http://www.edmunds.com/audi/rs7/2014/road-test.html

 

[Tumbo]

 

[SKY]

It looks simply stunning!!

 

[EKaru]

2014 Audi RS7

The Audi A7 in its most awesome form.
Yes, it’s real. The engineers at Quattro GmbH in Neckarsulm have slotted a ridiculously powerful, twin-turbocharged V-8 into the Audi A7 and birthed nothing less than a five-door supercar. That model, the RS7, will bully its way onto American shores later this year, with its blacked-out single-frame grille and gaping intakes pointed squarely at the BMW M6 Gran Coupe, the Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG, and the Cadillac CTS-V. All have more than 550 horsepower. The BMW and the Cadillac are rear-wheel drive, while the Mercedes-AMG and the Audi offer all-wheel-drive solutions.

The RS7 shares its twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 with the one-rung-down S7, where the engine kicks out a still-impressive 420 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. To arrive at RS7 output, however, add 100 to each figure—and then some. Maximum horsepower is 553 at 5700 rpm, while the max torque figure of 516 lb-ft is available on a long plateau stretching from 1750 to 5500 rpm. (The RS7’s engine is also available in the lustworthy, not-for-the-U.S. RS6 Avant.)

Audi claims a 0-to-60-mph time of just under four seconds, but we figure a time in the mid-threes is possible; we recorded a 3.7-second blast from the S7’s S6 twin in a recent comparison test. In Europe, top speed is governed at 155 mph, 174 mph, or 190 mph depending on the option package selected. Unrestricted, we’re told the RS7 could sniff 200 mph, although the 10 additional mph would require running very high tire pressures, which would degrade available grip. In any event, 190 mph is plenty, and the RS7 gets there in a hurry.


While the less-powerful S7 uses Audi's own seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, that gearbox can’t handle any more twist, so the RS7 is fitted with the ubiquitous ZF-sourced eight-speed torque-converter automatic. Considering its conventional design, it provides quick automatic up- and downshifts and is smooth in operation. But it leaves a bit to be desired in the manual shifting mode. We had to train ourselves to tap the upshift paddle well in advance of redline, otherwise the requests aren’t responded to quickly enough to prevent running into the limiter.

The RS7 offers the driver multiple driving modes, the hardest-core of which is Dynamic. It sharpens the engine and chassis responses of this large hatchback to a razor’s edge. A gentle stroke of the gas pedal sends the RS7 deep into triple-digit territory, and, despite a 4500-ish-pound curb weight, the chassis is athletic and the responses quick. That goes double for examples spec’d like our test car, which included an optional sports differential with torque-vectoring functionality, gummy 275/30 tires on 21-inch wheels, and "RS Sport Suspension Plus." This steel-intensive setup incorporates diagonally opposed dampers connected by hydraulic lines and controlled by a central valve; it responds immediately to cornering forces and virtually eliminates body roll. The RS7 is available with an adaptive air suspension that is more comfortable, but its compliance comes at the expense of ultimate handling.

The RS7 is opulently equipped and spacious inside, and the versatile hatch is eminently practical. If even more cargo space is a requirement, however, one might instead consider the slightly crude but cheaper CTS-V wagon—it’s just entering its final model year—or the special-order-only E63 AMG wagon. If pressed to identify demerits, the integration of the head-up display looks like an afterthought and is a bit of an eyesore in an otherwise beautiful interior. But that minor quibble does nothing to diminish the experience—the RS7 is a hellacious beast, and we’re glad a large, high-powered RS car will once again prowl U.S. streets.

Specifications >
VEHICLE TYPE: front-engine, 4-wheel-drive, 4-passenger, 5-door wagon
ESTIMATED BASE PRICE: $90,000
ENGINE TYPE: twin-turbocharged DOHC 32-valve V-8, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection
Displacement: 244 cu in, 3993 cc
Power: 553 hp @ 5700 rpm
Torque: 516 lb-ft @ 1750 rpm
TRANSMISSION: 8-speed automatic with manual shifting mode
DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 114.8 in
Length: 197.3 in
Width: 75.2 in Height: 55.9 in
Curb weight (C/D est): 4500 lb
PERFORMANCE (C/D EST):
Zero to 60 mph: 3.5 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 7.9 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 11.6 sec
Top speed: 155–190 mph

FUEL ECONOMY:
EPA city/highway driving: 16/27 mpg

2014 Audi RS7 - First Drive Review

 

[Giannis]

For an extensive photo gallery you can also look here: http://www.germancarforum.com/audi-publishes-huge-rs7-photo-and-technical-drawings-gallery

 

[chonkoa]

Yummy...Me likey likey.
At $90K, me really likey-yum yum yum yum.

 

[JHF]

The RS7 will be a epic car in the many performance-tests

 

[JHF]

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2014-audi-rs7-sportback-first-drive-review

I want the black rims.

 

[Human]

THE Audi I won't mind owning myself, with DRC on steel springs in this color:

Awesome!

 

[SKY]

That front is simply the best on the segment.

2nd time I say this with an Audi (1st one was the RS6).

 

[Monster]

I am in the minority here, the A7, S7, RS7 don't do it for me at all.

 

[kip]

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Short smmary of the German test in Finnish (you will need to google translate):
http://autohullut.fi/etusivu/autote...sportback-ensitesti-ja-tekninen-kuvagalleria/

Looking good to me, but the 4 seats thing makes it no go for me, not enough difference to change my Panny Turbo Powerkit. Going to need 5 seats and really dont want a wagon... is the E 63 AMG s sedan reall my only option with awd?

 

[tristatez28lt1]

Looking good to me, but the 4 seats thing makes it no go for me, not enough difference to change my Panny Turbo Powerkit. Going to need 5 seats and really dont want a wagon... is the E 63 AMG s sedan reall my only option with awd?

You're right. The regular 2013 A7 can be had with a 5 seat option for $350. The S7 however does not. I'm thinking that there won't be a 5 seat option for the RS7.

 

[Human]

You're right. The regular 2013 A7 can be had with a 5 seat option for $350. The S7 however does not. I'm thinking that there won't be a 5 seat option for the RS7.

And rightfully so IMO. For that purpose Audi does offer the practicality freaks it's hot RS6 Avant no need for a 5 seater sport saloon, it's like having a 911 with a roof rack.

 

[kip]

You're right. The regular 2013 A7 can be had with a 5 seat option for $350. The S7 however does not. I'm thinking that there won't be a 5 seat option for the RS7.

Yes its official now, there was some debate about it coming, but no. I love how everyone thinks people with kids want to drive wagons, well we dont!!!

Also a brave move from Audi to go to the US market without a 5 seater RS-car in the A6/A7/A8 class. Hope this is a sign that a RS6 sedan will come...

 

[Gianclaudio]

I am in the minority here, the A7, S7, RS7 don't do it for me at all.

Me too. And I find the RS6/7 front treatment extremely vulgar, in your face. I liked when they used to be more subtle

 

[JHF]

Yes its official now, there was some debate about it coming, but no. I love how everyone thinks people with kids want to drive wagons, well we dont!!!

Also a brave move from Audi to go to the US market without a 5 seater RS-car in the A6/A7/A8 class. Hope this is a sign that a RS6 sedan will come...

Too bad the RS7 replace the RS6 Sedan, so the RS6 Sedan will not come for now.

 

[DblPen]

the whole a/s/rs7 have the same level of awkwardness as r class, x6 and 5er gt

 

[Zafiro]

I like A7 but I must admit the rear is kinda awkward.

 

[JHF]

Audi RS7 Sportback first drive review


Hottest version of the Audi RS7 offers high-power thrills, but the firm suspension brought as part of the Dynamic Ride Control spoils the package


What is it?

This is the Audi RS7 Sportback, the second recipient of Audi’s air-shreddingly potent, 552bhp 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8, which follows (very) swiftly in the fat wheeltracks of the recently released and indentically powered RS6 Avant. All that horsepower, an industrial 516lb ft gush of torque streaming unabated from 1750 to 5500rpm, eight gears and all-wheel drive allow this big hatchback to perform 3.9second eruptions to 62mph with a DTM soundtrack for support.
Performance like this propels the RS7 directly into contention with theBMW M6 Gran Coupé, the Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG and the Porsche Panamera Turbo, although the Audi is the only one to break the 4.0sec to 62mph threshold. Besides a gloriously unnecessary tumult of power, RS7 Sportback buyers also get standard-fit adaptive air suspension, a cylinder-on-demand (COD) system that reduces fuel consumption by as much as 10 perc ent during (doubtless rare) moments of throttle moderation and a maximum speed that can be raised from 155mph to 174mph or even 190mph with the addition of VMax-boosting Dynamic packs.
The quattro four-wheel drive system sends a nominal 60 per cent of torque to the rear wheels and provides a limited-slip differential and torque-vectoring in a pretty successful bid to marshal the engine’s colossal output. Dynamic Ride Control, which replaces the air suspension with steel coils and Audi’s hydraulic, diagonally interconnected shock absorbers are among a heap of available options which also includes carbon-ceramic brake discs and the test car’s striking matt Daytona Grey paint.
What is it like?

Thunderous is one way of describing it, especially if you stand outside and watch an RS7 head horizon-wards in full Dynamic mode, its exhausts crackling with each thumping upshift. If you’re driving, the horizon comes at you even quicker, especially if the road is even slightly narrow. Yet it puts the power down without fuss (on dry roads, at least) and, depending on which mode you’re in, with considerable surety.
As with many high-end Audis you can not only toggle between Comfort, Auto and Dynamic modes, but also apply these settings individually to everything from the steering to the suspension and seatbelt pre-tensioners.
Some of these settings can produce some odd quirks, including a wheel rim that writhes like it was torque-steering when you unleash full power in Comfort, and steering so high-geared in Dynamic that you must concentrate extra hard if you’re not to deploy the lane departure system on a too-regular basis. But whatever combination of settings you choose, there’s never one that quite delivers the subtleties of feedback via (very comfortable) seat and wheel that keen drivers crave, and will more fully enjoy aboard the RS7’s rivals.
Some might be tempted, then, to order Dynamic Ride Control for a fuller tactile experience. DRC eliminates pitch, eliminates roll and, sadly, eliminates most of this Audi’s ride quality, and especially so when in league with an admittedly handsome quartet of 21-inch alloys. Even Audi’s very own chief chassis engineer, Dr Horst Glaser, advises against choosing this option if you live in Britain, because the ride is simply too firm.
And he is not wrong, if the RS7’s light agitation over mild German bumps is a guide. This suspension is best suited to track work, says Glaser, and although the RS7 seems an unlikely circuit tool despite its power, there are open-road moments in full Dynamic mode when you can feel the combination of DRC, all-wheel drive and the active rear diff producing a car more responsive and wieldy than it feels for 95 per cent of the time in real-world conditions.
The fact is that like so many ultra-potent Audis, this one feels like a mighty effective exercise in the containment of a mass that is being forced to go where it doesn’t quite want to. So while it rarely feels naturally agile, the RS7 has grip, composure and high reserves of artificial-feeling front-end bite when you pile-drive it bends. But if it’s real balance you want, a balance that can be tuned by your right foot, then it’s the AMG, the BMW or the Porsche that you need.
Should I buy one?

Driven in isolation this RS7 makes a pretty beguiling weapon. It has super-abundant grip and a superb powertrain redolent of race tracks when you’re in the mood, and high-speed trains when you’re not.
It’s comfortable, finished to Audi’s usual appealingly high-precision standards and has features and facilities to entertain for hours. And when rolling on air suspension, it rides pretty well. Yet if it’s lush, plush and polished high-speed entertainment that you crave, then your needs will be better served by the RS7’s BMW and Mercedes rivals, their classic front-engine, rear-drive balance simply delivering more fun.
That said, if you’re irresistibly drawn to the RS7 and its magnificent powertrain, then we wouldn’t dissuade you. Just don’t order the DRC.
Audi RS7 Sportback
Price £83,495; 0-62mph 3.9sec; Top speed 155mph (174mph, 190mph optional); Economy 28.8mpg; CO2 229g/km; Kerb weight 1955kg;Engine V8, 3993cc, twin-turbo, petrol; Power 552bhp at 5700-6600rpm;Torque 516lb ft at 1750-5500rpm; Gearbox 8-spd automatic

http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/audi/rs7/first-drives/audi-rs7-sportback-first-drive-review