Audi Announces the Release of the New RS 7 Sportback at the Frankfurt Motor Show
The New Audi RS7 Avant Sportback was presented earlier this month, at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The car is the most powerful RS 7 released until now, comes with a sleek look, and it is expected to sell for US $112,000.
Just as popular as the RS 6 Avant, the automotive manufacturer has designed and built this model with the user in mind. Versatile, flexible and fast, it comes to serve the needs of buyers from different backgrounds. Still, the model will serve better the luxury-seeker with not-so-many family commitments. The 5-door model combines with success the hatchback-style boot opening, which increases the vehicle’s performance.
The new Audi also packs a couple of new features. Here are some.
The new Audi RS 7 Sportback comes with a wider configuration than its older brother, the RS 6, a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol engine with a mild-hybrid system. It comes with 591 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque. This is the manufacturer’s most performance-based model, and it is expected to enter the market in 2020.
Under the hood of the RS 7, the engine packs 592bhp, distributed through the eight-speed gearbox and the consecrated Quattro all-wheel drive system. With the new changes, the RS7 reaches 0 to 60 with 0.3 seconds less than the previous models.
Drivers can also opt for the Dynamic package boost features. This will unlock the speed from being electronically blocked at 155 mph to 174 mph. The Dynamic Plus can boost the car’s Vmax to an impressive 190 mph.
Although he RS7 Sportback is faster than before, it is also more efficient. We said it before, the new RS 7 comes with a mild-hybrid engine. This acts as an energy-recovery tool, and it works in two phases. When the driver gently releases the acceleration at slow speeds, the power generated is fed to the lithium-ion battery. At higher accelerations (between 35 and 100 mph), the smart powertrain-management system will recover even more energy. Alternatively, it can coast with the engine switched off, depending on how well charged the battery is. Higher gears will make the powertrain-management system to turn off several cylinders (the cylinder 2, 3, 5 and 8) to save up even more energy.
Although the RS7 Sportback has the same chassis modification as the A7, drivers can choose between two suspension options, add optional rear-wheel steering and optional ceramic brakes.
And speaking of suspensions, the new model’s system features air springs, but also a smart electronically controlled shock-absorption function. Compared with the A7, the RS 7 Sportback’s suspensions are also stiffer (50% stiffer!). And they can be upgraded too.
The Normal Mode brings the RS 7 0.8 inches lower than its bigger brother, the A7 and comes by 0.4 inches closer to the tarmac once the speed exceeds 75 mph. Interested drivers can also add the RS sport suspension packed with Dynamic Ride Control. The suspension uses steel springs and cross-linked electronically-controlled shock absorbers. Together, they offer the car more control, elevate the comfort and boost the stiffness found on the Normal mode by 30%.
Both the Dynamic Package and the Dynamic Package Plus come equipped with rear-wheel steering, but also with high-tech sensors. These gather data to determine much steering is needed separately, at the front and rear axles.
The standard model comes equipped with steel brakes, a 16.5-inch front rotor, and 14.6-inch items at the rear. Drivers can choose the optional carbon-ceramic brake model, a system that offers superior breaking even at high speed. The standard wheels measure a generous 21-inch, while the optional wheels measure 22-inches.
On the inside, the new Audi RS 7 Sportback comes with upholstered leather with an intricate honeycomb ornament. The steering wheel comes with generous shift paddles, a ton of multi functional buttons, and with the RS model selection button too. From here, the driver can select the Drive Select RS1 or RS2 mode. The preselected modes can be customized from the same dashboard. You can adjust the powertrain dynamics settings, and access the Virtual Cockpit panel. Here, you will have easy access to all relevant information and data, including oil temperature, boost pressure, lap times, acceleration, g-forces, torque and power.
Although Audi doesn’t fool around when it comes to technical matters and power of their vehicles, the looks of the new RS 7 Sportback are some of the best you will see on an Audi car.
The RS7 Sportback is the group’s hatchback version. It’s wider, meaner, sleeker and sexier than ever before. With the same visual makeover of the new RS6 Avant, the new RS 7 keeps the bonnet, tailgate, roof, and front doors from the standard model. Compared to the A7, the new release will be wider than it, will come with a personalized grill with a honeycomb design and huge air vents on the side. Inspired by the R8 supercar, and with wheel arches that bring something of the original Quattro coupe from the early ‘80s, the car can easily accommodate four 6-foot individuals comfortably, thanks to the 535-litre boot.
In Europe, the new Audi RS 7 will enter the market early in 2020. The US audience will have to wait some more for it, the release being announced in the second quarter of the same year. Although the price is not cheap, we should remember that this is a luxury vehicle that can lay down some serious power.
