Audi RS7: A Supercar dressed up as a Luxury Executive

New car models to grace the roads in 2017 are beginning to roll out of their manufacturing halls. Unlike previous years where the competition was identified between body styles and designs, the competition has intensified to focus on technological and engineering capability. No longer is the automobile industry facing off in a clash of curves but rather in feats of power and prowess.

One of these models of contemporary engineering and design is the Audi RS7. Belonging to the prestigious RS range which stands for RennSport, the RS7 is expected to rival BMW’s M class and the Mercedes Benz models that comprise the AMG tuning fleet. While the tendency for Audi’s competitors is to dress up their cars to imply their greater feats of speed and power, Audi enhancements appear to be a lot more subtle.

Enhancement attributes for the RS7 Performance model include carbon fiber accents on the chin splitter, dual oval exhausts, a solid black mesh grill plate, 5 spoke 21inch wheels and despite all this the only hint of the power that lies within are the extended side skirts

It’s only when the RS7 Performance snarling exhaust belts out a deafening scream, that spectators will realise that they have something amiss in relation to this unsuspecting executive four door sedan. Tucked under the modest hood is a 4.0 liter twin turbocharged V8 engine that produces 605 horsepower and is complemented by 553 pound feet of torque. Giving further juice to the Performance model over and above the standard RS7 is another 45 racing horses and 37lb ft of torque. For a point of comparison to an actual supercar, the R8 V10 Plus loses the second set of doors, making it 900 pounds lighter, but to compensate only delivers 5 hp more while undercutting the torque count by 140lb ft.

Once let in on the secret of the car’s enormous power train, the speed attributes will meet all your expectations of the RS7’s status of supercar. A  to 100km/h will take 3.6 seconds, but if you keep the accelerator flattened this 4 door supercar will tap a maximum speed of 305 km/h. Comprised of an 8 speed automatic transmission with steering wheel mounted paddle shifters, gear changes happen instantaneously and are remarkably smooth.

While these performance capabilities make the RS7 a winner on the basis of power, it doesn’t come on any compromise with the car’s luxury fittings, keeping it well within expectations as an executive luxury saloon. The interior of the RS7 Performance gives further insight into the car’s sporting pedigree. Features include Valcona leather seats with contrast honeycomb, heated 12 way powered front contoured seats and leather wrapped door armrests. Infotainment specs have a fitted Bose surround sound system and a 7” colour driver information system.

Future drivers can look forward to a luxury sedan with all the quality fittings that you can expect of an Audi, but also to a supercar, where confidence comes standard.