We mention the revs first, because anywhere from 2500rpm and 5500rpm the turbo V8 now delivers an overboost function extending torque to a monstrous 750Nm.
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From 0-62mph, both performance models are two tenths quicker than the standard RS at 3.7 seconds, from where it just gets sillier still. Top speed has been raised from 250 km/h to 280 km/h. The cars also get an adaptive air suspension setup that allows a 20mm drop in the car’s ride height. Pricing is yet to be announced, but there will likely be a premium over the $229,110 RS6 Avant and $241,610 RS7 Sportback. The seats have been newly upholstered with alcantara and leather in a honeycomb pattern.
Still, despite the significant output boost, Audi says that efficiency hasn’t been sacrificed, claiming that the RS 6 and RS 7 will return up to 29.7mpg on the combined cycle, with 221g/km of CO2. These are best-in-segment figures.
The new Audi RS6 Avant and RS7 Sportback performance models come with a whopping 597bhp and cost from £86-91.6K. The 4.0 TFSI now produces 445 kW (605 hp) and maximum torque of 700 Nm (516.3 lb-ft). The 0-100 km/h sprint is now done in 3.7 seconds, which is 0.2 seconds faster than before, while accelerating from 0-200 km/h is done in just 12.1 seconds, 1.4 seconds faster. With the optional Dynamic Package, the auto can reach a top speed of 189.5 miles per hour – without that package, it’s limited to the same 155 miles per hour as the ordinary variant.
That extra oomph came from a revised engine management unit, much like the Audi S8 Plus. In normal driving conditions, 60 percent of the drive torque is sent to the rear wheels for a rear-biased feel. The wheel-selective torque control intervenes as necessary. An additional option is dynamic steering with a continuously variable steering ratio.
When it hits showrooms, the RS 7 Performance will be the top-of-the-line offering in Audi’s A7 series.
New on the RS performance models is a second drive mode selector on the steering wheel, so you can change modes “on the fly” without taking your eyes off the road. The cars ride on bespoke 21-inch alloys wrapped around in 285/30 tires on the RS6 and 275/30 rubbers for the RS7 and are backed by four ventilated disc brakes or optional carbon fiber ceramic discs. Electronic Stabilization Control (ESC) has a Sport mode and can be deactivated if need be.
But on the heels of its newer, hotter longroof, an RS 7 Performance is on the way too, and according to Autoblog, this one’s actually coming our way.
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Each performance model carries a quattro logo on its air inlet duct and body trim elements in a matt titanium-look finish. Audi also offers as an exclusive option the Ascari metallic blue paintjob.
