➤ All-new 2020 model gets quattro AWD, a 600hp mild-hybrid V8 and the wide-body arches it always needed.
Audi has revealed its all-new RS 7 Sportback ahead of the four-door model's launch in early 2020. Just like the previous RS 7, the new car takes the basic five-door A7 Sportback and piles on the aggro in both styling and firepower courtesy of the German brand’s high-performance and racing division, Audi Sport.
The new 4.0-litre, twin-turbo V8 packs 600hp and 800Nm of torque available between 2,100 to 4,500rpm. Power is channelled through an eight-speed tiptronic gearbox and Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive system.
As standard, the RS 7 is limited to 155mph but if the ‘Dynamic Package’ option box is ticked, Audi will raise the top speed to 174mph and to 189mph if the ‘Dynamic Package Plus’ is selected.
The new V8 also features cylinder-on-demand technology. When cruising in a high gear, cylinders 2, 3, 5 and 8 are shut down resulting in the car running in four-cylinder mode to improve fuel consumption.
There’s also a new mild-hybrid set-up; a 48-volt electrical system is mated to a belt alternator starter and a lithium-ion battery and, depending on which driving mode is selected, the car will either coast or recover energy.
Visually, only the bonnet, roof, front doors and the tailgate are carried over from the standard model. The front is 40mm wider than a standard A7 and there’s a bespoke RS grille with a 3D honeycomb design and large air vents either side. LED headlights and rear lights are standard but, to differentiate them from the regular A7, they have a different sequence when the car is locked and unlocked.
Elsewhere, 21-inch alloy wheels, air suspension and new rear bumper with two exhaust pipes all feature. Larger 22-inch wheels, ceramic brakes, matrix LED headlights and a sports exhaust system are all on the options list.
Inside, Audi provides a pair of leather sports seats, a flat-bottomed steering wheel and a choice of two design packages to add some colour. Two new driving modes, dubbed RS1 and RS2, appear for the first time and allow the drivers to create two configurable modes that can be accessed at the touch of a button. There are unique RS displays for the Virtual Cockpit and infotainment screens and new Audi Sport puddle lamps too.
To register your interest in leasing the all-new Audi RS7 Sportback, call our friendly sales team on 0161 826 9716.
