Initial Drive Review
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Still one step ahead of the class.
We called the RS7 “Quattro’;s ideal function yet,” in a recent comparison test, which it won. The car is now even greater. For 2016, the Audi RS7 sees subtle upgrades inside and out, significantly like those that apply to its stablemates, the A7 and the S7. The RS7 already was the freshest of the trio, getting arrived right here for 2014, so these modifications are even less clear.
Outdoors, it gets new head- and taillights related to these that grace its less strong siblings. But the style of the front bumper and reduced air intakes remains practically identical to the pre-face-lift models (which must please present owners). With its big 20- or 21-inch wheels and matte-aluminum décor, the RS7 is the most impressive and perhaps the most harmonious in the lineup. Neither garish nor more than-the-top, it does look imposing. With its new headlight contour, it reminds us of the original Audi Sportback concept that preceded the A7 on the show circuit.
Inside, the RS7 gets revised instrumentation with a larger driver-data display (now with Google Earth) between the tachometer and speedometer. An enhanced electronics architecture helps upgrade the graphics and the integration of the infotainment and telematics systems, now using LTE communications when obtainable, and it is compatible with Siri Eyes Free. The MMI interface also gets refinements, generating it easier to use, and the night-vision display is also enhanced. New colour and wood alternatives dress out the cabin.
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Such luxuries have their appeal, but what tends to make the RS7 truly desirable is that it is one of the greatest efficiency sedans (properly, hatchbacks) of all time, and there are no adjustments to its mechanical specification. It makes use of the very same fairly compact, twin-turbocharged 4.-liter V-8, out of which Audi squeezes a healthful 560 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, the latter of which is served across a lofty plateau that stretches from 1750 to 5500 rpm.
The engine supplies wonderful straight-line performance: Audi claims it will run from zero to 62 mph in 3.9 seconds, but we measured 3.4 seconds to 60 mph in a 2014 model. In Germany, the RS7 provides 3 distinct prime-speed governors based on the wheel/tire package the leading one particular lets it run all the way up to 190 mph. The U.S. most probably will get the mid-level governor, rated at 174 mph. Not a problem.
With the European fuel-consumption rating, nevertheless, Audi appears to be joking. The official rating of 25 mpg would demand ruthless asceticism. Figure on 20 mpg if you are feather-footing. Using the power liberally will reduce that in half. We saw 9 mpg in that comparison test more than a fairly brief (150-mile) run of spirited motoring. With only 420 horsepower to tempt us, our extended-term S7 is averaging 21 mpg.
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Not just supercar rapidly, the RS7 sounds off with a corresponding, ultra-aggressive tone, menacing even at standstill. Wind out the gears, and the exhaust pops audibly at upshifts easing off the gas produces a furious crackle the entire symphony of intake, combustion, and exhaust underscores the reality that there are tightly controlled but huge explosions raging in the combustion chambers of this engine. The ZF-supplied 8-speed automatic responds so rapidly that couple of will miss the S7’s dual-clutch box.
Never silent, the RS7 is nevertheless easily maneuverable and controllable on the street. Step up the pace, and it exhibits remarkable agility. The torque-vectoring rear sports differential is virtually overly eager to assist the driver throw the RS7 into corners it can really feel a bit artificial at occasions. Way up at the limits of adhesion, the powertrain, sports differential, and assistance systems have to work overtime and can no longer disguise the big hatchback’;s mass. Audi claims a curb weight of 4398 pounds our comparison-test instance registered 4453 on our scales, heavier than even the portly BMW M6 Gran Coupe and the Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG.
Anticipate the 2016 model’s price to remain near that of the existing model, which lists for $ 107,425, prior to choices. It is straightforward to run it up more than $ 130K. If you are significant about driving, start by choosing the RS7 Dynamic package that Audi not too long ago added to the range: It packs a sports-tuned steel-spring suspension instead of the regular air suspension and comes with the amazing efficiency exhaust method. Down the road, we anticipate that Audi will bump up the power, maybe to 600 horsepower, to match or best the BMW and Mercedes-Benz competitors that now stand at 575 and 577, respectively. Till then, we stick to our verdict: This is Quattro’;s greatest perform however.
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