2014 Audi RS 7

Blending innovative design, advanced technology and versatility, the 2014 Audi A7 model line includes the all-new Audi RS 7. Act quickly when you see one: They’ll be moving fast.

Debuted at the 2013 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the Audi RS 7 is the most powerful RS ever offered in the U.S. The five-door sedan is fitted with the twin-turbo TFSI V-8 engine, producing a potent 560 hp — a reported 133.3 percent more than the average for sedans. This delivers 0–60 mph in just 3.7 seconds with a top speed of 155 mph. Maximum torque is 516 ft-lbs — again, reportedly 108.9 percent better than the sedan average.

The engine is mated to a standard 8-speed Automatic (with a manual mode); optional is a seven-speed S tronic® transmission and quattro® all-wheel drive with a self-locking center differential and torque vectoring. The sport differential distributes the power between the rear wheels, enabling superior cornering and acceleration coming out from turns.

By means of innovative cylinder-on-demand technology, the new RS 7 provides improved fuel efficiency by deactivating the valves on cylinders 2, 3, 5 and 8 by means of electromechanical actuators. As a result, at low to medium loads and engine speeds, the engine runs in the four-cylinder mode.

At the same time, the active engine mounts remove any changes in vibration between eight- and four-cylinder modes. A noise cancellation system is not needed on the RS 7 because of its low exhaust frequencies.

Please: Judge This Car By its Exterior

Bold features, dramatic design and a sculpted form make the new Audi RS 7 a standout anywhere. Go ahead: Judge it on appearances alone. No offence.

The Black Optic package features a grille with high-gloss Singleframe® gloss-black window surround. Says Audi: “The car offers the unmistakable appearance of full LED lighting technology, which is more efficient, and produces light which is close to sunlight, reducing strain on the driver’s eyes.”

While flowing in concept, the RS 7 offers details that give it the edge. Bumpers are available in standard, matte aluminum or carbon styling, and the Singleframe® grille can be ordered in aluminum matte or high-gloss black, with honeycomb inserts. Heated, auto-dimming and power-folding exterior mirrors make stressful situations less so. And, the rear spoiler, lower rear diffuser and two elliptical exhaust system tailpipes all strongly signal the performance of the new car.

A Trim Interior

All models feature an interior electric trunk release on the driver’s side, and the RS 7 features standard leather door armrests, Valcona® leather seats, illuminated door sills and ambient lighting.

The RS 7 features a three-spoke perforated multifunction sport steering wheel with contrasting stitching and an RS 7 emblem; RS shift knob and interior door handles; carbon fiber inlays; optional layered aluminum/black wood decorative inlays; black-faced instrument gauges; white scales and red needles; aluminum pedals and footrest; and an optional Black Alcantara® headliner.

Technology to the Assistance

Advanced technology and driver assistance features are included in the new RS 7. Audi MMI® touch with handwriting recognition has hard and soft keys, buttons for commonly-used controls and a touchpad that understands hand-written inputs. Perform many functions, such as entering digits telephone numbers and the letters of the navigation destination with a finger — without losing sight of the road.

Audi Side Assist monitors blind spots and fast-approaching vehicles at approximately 150 feet to the rear of the car: That’s standard on RS 7. The optional Night Vision Assistant detects pedestrians approximately 300 ft. ahead of the vehicle; once a pedestrian is registered, the system highlights them. If the pedestrian moves into the path of the RS 7, they are highlighted in red, and their presence is noted by an acoustic warning.

The Driver Assistance plus package includes a cornerview camera, and the available adaptive cruise control and the Audi Pre Sense Plus enhance safety for drivers and their passengers.

Stay Connected

The 2014 RS is equipped with the award-winning Audi connect® infotainment system. Recall that the company was the first global manufacturer to offer factory-fitted in-vehicle Wi-Fi connectivity for passenger use; this system enables the Audi to deliver connectivity to as many as eight wireless devices.

Complementary for six months, Audi Connect is available after that for as little as $15 per month. Its onboard Audi MMI Navigation system includes Google Earth™ maps for particularly true views of where you are and where you want to go.

Audi Connect also includes these features: real-time localized weather, news and live fuel prices; Google Voice™ Local Search for detailed travel information, such as restaurant or hotel hours, pricing and customer reviews; and the myAudi Destination feature, which allows users to access Google Earth from almost any location in the United States and download as many as 50 destinations to the vehicle. Audi also offers real-time Sirius XM® Traffic information by means of an enhanced Audi MMI Navigation plus system (a Sirius XM® Traffic subscription is required).

Audi RS 7, www.AudiUSA.com