The second-gen Audi A7 is all set to make its debut in India. And the version for our market will be none other than the ballistic RS7. The model has just been teased on Audi India’s website and will go on sale in July.
Audi RS7 in numbers
The last-gen RS7 was all about brute force and the new car stays true to the formula. Power comes from an upgraded version of the 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol engine that’s now also allied with a 48V mild-hybrid system. Peak power is at a staggering 600hp, while max torque is a titanic 800Nm. For reference, the last-gen RS7 made 560hp (605hp for the Competition) and 700Nm. Drive is sent to all four wheels via Audi Quattro AWD and an 8-speed torque converter gearbox. The super sedan has a claimed 0-100kph time of 3.6sec.
How do you identify an RS7?
The RS7 shares the stretched and low silhouette with the standard A7, but interestingly enough the bonnet, front doors and boot lid are the only common body panels. The RS7 is wider and sports a more aggressive frontal styling with massive air dams and a gloss black honeycomb grille. The rear bumper featuring a large diffuser surrounding the RS-typical oval exhausts brings up the tail. 21-inch rims are standard, while 22-inch rims are an option in markets abroad.
The interior is new-age Audi with a dual-touchscreen layout for the dash. However, Alcantara trim and an RS steering with large paddleshifters make the cabin look the business. In international markets, the RS7 can be specced as a 5-seater – with a middle rear seat – for the first time. For India, Audi is sure to offer buyers its full personalisation catalogue.
RS7 price expectation
The Audi RS7 will likely be priced upwards of Rs 1.7 crore (estimated, ex-showroom), putting it in the same price territory as models like the Mercedes-AMG E63 S and BMW M5 Competition.
Read more:
2016 Audi RS7 Performance review