Audi Canada has confirmed that an uprated version of its already-potent RS7 Sportback will be sold here.
We don’t yet know when the car will go on sale, but based on the specs, Audi’s not kidding about the ‘performance’ part: the 4.0L turbocharged V8 gains 45 hp, bringing the total to 605. Torque is the same as the regular car’s 516 lb-ft, but an overboost function runs that up to 553 lb-ft for short bursts. Audi says the extra juice is enough to cut 0.2 seconds off the RS7’s 3.9-second zero-to-100 km/h acceleration time, and helps it sprint from a stop to 200 km/h in an impressive 12.1 seconds, moving this big hatch a notch closer to supercar territory.
In standard spec, top speed is limited to 250 km/h, but the optional ‘dynamic’ package unhitches the reins to let the car run to either 280 or 305 km/h. An eight-speed automatic transmission and Quattro all-wheel drive remain, splitting torque 40:60 between front and rear axles.
The RS7 ‘Performance’ rides 20 mm lower than the standard car, and optional ‘dynamic’ steering brings a continuously variable steering ratio.
Distinct bumpers and grille set the latest RS7 apart from its lesser predecessor; inside, RS sport seats are standard, and an optional upholstery upgrade covers them Alcantara and leather in a honeycomb pattern, with matching contrasting stitching on armrests, shifter, steering wheel, and floor mats.
The RS7 Performance goes on sale in Germany for 121,700 euros; we’ll let you know as soon as we find out when the car will arrive in Canada, and in what quantities.
The Alps, in Audi RS7, RS6 Avant and RSQ3
November 25, 2013
