As promised, 2014 will bring two new models to the Audi RS lineup: RS 7->ke3727 and a production version of the RS Q3 Concept. The first model - the RS 7 - was unveiled at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show and we saw the 2014 Q3 RS in Geneva.

The Audi A7->ke1687 has a very short history in the automotive industry. Previewed by the Sportback Concept at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show, the production version of the A7 Sportback is already on sale, albeit not on all markets. This vehicle may be great in its own right, but of course the new RS 7 is far, far more impressive.

The new RS 7 does not only feature a much more aggressive look when compared to the standard A7, but it also delivers an extra 140 horsepower more that the S7. So, do you see why we find the standard A7 a little bit mediocre in comparison to the RS 7?

Updated 01/14/2013: This review has been updated with the official details, images and video.

Updated 07/30/2013: Audi USA announced today prices for the 2014 RS 7 that will arrive in U.S. showrooms this fall at a base price of $104,900. We also have a new video of the most powerful RS model ever offered in the U.S. and more than 100 new high res images.

Hit the jump to read more about the 2014 Audi RS 7.

2014 Audi RS 7

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2014 Audi RS 7
  • Engine/Motor: V8
  • Horsepower: 560 @ 5700
  • Torque: 516 @ 1750
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

The new Audi RS 7 brings the usual RS design elements that further distinguish it from the rest of the lineup. These distinctive elements will include new front and rear bumpers, a high-gloss black protective grille with honeycomb structure at the front, add-on parts in matte aluminum, a power-extending spoiler, a new diffuser and, of course, two elliptical tailpipe trims for the exhaust system.

Customers will have the possibility to choose between ten exterior colors, including the new shade Nardo gray and the exclusive finish Daytona gray, matte effect. There are also two additional packages: matte aluminum and carbon package, which further increase the sporty look of the RS 7.

Dimensions

Drag coefficient Cd

0.30

Length

114.8 inches

Width w/ mirrors

84.2 inches

Height

55.8 inches

Wheelbase

114.8 inches

Ground Clearance

7.87 inches


Standard features

-Matte aluminum or carbon styling

-Distinctive bumpers

-Singleframe grille in aluminum matte or high-gloss black

-Honeycomb grille inserts

-Heated, auto-dimming and power-folding exterior mirrors

-Adaptive rear spoiler

-Lower rear diffuser

-Two large elliptical tailpipes for the exhaust system

Interior

The sporty exterior is combined with the elegant look of the interior. The model is offered with standard RS sports seats covered in a combination of black Alcantara and leather, and feature diamond quilting on the center section. As an option, the seats can also be wrapped in high-grade, honeycomb-quilted Valcona leather in either black or lunar silver.

The rest of the interior is a very cool combination of black, white, red and carbon inlays. The carbon fiber can be replaced with three additional materials: black cloth, lunar silver or black Alcantara. To further identify the model, Audi has placed numerous RS logo on the key, the flat-bottomed, three-spoke leather steering wheel, the illuminated door entry sills and the displays for the MMI.

Dimensions

Headroom (Front/Rear)

36.9 inches / 36.6 inches

Legroom (Front/Rear)

41.3 inches / 37 inches

Shoulder Room (Front/Rear)

57.2 inches / 55.9 inches

Luggage Capacity

24.5 Cubic-Feet


Standard Interior Features:

- Three-spoke perforated multifunction sport steering wheel with contrast stitching and RS 7 emblem

-Xenon plus headlights

-Tire pressure monitoring system

-Parking system plus

-Three-zone automatic air conditioning

-Cruise control

-Audi sound system

Engine

Under the hood of the new Audi RS 7, Audi placed a powerful 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 engine that delivers a total of 560 horsepower available between 5,700 and 6,700 rpm and a peak torque of 516 pound-feet of torque available between 1,750 and 5,500 rpm. With this incredible power, the RS 7 will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds and up to a top track speed of 174 mph. The dynamic package increases the top speed to an even more amazing 189 mph.

The engine features an RS-specific management, which includes two twin-scroll turbochargers, producing up to 17.4 psi of relative boost pressure and short gas paths are very short. The exhaust system is equipped with switchable flaps that make the engine sound even fuller at the push of a button or under strong acceleration.

Audi has combined the engine with a standard eight-speed tiptronic gearbox with D and S modes. All the power delivered by the engine is sent to all four engine thanks to Audi's new quattro permanent all-wheel-drive system that send 60 percent of the power to the rear axle and 40 percent to the front.

Displacement

4.0L V-8 TSFI

Max. power output in hp at rpm

560 at 5700 - 6600

Max. torque in lb-ft at rpm

516 at 1750 - 5500

Top speed in mph

174

Acceleration, 0-60 mph) in sec

3.7

Fuel consumption: city / highway / combined in mpg

17/31/24


Suspension and Brakes

The new RS 7 will be offered with standard 20-inch forged lightweight wheels in a seven twin-spoke design or with optional 21-inch cast wheels in a choice of three designs.

The RS 7 will be dragged to halt by powerful brakes featuring four internally vented discs measuring 15.35 inches up front. Customers can also opt for 16.54 inches carbon-fiber ceramic discs with anthracite gray calipers.

Audi has also equipped the RS 7 with an air suspension that lowers the body ride by 0.79 inches. As an option, Audi is also offering a taut sport suspension that uses steel springs and three-stage adjustable dampers that are connected to one another via diagonal oil lines and a central valve.

Front suspension

Five-link front suspension, double upper and lower wishbones, anti-roll bar, air suspension/suspension with Dynamic Ride Control

Rear suspension

Self-tracking trapezoidal-link axle with wishbone, anti-roll bar, air suspension/suspension with Dynamic Ride Control

Wheels / tires

Forged aluminum wheel 9-by-20-inch / 275/35ZR20 102Y XL tires


Prices

The new Audi RS 7 made its world debut at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show and will be put on sale later in the fall. On the U.S. market the new RS 7 will be priced at $104,900.

Competition

2014 Mercedes CLS63 AMG S-Model

The future Audi RS 7's main target will be the recently launched Mercedes CLS63 AMG S-Model. The new S-Model receives a 5.5-liter V-8 biturbo engine that produces 577 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque. Preliminary specs put it at 3.6 seconds to 60 mph and a 186 mph top speed.

Pricing has not been released yet, but we’ll just say that it is bound to be expensive.

For those looking for a cheaper alternative, there is always the base 2014 CLS63 AMG, which has 550 horsepower and 531 pound-feet of torque powering it to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds and to a 155 mph top speed.

2014 BMW M6 Gran Coupe

For 2014, BMW released the M variant of its 6 Series Gran Coupe in the U.S. for the first time. This luxurious monster features a 4.4-liter V-8 engine with a pair of turbochargers that produces 560 horsepower and 502 pound-feet of torque. Buyers can also opt for the Competition Package that bumps the output to 575 horsepower.

With the six-speed manual transmission, the M6 Gran Coupe sprints to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds and the seven-speed automated manual drops that to 4.1 seconds. With the Competition Package installed, the M6 Gran Coupe performs the same sprint in 4 seconds flat.

The M6 Grand Coupe bases out at $113,000 and no pricing is available on the Competition Package.

Conclusion

The new Audi RS 7 is the most powerful RS model ever offered by Audi on the U.S. market. When compared to its competition, the new RS 7 may look a little bit less powerful and slower, but it offers a huge advantage: that aggressive RS-styling look, so the CLS will have no chance.