The Audi A7->ke1687 has not even been on US shores for a year and already the engineers from Ingolstadt are busy making this hatchback a land rocket, as shown by new spy images of the RS7 version->ke3727. The tuned up S and RS versions are reportedly going to be propelled by the brand new turbocharged Bentley V8. In the RS, the engine will produce about 600 horsepower. In addition to more horsepower (20 more than the outgoing V10 from the previous RS6->ke1305) this engine weighs less than the outgoing engine, which points to the fact that Audi appears to working hard on lightening and improving the balance of the RS7. What makes us salivate even more is the fact that an Audi engineer admitted that the RS7 won't just be a Bavarian drag racer. He said, "The last RS6 has focused too much on straight-line performance. We want to put more emphasis on cornering ability...We want to bring back the feeling of raw power that the first RS6 gave drivers. That means more sound, more responsiveness, more connection between car and driver."

Full story after the jump.

According to Car and Driver, Audi is ".. watching the RS5 closely, and if that car does well here, a 2013 launch for the four-ringed Cadillac CTS-V, BMW M5->ke2922 and Mercedes E63 AMG fighters is a distinct possibility. " We really want this car to come to the US and for it to have a chance to do so, everyone needs to go buy an RS5 and fast. We see the RS7 competing with the Mercedes Benz CLS63 AMG in terms of performance and price. We anticipate the starting price for the 2013 Audi RS7 residing in the mid to high 90's.

We love the fact that the RS7 now allows the entire family to have the g-force induced grins as you fly down your favorite stretch of tarmac which is why we hope it travels to our side of the pond sooner rather than later.