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Audi's 417kW RS 7 wows Detroit

<b>PORSCHE-HUNTING PROWESS:</b>   Powered by V8 biturbo petrol, the new Audi RS7 Sportback can reach speeds of  304km/h, depending on its specification.
<b>PORSCHE-HUNTING PROWESS:</b> Powered by V8 biturbo petrol, the new Audi RS7 Sportback can reach speeds of 304km/h, depending on its specification.
DETROIT, Michigan - Audi wowed onlookers at the 2013 North Amerian Motor Show with the debut of its RS 7 Sportback in Detroit.

The model packs some serious heat with its twin-turbo V8 capable of rocketing the new model from 0 - 100km in 3.9 seconds.

The RS 7 Sportback shares its 4.0 V8 TFSI engine with the recently announced RS6 Avant. The V8 engine is capable of  417kw at 6700rpm and  peak torque of 700Nm between 1750 - 5500 rpm. Top speed is governed to 249km/h.

REACHING 304KM/H

Customers with Autobahn aspirations can increase the latter to 280km/h by with an optional dynamic package. For those with a serious need for speed, the top speed can be boosted to 304km/h through the dynamic plus package.

Despite performance of this magnitude, the RS 7 has a claimed fuel consumption of 8.1 litres/1000km (combined cycle).
The 4.0-litre TFSI is paired with the automaker’s  eight-speed tiptronic offering sport and manual modes.

Quattro permanent all-wheel drive system which incorporates torque vectoring, a centre and a sport differential on the rear axle to distribute power to the rear wheels.

IMAGE GALLERY

Audi’s quattro system enables the RS 7 Sportback to take on any driving need and ride refinement is courtesy of adaptive air suspension.

The set-up lowers the body by 20mm and incorporates damping with configurable settings. As an alternative, sports suspension plus with Dynamic Ride Control (DRC) will also be available. This system employs steel springs and three-way adjustable shock absorbers for improved stability.

MAXIMUM GRIP

Both set-ups are controllable via the Audi drive select system, which enables the driver to choose between comfort, dynamic or auto modes.

The front discs measure 390mm in diameter and are gripped by six-piston calipers which are available in either black or red. Also available as an option are carbon-fibre ceramic brake discs with grey calipers which measure 420mm in diameter. The RS 7 has 20” alloy rims.

The model comprises of 20% aluminium and a sizeable proportion of components made from steel.

Numerous RS-specific design details embellish the body such as the black honeycomb grille, exclusive bumper design and diffuser. At the rear you can spot two large, elliptical exhaust pipes and a spoiler.

NEW GEAR SHIFT INDICATOR

The interior has RS logos on the dials, a flat-bottomed three-spoke steering wheel, illuminated entry sills and displays for the MMI and the Driver Information System (DIS. The new model has RS sports seats with quilted leather upholstery.

A combination of Alcantara and leather can be specified as a no-cost alternative upholstery option. Power-adjustable front comfort seats can replace the standard sport seats.

A new feature in the RS menu of the DIS is the shift light. Green segments are illuminated as revs increase. The bar turns red and begins to blink when revs approach the red line. Displays for gear selection, boost pressure, oil temperature and a digital speedometer round are shown.


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