As if the 2016 Audi RS7 wasn’t monstrous enough, the luxury sportback now has a special model that gets significant performance upgrades.
Although it is powered by the same twin-turbo 4.0L TFSI V8, horsepower has been boosted over the base RS model by 45 horsepower for a total of 605 hp. Torque stays the same at 516 pound-feet, but a new overboost function can temporarily draw 553 lb-ft of twist from the engine. This allows the four-door to have supercar-like acceleration: zero to 62 mph in 3.7 seconds, an improvement of 0.2 seconds over the base RS model. The optional dynamic package can also increase the car’s top speed.
ALSO SEE: 2017 Audi A4 Review
Power will continue to go to all four wheels via an eight-speed tiptronic transmission. The power split is 40/60 front to back, giving the car a more rear-wheel-drive feel. There is also an optional sport differential on the rear axle with active torque distribution between the inside and outside wheel. An adaptive air suspension lowers the car’s height by 0.8 inches, and drivers of the performance model can now choose their drive mode via a steering wheel-mounted button.
New to performance models are exclusive 21-inch aluminum wheels and unique exterior treatment with the front bumper and rear diffuser.
Audi also claims best-in-segment fuel economy numbers with the RS7 performance rated at about 24 mpg combined.
The new 2016 Audi RS 7 Sportback performance starts at 121,700 euros and will arrive in European dealers in November, but U.S. pricing and availability has not been announced yet.
The 2016 Audi RS6 Avant also gets the same performance model, but, unfortunately, the RS6 Avant is not available in North America.
