2014 AUDI RS7 sportback

2014 AUDI RS7 sportback

the AUDI RS 7 sportback, the latest model from the company’s high-performance quattro GmbH division, combines the power of a sports car with the elegance of a large, five-door coupé. designboom took the new vehicle for a test drive in neckarsulm, germany where the AUDI production plant is located. with stunning architecture of glass, steel, and aluminum set on 11,000 square meters, the AUDI forum neckarsulm offers discovery tours, factory visits, exhibitions, and detailed information on the latest AUDI models. while there, we saw customers come in from around the world to pick up their brand-new vehicles: AUDI estimates about 130 new cars are retrieved in person each day.

it didn’t take long to get seated in the new RS 7 sportback and ready to hit the track. the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) takes just 3.9 seconds, maxing out at a top speed of up to 305 km/h (190 mph). despite the power of the 4.0 liter biturbo V8 engine, which produces 560 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque with its two twin-scroll turbochargers, the RS 7 sportback consumes on average just 9.8 liters of fuel per 100 km (24 mpg).

at 5.01 meters (16.4 ft) in length, the vehicle’s design combines a long engine hood with 2.92 meter (9.6 ft) wheelbase; short overhangs on both sides of the sportback create a powerful, balanced look that echoes the sportiness we felt in its handling. a low-swept roof line gives the car a strong profile as well as smoother and more agile aerodynamics.

the five-door coupé features distinctively styled bumpers, with partly tinted LED headlights and high-gloss black honeycomb grill. from the front, these accents give the car a distinctly sporty, aggressive look, only enhanced by flared sills and a sharply sloped rear with classic power-extending spoiler lip. additional recognizable features include the diffuser and two large, elliptical tailpipe trims of the exhaust system.

a hybrid aluminum design, the AUDI RS 7 sportback weighs roughly 15 percent less than a comparable body composed of steel. although it features individual components of ultra high-strength steel, more than 20 percent of the body is made of aluminum.AUDI is offering the exterior in a choice of ten colors, including the new shade nardo gray and the exclusive finish daytona gray with matte effect.

AUDI RS 7 sportback, daytona grey matte
image courtesy AUDI AG

aesthetic design, innovative technology and impressive sportiness
image courtesy AUDI AG

image courtesy AUDI AG

image courtesy AUDI AG

image courtesy AUDI AG

image courtesy AUDI AG

image courtesy AUDI AG

rear 3/4 driver side view
image courtesy AUDI AG

passenger side view
image courtesy AUDI AG

rear 3/4 context view
image courtesy AUDI AG

interior cockpit view
image courtesy AUDI AG

AUDI RS 7 sportback, sepang blue in front of the AUDI forum in neckarsulm, germany
image © designboom

back view
image © designboom

an original version of this article appeared on designboom on january 15th, 2013, when AUDI originally introduced the ‘RS 7 sportback’ at 2013 NAIAS.

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