New Audi RS7 Sportback revealed with 600 PS V8

Audi RS7 Sportback: V8 powertrain and quattro drivetrain

We were introduced to the new RS6 Avant recently, yet it was not joined by an RS6 saloon in Frankfurt. Taking its place was the new Audi RS7 Sportback, which, as you might expect, shares all of its mechanical and dynamic credentials with its “sister”.

Beneath its aggressively styled bodywork sits the same 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 producing 600 PS and 800 Nm (available from 2050 rpm to 4500 rpm). It is supported by a 48 V mild-hybrid system and paired with an eight-speed automatic gearbox, featuring launch control, as well as quattro four-wheel drive.

Like its “sister”, it uses a 40/60 power split between the front and rear axles. Choosing either of the two Dynamic packages adds a sports centre differential, which can direct up to 70% of the power to the front or 85% to the rear.

This allows the RS7 Sportback to reach 100 km/h in just 3.6 seconds - matching the RS6 Avant - before going on to 250 km/h as standard. Its top speed rises to 280 km/h or 305 km/h, depending on whether the Dynamic or Dynamic Plus packages are specified.

Audi RS7 Sportback bodywork, suspension and brakes

As with the RS6 Avant, the new Audi RS7 Sportback receives extensive bodywork revisions. It shares only its bonnet, roof, front doors and tailgate with the standard A7 Sportback, while retaining an active spoiler that deploys from 100 km/h. It is noticeably wider, measuring 40 mm more across than the A7, and is also longer, stretching to 5.0 m in length.

Its standard adaptive air suspension has three modes and self-levelling functionality. In its normal setting, the RS7 Sportback sits 20 mm lower than other A7 models; above 120 km/h, the ride height drops by a further 10 mm. A raised mode is also available, increasing ground clearance by 20 mm.

The substantial 21-inch alloy wheels fitted as standard can optionally be increased to 22 inches. Equally sizeable brake discs are offered in either steel, measuring 420 mm in diameter at the front and 370 mm at the rear, or carbon-ceramic, with 440 mm front discs and 370 mm rear discs. Despite being larger, the latter reduce unsprung mass by 34 kg.

Like the RS6 Avant, the new Audi RS7 Sportback is expected to arrive on the market in the first quarter of 2020.