German car manufacturer Audi debuted the 2014 RS7 Sportback four-door coupe at the 2013 Auto Show in Detroit. The RS7 is as remarkable for its elegant design as it is for its new TFSI 4.0 litre twin-turbo V8 engine, with a 560 hp (509 hp in the US) and 699 Nm of torque.

Power is distributed through an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all wheel drive. Audi says the RS7 shoots from zero to 62 mph in a whopping 3.9 seconds. It’s also equipped with Audi’s unique “cylinder on demand” technology. So when the vehicle is operating at part load, four of its cylinders are deactivated. This reduces fuel consumption by an average of five percent. Meanwhile, the engine note can be changed when the driver pushes a button that controls the exhaust system flaps, and a sport exhaust is optional.

Drivers who are interested in a more aggressive handling can opt to have an air suspension that lowers the RS7 by almost an inch, or sport suspension plus with dynamic ride control. Standard electromechanical steering has been tuned specially for the car, and a dynamic steering setup with stepless variable boost and ratio is optional.

The RS7 boasts two equipment packages, the “Quattro” and “Carbon.” Variations in the offerings include the standard 20-inch forged wheels of the Quattro versus the optional three designs of the 21-inch wheels of the Carbon, along with 16.5-inch carbon-fiber ceramic disc plates painted anthracite gray.

Adding to the sporty appearance of the model, the RS7 features a high-gloss black honeycomb grille, a diffuser with twin elliptical tailpipes, matte aluminum trim and a power extending spoiler. The interior of the RS7 features a leather-wrapped wheel, carbon inlay trim and highly bolstered black Alcantra and leather sports seats.

The rear hatchback of the RS7 lends well to cargo storage for more practical trips, with 19 cubic feet of room behind the rear seats. However, rumor has it that this does impede on the head room for taller passengers who might be riding in the back. Leg room is not compromised.

designer and producer: audi
material: steel, aluminum, alloy, glass, leather
period: 2014