Haute Auto of the Week: Audi RS 7, Truth In Engineering

The magnificence of a resplendent German sports car emancipated with the freedom to explore open pathways like Triple Crown winners was evident during my test drive in the valleys of Nevada recently. Nevertheless, this was not thoroughbred racing, we’re speaking about Truth In Engineering as it relates to the 2014 Audi RS 7 which topped 174 mph at a top-secret high-speed test facility outside of Las Vegas. As expected, resilience manifests when quattro GmbH’s three key pillars — Sportiness, Aggressiveness and Sophistication — are integrated into one machine. Erstaunlich!

Opportunities were limitless in our $104,900 Misano Red pearl effect RS 7 quattro Tiptronic 4-door sports car. From a consumer perspective it’s the consummate Audi if you’re looking for performance to quell aggressive desires. Differentiating the RS 7 from the standard A7 is a specialized task left up to quattro GmbH whose vision for the brand is geared towards exclusivity and individuality. Under their roof resides the Audi collection or lifestyle accessories portfolio, Audi Sport customer racing, Audi exclusive or vehicle individualization program and High performance cars like their four latest models – RS 5 Cabrio, RS 6 Avant, RS 7 and RS Q3 – as well as the division’s current lineup – RS 4 Avant, R8 PA, TT RS and RS 5 Coupe. “We are taking Audi to the limit… and we have just begun,” are quattro GmbH’s marching orders.

This year marks quattro GmbH’s 30th anniversary with the RS 7 setting off a critical mass of excitement initiated by its invigorating 4-liter TFSI V8 producing 560-horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. The sleek sports car is capable of sprinting from 0 to 60 mph in a blistering 3.7 seconds and runs up to 100 mph instantaneously as if it’s taking a casual stroll through the park. And the RS 7 doesn’t need a lot of space to do so either. The only good problem is that it’s challenging staying within speed limits because the titillating Audi is so fluid and relaxing even when the motor is operating intensively. On the opposite spectrum of performance are EPA numbers equating to 16 city and 27 highway mpg with Audi cylinder on demand, an intuitive but not inventive technology that deactivates cylinders when such power is not required.

Accompanied with quattro AWD, an 8-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission (borrowed from the S8 and modified) and the RS Adaptive air suspension. The 4.0-liter V8 harmoniously works in favor of the driver’s riding characteristics: sporty or efficient. An optional, aggressive suspension dubbed DRC — Dynamic Ride Control — utilizes a 3-stage damper set-up for those who want the ultimate performance out of their RS 7. Audi has discovered that quattro not only performs well in inclement weather, but has massively demonstrated that all-wheel drive is best for elevated driving.

Aesthetically, a confluence of factors are ascribed to the powerful stance of the RS 7’s silhouette. Enhancements from a typical A7 include but are not limited to special LEDS, new front bumper with vertical air intakes, rocker panels, chin spoiler, new rear bumper with large dual tail pipes and a rear diffuser. The RS 7 is one of the ultra lightweight technology cars — constructed as if made for Superman. The combination of high-strength steels, aluminum and carbon fiber components enhance the RS 7 with stiffness, agility and safety. Choose from three exterior packages, Standard, Matte Aluminum and Carbon, and interior craftsmanship inclusive of Carbon fiber, Layered Aluminum/black wood and Valcona leather sport seats with honeycomb patterns to synthesize your Audi with unique flavor.

Not so long ago sports cars were purely sports cars and only provided their owners with mechanical benefits in the form of speed. Today is a new era of automotive engineering. Safety and convenience are just as important as G-forces and quarter mile times. Audi MMI integrates all vehicle entertainment and system setups such as Google Maps, which display actual topography, buildings and points of interests in real time. The highlight safety innovation is the $2,800 Driver Assistance package which offers Audi active lane assist, Audi pre sense plus and Audi adaptive cruise control.

Life is full of wonderments. Desires are as intriguing and diverse as political opinions. If an exclusive performance vehicle with luxury accoutrements suited for your lifestyle is the goal, then the solution is a RS 7 from quattro GmbH. The truth is in the engineering.