Test bench | Audi RS7 Performance: last corner

At Audi, it is not lightheartedly that we will say goodbye to the powerful breath of the turbo and the V8.

(Napa Valley, California) As long as there’s a drop of gas

It blows like a wind of nostalgia in this summer of 2023. A little air loaded with exhaust notes from the past and icons that the summer season brings back to the fore. Audi, for example, sees this as an opportunity to reinvigorate the RS7 in what may well be its ultimate whirlwind.

Much like those never-ending farewell rounds to the scene, several automakers are giving big-engine cars a last lap. At Audi, this consists in giving more tone to a V8 which however did not really lack it. Whatever. This underlying trend is turning the industry of future collector’s models, re-releases and, as in the present case, increased versions like this RS7.

One word: exhilarating

Many fans of backfiring engines (see our video) risk having ants in their arms and legs in front of the RS7 Performance. This accommodates, not without difficulty, larger turbochargers capable of withstanding additional boost pressure without compromising reliability, as this is minimal. A well-known recipe. This translates to an additional 30 hp and 37 lb-ft of torque. All this power in the hands of a responsible motorist vanishes as soon as the authorized limit is reached on our roads. From then on, we are quickly convinced that it is better to play with the pleasant low-speed pick-ups and peacefully enjoy the extraordinary round and harsh sound produced by the engine. On this subject, the designers of the RS7 Performance deliberately removed a few kilos of sound-absorbing materials to fully appreciate the acoustic joy triggered by the vocalizations of the V8. No need to lower the windows to listen to the oratorio offered by the 621 hp as we now have the impression of being part of the orchestra.

Thus supercharged, this car sets off on the heels of the AMG (Mercedes), M (BMW) or Porsche, not without having previously obtained certain modifications. Among these little attentions, note the software update of its mechanical differential in order to attenuate the understeer to the limit. An asset that few buyers – once again – will really be able to take advantage of under normal conditions of use. Especially since wanting to exploit the full potential of this RS7 Performance can be exhausting, especially when the road is narrow and winding. Despite the agility provided by its four-wheel steering, the RS7 Performance remains an imposing and heavy car. It is a little cramped on the secondary roads as a Formula 1 is currently on the serpentine circuit of Monaco.

This RS7 breathes better in wide open spaces, fast curves and long straights where it appears imperturbable and sovereign.

This well-bred sportiness and its braking are in tune with the performance. Its catalog has some options that we don’t suggest checking off, though. Driving dynamics control is one (too stiff for our roads), as are the 22-inch tires and ceramic brakes.

Arouse emotion

Produced in Germany, the Audi RS7 Performance is aimed at a wealthy clientele that does not completely disdain flashiness. With its chubby wings, its gaping air intakes, its eye-catching hood and its thin blade intended to cool what’s simmering below, the RS7 is not lacking in air.

The access to the trunk is vast, but opens on a relatively narrow surface and limited in height. Even more so if you choose to keep the rigid – and bulky – luggage cover that you never really know where to store. The manufacturer announces a little pompously a volume of 535 L, a capacity that can be practically tripled (1390 L) by folding down the rear seat backrests. These flatten out, but don’t rejoice too soon. This performance was achieved by thinning the padding. The comfort remains correct, but nothing more. The release, on the other hand, does not suffer from any particular criticism. There is enough space, except perhaps for the head, grumble the older ones.

Up front, nothing to complain about, despite the strong hips of the center console. The buckets offer multiple settings ensuring good support and they are firm.

True to form, the German manufacturer signs an impeccably assembled cabin. The dashboard’s digital display system, called virtual cockpit, allows motorists to personalize the information they receive. We will elaborate on certain controls (air conditioning, for example) that require you to take your eyes off the road. Audi is responding to the criticism by offering voice assistance that only understands English…

Technical sheet

Engine

• Turbocharged 4.0L V8 DOHC
• 621 hp at 6000 rpm
• 627 lb-ft of torque between 2300 and 4500 rpm

Performance

• Empty weight: 2065 kg
• Acceleration (0-100 km/h): 3.4 sec
• Maximum speed: 250 km/h

Gearbox

• Standard: 8-speed automatic
• Optional: none
• Drive mode: all-wheel drive

Tires

• 275/35ZR21
• 285/30ZR22 (optional)

Tank capacity and recommended gasoline

Dimensions

• Wheelbase: 2929mm
• Length: 5008mm
• Height: 1424 mm (1450 mm with metal springs)
• Width: 1951 mm (external mirrors folded)

Which one to choose ?

Without real surprise, the RS6 (at the front in our photo) benefits from the same “Performance” treatment as the RS7. Choosing between the two, we prefer the RS6 due to its increased functionality and exclusive nature. Indeed, following the withdrawal – in North America – of the E-Class wagon, Audi finds itself alone in offering such an extroverted wagon.

New ambassadors

Just like the TT, the R8, the most emblematic Audi of the XX^e century, will bow out at the end of this year. These two models will probably be reborn by 2026, but this time they will both have a thread at the wheel. It’s rumored that the TT could derive quite closely from the future electrified Porsche 718, while the R8 (its name could change) will be based on the forthcoming Porsche Taycan architecture. From then on, the “Performance” versions of the RS6 and RS7 became the manufacturer’s most distinguished sports cars with intertwined rings. With a heat engine, we get along!