The magnificence of a resplendent German sports car emancipated with the freedom to explore open pathways like Triple Crown winners was evident during Haute’s 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 — Sporty, Progressive and Sophisticated — 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.
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 vehicle 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. 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 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. 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.
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.
Cover Story
December 2, 2013Kristin Davis: Into the Wild
