Audi RS7-S gets 720hp Abt overhaul
Forgotten about Audi's RS6 hatch? Another 120hp ought to jog the memory
Such is the reputation and legacy of Audi’s hot Avants that the equally talented saloons and coupes - when they’re available - tend to be ignored. Perhaps even forgotten. A little unfairly, too, because they’re always as good to drive, if not a little better, than the estate. But, honestly, when did the RS5 last cross your mind?
The same must surely be true for the V8 RS7; as the RS6 is adored across the globe and gets a special farewell edition inspired by an IMSA race car, there’s nothing for the five-door hatch. The Performance model that brought the best from the current C8 generation was offered in both body styles, not that you’d know. With the end surely in sight for V8 Audis of any description, it seems like the RS7 will fade out with a whimper. To be expected, perhaps, if still a pity - because it’s just as good as the RS6 everyone reveres.
Abt is keen to ensure that isn’t the case with this, the RS7-S. Like previous RS3 and RS4 equivalents, this is not as extreme an overhaul as the -R models, though does still make for an even faster fast Audi. As with the RS6-S, this RS7 boasts a huge 720hp (up from 600hp as standard) thanks to ECU and exhaust upgrades, alongside an equally muscular 700lb ft.
When you consider that a 630hp RS7 Performance can reach 62mph in 3.4 seconds and 189mph from the factory, this surely has to be in the region of three flat and 200mph. Which, even after quite a few similar cars, seem like extraordinary numbers for a five-seat executive car.
Additional changes for the RS7-S include Abt’s coilovers and anti-roll bars for ‘optimum driving dynamics and precise handling’; those 22-inch wheels look a disaster for ride quality, though hopefully as ‘weight-optimised’ rims they might save some unsprung kilos over stock. The aero package is included as well, with glossy carbon blades, lips, skirts, spoilers and RS7-S badges. Which sounds awful, but the reality is actually quite smart, really ramping up the attitude alongside the ride height drop without going berserk. The new rear diffuser in particular works nicely with the foursome of 102mm exhaust tips.
There’s more carbon inside, of course, as well as red ‘RS7-S’ accents; you’re never going to mistake this for a mere fast Audi. Which is good, because the price is quite a lot more than just fast Audi money: €48,900 (£41,650) including VAT and Abt warranty, but plus €5,940 (£5,050) for fitting. Not a long way off £50k, basically. However, with earlier models having dropped to almost £60k, there’s the potential for a 700hp+ Abt Audi for less than the 25 years edition RS4. Make you think…
k me the spec on that particular one is horrendous. It's like a tribal forearm tattoo on wheels.
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