To create the RS7, Audi took their stellar A7 four-door coupe and turned up the volume on the power and performance technology.
Instead of the A7's supercharged V6, the RS7 has a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine shared with Bentley's Continental GT and the Audi S8.
Although we didn't have ideal driving weather during our test of the standard RS7, we can confidently say that this thing is very fast.
For the RS7 Performance, Audi engineers managed to extract 45 more horsepower from the powerplant by improving the exhaust manifold and twin-turbochargers.
The result is a Performance edition with 605 horsepower. Just 45 hp shy of a Corvette Z06!
Audi claims the RS7 Performance is good for a 0-62 mph sprint in just 3.7 seconds and, if you opt for the "dynamic" package, a top speed of 190 mph.
However, Audi's performance figures are probably a bit on the conservative side. Car and Driver magazine's RS 7 test car made the sprint to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds, while Motor Trend casually hit 192 mph on Germany's no-speed-limit Autobahn highway with the Euro-spec car. In all likelihood, a pro driver on a test track could go north of the 200-mph mark.
These stats put the latest RS7 is perfect position to compete against BMW's M6 Gran Coupe and ...
... the Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG.
Some may even see the Audi as an internal combustion foil for the Tesla Model S P90D.
To get the Autobahn bruiser stopped, Audi offers either a lightweight "wave" cut brakes or ultra-lightweight carbon ceramic discs.
For 2016, Audi has updated the RS7's front end with slightly refreshed aerodynamics.
Inside, the RS7 Performance is typical Audi — stylish with stellar ergonomics.
Audi engineers even added knee pads to cushion occupants during spirited driving.
The Audi RS7 Performance hits showrooms in Europe in November and will arrive in the US sometime in the near future. Audi has not released official pricing.
