2014 Audi RS7 priced from $104,900* in the US [w/video]

Tue, 30 Jul 2013

Audi has officially priced the svelte 2014 RS7 from $104,900 (*not including $825 for destination), undercutting its sole competitor, the BMW M6 Gran Coupe, by $8100. Even when we're talking about six-figure super sedans, that's not a small amount of money. And soon, this class of sleek stormers will be joined by the updated Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG 4Matic.

With its combination of a twin-turbocharged, 4.0-liter, 560-horsepower V8 engine and Audi's excellent Quattro all-wheel drive, the RS7 is expected to hit 60 miles per hour in just 3.7 seconds, 0.4 seconds faster than the manufacturer estimate for the M6 Gran Coupe.

We've already given the RS7 a thorough shakedown in Europe, and we came away quite impressed with just how stunning this Audi is, both to drive and to look at. Now that we've got a price to go along with the performance and style, this Audi is even more appealing – in our high-dollar dreams, anyway. Take a look at a short video from Audi, as well as the official press blast, below.

Audi announces pricing for all-new high-performance 2014 Audi RS 7

- Pricing starts at $104,900 for highly-anticipated Audi RS 7 five-door coupe
- Audi RS 7 is the most powerful RS model ever offered in the U.S.
- RS 7 launches from 0-60 mph in just 3.7 seconds

Pricing for the all-new high-performance 2014 Audi RS 7 – the most powerful RS model ever offered in the U.S. – will begin at $104,900. The RS 7, the epitome of aesthetic design, innovative technology and track-tested performance, debuted at the 2013 North American International Auto Show in Detroit and is expected to arrive in U.S. showrooms this fall.

The high-power Audi RS 7 adds to the expanding A7 model line, which is enhanced for the 2014 model year with the addition of the all-new fuel-efficient A7 TDI® clean diesel model, in addition to the A7 3.0T and S7 4.0T variants.

Performance

The Audi RS 7 is fitted with a twin-turbo 4.0 TFSI V8 engine, producing an astounding 560 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. Launching from 0-60 mph in just 3.7 seconds, the RS 7 has a top track speed of 174 mph.

At low to medium loads and engine speeds – with its innovative cylinder on demand technology – the RS 7 deactivates cylinders 2, 3, 5 and 8 by closing their valves via electromechanical actuators. The 4.0 TFSI runs in four-cylinder mode, providing up to 15% better fuel efficiency, while the active engine mounts remove any changes in vibration between eight and four-cylinder modes. The active noise cancellation system is not needed on the RS 7 because of the low exhaust frequencies of the exhaust that are befitting of an RS model. For those that enjoy an even more performance-oriented exhaust tone, a sport exhaust is available with black finishers.

Mated to an eight-speed Tiptronic® automatic transmission, the RS 7 features the Audi quattro® all-wheel drive system with sport differential for superior grip and handling.

The RS 7 is fitted with a robust brake system employing internally ventilated and perforated discs in a weight-saving wave design; the front discs are 15.4 inches in diameter and the rear discs are 14 inches in diameter. The wave-shaped outer contour of the friction rings reduces unsprung mass by a total of about 6.61 lbs. The brake calipers are painted black and are also available in red.

Exterior

A series of design details give the RS 7 a dynamic edge to its flowing coupe design. Available in standard, matte aluminum or carbon styling, the RS 7 features distinctive bumpers, Audi Singleframe® grille in aluminum matte or high-gloss black, honeycomb grille inserts and heated, auto-dimming and power-folding exterior mirrors. The adaptive rear spoiler, lower rear diffuser and two large elliptical tailpipes of the exhaust system signify the performance that the RS 7 has to offer.

Interior

Inside, the RS 7 exudes sportiness and power with its three-spoke perforated multifunction sport steering wheel with contrast stitching and RS 7 emblem, sport seats in Valcona leather with honeycomb quilting, and RS-specific shift knob and interior door handles.

The RS 7 also features RS-specific Carbon fiber inlays; optional Layered Aluminum/Black wood decorative inlays; black-faced instrument gauges, white scales and red needles; aluminum pedals and footrest; and a Black Alcantara® headliner (optional).

Technology and driver assistance

The Audi RS 7 starts with the Prestige equipment level, which offers a multitude of technologies including the groundbreaking Audi MMI® touch with handwriting recognition. With hard and soft keys, dedicated buttons for commonly-used controls and a revolutionary touchpad that interprets hand-written inputs, you can perform a number of functions, like write the digits of telephone number and the letters of the navigation destination with a finger, or scroll over maps, all without taking your eyes off the road.

The RS 7 is equipped standard with Audi side assist, which monitors the blind spot areas, as well as fast-approaching vehicles, at a range of approximately 150 ft. to the rear of the car.

The optional Night Vision Assistant can detect pedestrians approximately 300 ft. ahead of the vehicle; once a pedestrian is registered, the system highlights him/her in yellow. If the pedestrian moves into the anticipated path of the vehicle, he/she is highlighted in red and accompanied by an acoustic warning.

A cornerview camera is part of the Driver Assistance plus package, and the available adaptive cruise control and Audi pre sense plus enhances safety for drivers and their passengers.

Audi connect®

The 2014 Audi RS 7 is equipped standard with the award-winning infotainment system Audi connect®. Audi was the first global auto manufacturer to offer factory-fitted in-vehicle Wi-Fi connectivity for passenger use, enabling the Audi connect system to deliver connectivity to up to eight wireless devices. With Audi connect – offered complimentary for six months and available for as little as $15 per month thereafter – the onboard Audi MMI Navigation system is enhanced with Google Earth™ maps for a true aerial view of the route. Audi connect also features real-time localized weather, news and live fuel prices; Google Voice™ Local Search for detailed information about travel destinations, such as restaurant or hotel hours, pricing and customer reviews; and the myAudi Destination feature, which allows users to log on to Google Earth from virtually any location in the U.S. and download up to 50 destinations to the vehicle. Audi also offers real-time Sirius XM® Traffic information via enhancements to the Audi MMI Navigation plus system (active Sirius XM® Traffic subscription required).

Watch a video on the 2014 Audi RS 7 here: http://youtu.be/1kf_c-ELXwE

ABOUT AUDI

Audi of America, Inc. and its U.S. dealers offer a full line of German-engineered luxury vehicles. AUDI AG is among the most successful luxury automotive brands globally. Audi was a top-performing luxury brand in Europe during 2012, and broke all-time company sales records in the U.S. Through 2016, AUDI AG will invest about $17 billion on new products, facilities and technologies. Visit www.audiusa.com or www.audiusanews.com for more information regarding Audi vehicles and business topics.

All prices listed are the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price and exclude transportation, taxes, title, options and dealer charges. Destination and delivery is $895.

Top track speed electronically limited in U.S. Obey all speed and traffic laws.

Always pay careful attention to the road, and do not drive while distracted.

The features and technologies discussed are optional, may require an additional subscription with separate terms and conditions, and should be used only when it is safe and appropriate. The Wi-Fi hotspot feature is intended for passenger use only.

By Brandon Turkus