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 of giving more tone to a V8 which however did not really lack it. Whatever. This underlying trend is turning the industry around for future collector models, re-releases and, as in the present case, augmented versions like this RS7.
Many fans of backfiring engines (see our video) may have 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 that power in the hands of a responsible motorist vanishes as soon as the limit is allowed on our reached roads. From then on, you are quickly convinced that it is better to play with the pleasant low-end pick-ups and peacefully enjoy the extraordinary round and hoarse sound produced by the engine. Speaking of which, the designers of the RS7 Performance deliberately stripped a few pounds of sound-absorbing materials to fully appreciate the acoustic glee that the V8’s vocals unleash. 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 AMG (Mercedes), M (BMW) or Porsche, not without having previously obtained certain modifications. Among these small attentions, let us 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 of the 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″ tires and ceramic brakes.
Produced in Germany, the Audi RS7 Performance is aimed at an affluent clientele not completely disdaining flashiness. With its chubby fenders, gaping air intakes, eye-catching hood and slender blade meant to cool what’s simmering below, the RS7 has plenty of air.
Access to the trunk is vast, but opens onto a relatively narrow and height-limited surface. Even more if you choose to keep the rigid – and bulky – luggage cover that you never 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 bucket seats have multiple adjustments 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 drivers 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 responds to the criticism by offering voice assistance that only understands English…
140 515 $
13.3L/100km
If you want to spend all that money, the RS6 Avant is a much better deal.
La Presse will soon publish the test of the following vehicles: Acura Integra, Ford Mustang and Toyota Crown. If you own one of these vehicles or are considering purchasing one, we would love to hear from you.
Unsurprisingly, the RS6 (front in our photo) gets 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 lonely in offering such an extroverted wagon.
Like the TT, the R8, the most iconic Audi of the 20th century, will retire at the end of this year. These two models will presumably be reborn by 2026, but this time they will both have a thread at the wheel. The TT is rumored to derive quite closely from the future electrified Porsche 718, while the R8 (its name may 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!
