Audi RS7 Sportback (2020)

The driver's steering inputs are translated into precise direction changes by standard sporty and direct progressive steering. The RS7 Sportback can optionally be fitted with dynamic all-wheel steering. The character of the high-performance Sportcoupé can be adjusted via the Audi drive select dynamic handling system. There are six profiles available, including the customizable RS-specific RS1 and RS2 modes. These can be enabled directly via an RS MODE button on the steering wheel.

The new Audi RS7 Sportback is fitted as standard with 21-inch cast aluminum wheels with a 10-spoke star design. Audi Sport offers optional an RS 7-specific 22-inch wheels in a range of colors. The calipers of the RS brake system are painted black as standard but are available in red as an option. On the optional RS ceramic brakes, the calipers can be gray, red or blue.

Sporty and futuristic: the interior

The design language in the cockpit of the new Audi RS7 Sportback combines taut, sinewy surfaces with clearly defined contours. There is plenty of space for the driver and passenger, with the black-paneled architecture of the interior accomplishing a seamless transition to the futuristic user interface. The upper MMI touch response display opens up a diverse array of infotainment options, while the lower display offers climate controls. The flat-bottomed RS sport leather steering wheel with new large RS specific aluminum shift paddles features multifunction buttons, including for the new Audi drive select RS1 and RS2 modes. Special RS displays in the Audi virtual cockpit provide additional trip and vehicle data. The shift light display prompts the driver to upshift when the rev limit is reached. The optional head-up display also shows several RS-specific information.

RS sport seats with a rhombus pattern and RS embossing are fitted as standard. An even sportier option is available in the form of RS sport seats covered with perforated Valcona leather, featuring a honeycomb pattern and RS embossing. For the first time, Audi Sport is offering the RS7 Sportback with a three-seater rear bench.

For the high-performance Sportback, Audi Sport offers an extensive range of convenience, connectivity and driver assist equipment. The model will go on sale in September 2019. The first deliveries of the RS7 Sportback will arrive in dealers' showrooms in December 2019. The basic price will be EUR 121,000.

Exterior design

The new Audi RS7 Sportback sits low to the ground. The flared wheel arches emphasize the spectacularly sporty nature of the high-performance model. The noticeable width is no optical illusion-at 1,950 millimeters (76.8 in) at the front fenders, the tape measure has to stretch an extra 20 millimeters (0.8 in) or so on each side over the Audi A7 Sportback. The new RS7 Sportback shares the coupé-like lines of the base model's body but has only four identical parts: the hood, the roof, the front doors and the tailgate. The RS-specific exterior design lends the 5,009-millimeter (197.2-inch) grand tourer a character all of its own.

The front end of the new RS7 Sportback features a broader and flatter Singleframe than the A7 Sportback, with no contrasting chrome border. The radiator protective grille with its RS-specific three-dimensional honeycomb structure has retained its gloss black appearance. Inspired by the Audi R8 supercar, distinctive air inlets on the front end with gloss-black vertical wings emphasize the powerful styling. A horizontal blade marks a distinctive downward edge to the front end.

The side view of the new Audi RS7 Sportback reveals sharply defined lines and curved surfaces like well-toned muscles. A low shoulder line shifts the visual emphasis downward, while the window line rises toward the rear, giving a sense of dynamism even when the vehicle is stationary. The RS specific door sills with black inlays accentuate the high-performance Sportback's distinct impression of forward movement.

The rear end's sweeping spoiler lip and strip of lights linking the main rear lights are among the characteristic defining features of the RS7 Sportback. At a speed of 100 km/h (62.1 mph), a spoiler will extend from the tailgate. The RS exhaust system, with a large, chrome-colored oval tailpipe on each side, sits beneath an RS-specific bumper with a rear diffuser in gloss black.

Customers can tailor the new RS7 Sportback to suit their preferences, with a wide range of variations and numerous equipment options offering plenty of room for personalization. The range of colors for the RS 7 encompasses thirteen exterior paint finishes, including the two RS-specific shades of Nardo gray and Sebring black, crystal effect. There are also five matt effect paint finishes available exclusively for the RS 6 and RS 7 models. The exterior mirror housings on the RS 7 are gloss black as standard, with aluminum matt or the color of the car available as options. Flaps, blades, sill inlays, window slot trims and the rear diffuser clip can fall under one of three styling packages in matt aluminum, gloss black or carbon. Upon request, the Audi rings and RS logos at the front and rear are also available in gloss black for the black and carbon styling packages. For a more understated look, it is also possible to request that the Audi rings and RS badges be omitted entirely. The diverse Audi exclusive range offers additional possibilities for personalization.

Lighting design

The new RS7 Sportback rolls off the assembly line with LED headlights as standard. The daytime running light signature consists of twelve light segments that are positioned vertically next to each other, separated by narrow spaces-conjuring up an association with the 0 and 1 of the digital world. In the lower zone are the turning light and the two-line Matrix high beam, which is made up of 32 individually controllable LEDs. They illuminate the road dynamically and precisely while hiding other road users from the cone of light. The LEDs also act as cornering lights. The tinted HD matrix LED headlights with Audi laser light and the LED rear lights are equipped with dynamic turn signal lights and run through RS-specific sequences when the vehicle is locked and unlocked.

The Audi laser light, recognizable by the blue marker in the reflector, doubles the range of the high-beam lights. In each headlight, a small laser module generates a light cone that acts as a spotlight extending several hundred meters. The monochromatic and coherent blue laser beam has a wavelength of 450 nanometers. A phosphor converter converts it into soft light suitable for roadway use with a color temperature of 5,500 kelvin, ideal for the human eye. This enables the driver to recognize contrasts more effectively and helps to prevent fatigue. The laser spotlight, which is activated at speeds of more than 70 km/h (43.5 mph), offers tremendous advantages in terms of visibility and safety. If the camera on the windshield detects other vehicles within range, the laser spotlight will automatically be dimmed.

The rear lights on the imposing grand tourer also operate digitally. Each unit comprises 13 vertical segments that alternate with the brake light, which is also segmented. The LED light strip-an homage to the Sport quattro-interconnects the lighting units. The rear fog light is positioned in the center, as on a racing car.

Engine

The 4.0 TFSI in the Audi RS7 Sportback delivers 441 kW (600 metric hp) and a constant 800 Nm (590 lb-ft) of torque across a wide engine speed range from 2,050 to 4,500 rpm. The high performance Sportcoupé will sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62.1 mph) in only 3.6 seconds. It will continue to 200 km/h (124.3 mph) in just 12 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h (155.3 mph). The optional dynamic package increases the top speed to 280 km/h (174.0 mph) or even up to 305 km/h (189.5 mph) with the RS dynamic package plus.

The twin-turbo V8 engine has a conventional 90-degree bank angle and a displacement of 3,996 cc (bore x stroke: 86.0 x 86.0 millimeters (3.4 in x 3.4 in)). Its crankcase is made of cast aluminum and weights just 39.1 kilograms (86.2 lb). The cylinder linings have been machined with the aid of atmospheric plasma spraying. This method involves applying an extremely thin iron coating to the cylinder linings. These coated cylinder linings improve heat dissipation, thermal and mechanical resilience and wear resistance. They also significantly reduce internal friction and oil consumption. An electronic valve arranged centrally in the inside V also regulates the map-controlled piston spray nozzles as required for piston cooling.

A fully variable pump drives the oil circuit. It is split into two separate oil galleries-one for the engine block and one for the cylinder heads. This layout ensures a reliable supply of oil even under the extreme lateral and longitudinal acceleration that the Audi RS7 Sportback is capable of achieving. The variable water pump is only activated at 80 degrees Celsius so that the non-flowing coolant heats up quickly. The chains of the valve gear are driven by a geared intermediate shaft. This also drives the water pump. To ensure that the cylinders are filled properly at all times, intake and exhaust camshafts can be adjusted by

50 degrees. Each cylinder bank drives a high-pressure fuel pump that builds up pressure of up to 250 bar. The injectors, located in the center of the combustion chamber, inject the fuel through seven holes, following special injection strategies depending on the requirements, from cold start to full load. The firing order is identical to that of the predecessor engine: 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8.

Powerful: the two twin-scroll turbochargers

The immense torque that the 4.0 TFSI produces even at low engine speeds and the extra 29 kW (40 metric hp) of output are all thanks to the two twin-scroll turbochargers. In addition to elevated boost pressure, the diameter of the compressor wheel in the turbocharger has been increased by 3 millimeters (0.1 in). Each turbo supplies a cylinder bank with up to 1.4 (relative) bar of boost pressure-0.2 bar more than in the predecessor model. The higher boost pressure improves the volumetric efficiency of the cylinders, making more air available for fuel combustion. This results in higher engine power and improved efficiency. The cylinder heads have the intake side on the outside and the exhaust side on the inside. The larger turbos and their optimized air-to-water heat exchanger are located in the inside V of the cylinder banks rather than in the usual location outside next to the crankcase. This layout enables short gas flow paths with minimal flow losses and spontaneous engine response. Elaborate and effective insulation of hot components ensures thermally stable conditions in the inside V. The compression ratio is 10.0:1.

Efficient systems: mild-hybrid and cylinder on demand (COD)

Thanks to its mild-hybrid system (MHEV) with a 48-volt main on-board electrical system, the 4.0 TFSI combines strong performance with high efficiency. The belt alternator starter can recover up to 12 kW of power under gentle acceleration and feed it into a lithium-ion battery as energy. If the driver releases the accelerator at a speed between 55 and 160 km/h (34.2 to 99.4 mph), the drive management will select one of two options. Depending on the driving situation and the settings in Audi drive select, the RS7 Sportback will either recover energy or glide with the engine switched off. When the driver steps on the accelerator, the belt alternator starter will start the engine again. MHEV technology allows for start/stop operation at a speed of up to 22 km/h (13.7 mph). In everyday driving, it is possible to achieve fuel savings of up to 0.8 liters per 100 kilometers.

The cylinder on demand (COD) system is another weapon in the vehicle's armory when it comes to efficiency. In higher gears at low to medium loads and engine speeds, it will switch off cylinders 2, 3, 5 and 8 by halting injection and ignition and closing the intake and exhaust valves. In four-cylinder operation the operating points in the active cylinders are displaced toward higher loads in areas of the characteristic map with higher efficiency, while the deactivated cylinders largely run without losses, like gas springs. They are reactivated immediately when the driver presses the accelerator. Each switchover takes mere milliseconds and is virtually undetectable by the driver and passengers.

The four-liter engine in the new Audi RS7 Sportback produces a full-bodied and sporty V8 sound. The driver can precisely influence the sonorous sound of the power unit via the Audi drive select dynamic handling system. The optional RS sport exhaust system with black tailpipe trim provides an even fuller sound. In the customizable RS1 and RS2 modes, customers decide themselves whether the sound should be sporty or balanced.

Transmission

The power produced by the 4.0 TFSI is delivered via the standard eight-speed tiptronic transmission with optimized gear changing and a new launch control function to the quattro permanent all-wheel drive system. Drive forces are distributed to the front and rear axles in a 40:60 ratio via the purely mechanical center differential. In the event of slip, more drive torque automatically goes to the axle with the better traction. Up to 70 percent can be directed to the front wheels and up to 85 percent to the rear wheels.

Wheel-selective torque control, a software system that operates on all kinds of road surfaces, optimizes the agile and confident handling of the new Audi RS7 Sportback. It electronically applies the brakes to the wheels in a gentle manner on the inside of the bend before they can begin to spin. The difference in drive forces turns the car into the bend, allowing the car to follow the steering angle precisely. The result: precise, agile and neutral handling.

In the optional dynamic package and dynamic package plus, Audi combines wheel-selective torque control with the quattro sport differential. It distributes the drive torque between the rear wheels as needed during dynamic cornering, thereby improving handling, traction and stability. The sport differential features a conventional rear differential on both sides supplemented by a superimposed stage. It comprises two sun gears and an internal gear and rotates roughly ten percent faster than the drive shaft. A multi-plate clutch in an oil bath and operated by an electrohydraulic actuator provides the power connection between the shaft and the superimposed stage. When the clutch engages, it variably imposes a higher speed on the transmission stage for the relevant wheel. When it is forced to turn faster, the extra torque required for this is taken-via the differential-from the wheel across from it on the inside of the curve. Nearly the entire torque could be directed to one wheel in this way.

The sport differential can distribute the torque between the left and right rear wheels in all operating states, including in overrun. When turning or accelerating in a curve, they are predominantly steered toward the wheel on the outside of the curve-the car is literally pressed into the curve, eliminating even the slightest hint of understeer. In case of oversteer, the sport differential stabilizes the vehicle by shifting torque to the wheel on the inside of the curve.

In the RS7 Sportback, the sport differential is controlled from the electronic chassis platform. The software for the sport differential constantly computes the distribution of torque at the rear axle that is ideal for driving dynamics. This takes into account the steering angle, yaw rate, lateral acceleration and driving speed. Networking with Audi drive select allows the driver to influence how the system works.

Suspension

The front and rear axles handle the longitudinal and transverse forces independently. They both use a five-link design. The linkages and the subframes are made largely of aluminum. The track width of the new Audi RS7 Sportback is 1,668 millimeters (65.7 in) at the front and 1,650 millimeters (65.0 in) at the rear.

The standard RS adaptive air suspension with controlled damping has been given taut tuning specifically to suit the RS. Thanks to a new air spring module with a spring rate 50 percent higher, the Audi RS7 Sportback can reach a top speed of 305 km/h (189.5 mph) for the first time with the dynamic package plus and with RS adaptive air suspension. The RS sport suspension can be adjusted over three stages. The electronic chassis platform (ECP) acts as the central control mechanism that regulates the way in which the dampers work to suit the road condition, the driver's personal driving style and the Audi drive select mode currently enabled. The air suspension also includes automatic level control. In the normal position in "auto", "comfort" and "efficiency" modes, the body of the new RS7 Sportback sits 10 millimeters (0.4 in) lower with both types of suspension than an Audi A7 Sportback with standard suspension. At speeds of 120 km/h (74.6 mph) and above, the air suspension lowers the body another 10 millimeters (0.4 in) in the "auto", "comfort" and "efficiency" modes. In "dynamic" mode, the body remains at this low ride height permanently. On poor road surfaces, the RS adaptive air suspension offers a "lift" that can raise the RS7 Sportback by 20 millimeters (0.8 in) at low speeds.

The RS sport suspension plus with Dynamic Ride Control (DRC) is available as an performance-oriented alternative. This positions the body of the Audi RS7 Sportback another 4 millimeters (0.2 in) lower than the RS sport air suspension. Dynamic Ride Control offers integrated pitch and roll stabilization consisting of steel springs and three-way adjustable dampers that counteract the movements of the vehicle body with no delay, without the use of electronics. When the vehicle is turning into and traveling round a bend, the damper response is altered so that the vehicle's movements about the longitudinal axis (roll) and about the transverse axis (pitch) are significantly reduced.

The dampers on one side of the vehicle are connected to the dampers diagonally opposite to them via two separate oil lines, each of which has a central valve. The valves provide the necessary compensating volume via internal pistons with the gas-filled compartment behind them. When the vehicle is steering into and traveling round a bend, an oil flow is generated between the diagonally opposite dampers via the central valve, thus creating additional damping force. When one side is cushioned, the damping characteristics are altered such that roll and pitch movements are eliminated almost entirely. As a result, this highly responsive damper system ensures that the high-performance coupé has particularly good track stability when negotiating bends.

The new RS7 Sportback uses next-generation dampers. Thanks to an integrated valve, they are lighter and more compact as well as more effective at reducing pitch and roll movements. In addition, they enable the damping forces to be spread even more widely between the "comfort" and "dynamic" modes as well as more precise suspension adjustment for high damping forces, which occur during cornering at speed. The result: In "comfort" mode, the RS sport suspension with Dynamic Ride Control (DRC) ensures amazing ride comfort. In the dynamic program, it delivers extraordinary driving precision even when cornering at high speed. With the aid of Audi drive select, the driver can influence the damper characteristics and thereby personalize the driving experience.

Progressive steering with sporty and direct ratios is a standard feature of the new RS7 Sportback. Its specially toothed gear rack varies the ratio as a function of the steering angle in a range from 12.6:1 to 15.8:1. As steering wheel turn increases, the ratio decreases and steering becomes more direct. This reduces steering effort in urban traffic and when maneuvering; in tight curves the car is even more agile. Here, progressive steering provides for sporty handling. It also adjusts the power assistance level as a function of driving speed. It is increased at low speeds for easier maneuverability. The steering assistance can be varied between several modes with the Audi drive select dynamic handling system.

The sporty grand tourer can optionally be fitted with dynamic all-wheel steering. It combines direct, sporty steering response with unshakable stability, resolving an age-old conflict of objectives. At the front axle, dynamic steering features strain wave gearing with a ratio that changes depending on the situation. The combination of dynamic steering and rear-axle steering changes the overall steering ratio within a range of 9.5 to 17.0-from very direct at low speeds to extremely stable at high speeds. This steering system also ensures that the rear wheels turn a few degrees in the same or opposite direction relative to the front wheels depending on the vehicle's speed. At low speeds the rear wheels turn as much as five degrees in the opposite direction relative to the front wheels. This reduces the turning circle by up to 1 meter (3.3 ft). As a result, the RS7 Sportback negotiates bends with even more agility. At intermediate and high speeds above around 100 km/h (62.1 mph), the rear wheels follow the movement of the front wheels by up to two degrees. This gives the Audi RS7 Sportback additional stability, handling and safety.

With the Audi drive select dynamic handling system, the driver can influence the characteristics of both steering variants as well as other aspects of the RS7 Sportback.

There are six profiles available: efficiency, comfort, auto, dynamic and two customizable, RS-specific RS1 and RS2 modes. Once these have been set to suit the driver's personal preferences and stored, they can be enabled directly via the RS MODE button on the steering wheel. Consequently, the driver can easily switch between the RS1, RS2 and last selected drive modes without having to operate the MMI touch response again. Audi drive select influences the engine and transmission management, the power steering, the suspension, the dynamic all-wheel steering, the quattro sport differential, the engine sound and the way in which the automatic air conditioning works. In RS2 mode, customers can also switch the Electronic Stabilization Control (ESC) to sport mode at the touch of a button and save this setting permanently. If the driver presses the button for longer than three seconds, he completely deactivates the electronic stabilization control.

The new RS7 Sportback is fitted as standard with 21-inch cast aluminum wheels with a 10-spoke star design and 275/35 tires. Audi Sport offers optional RS 7-specific wheels with a 22-inch 5-V-spoke design with 285/30 tires in silver, matt titanium look, gloss turned finish and gloss anthracite black.

At the front axle, a ten-piston fixed-caliper brake system delivers outstanding performance and high stability. The calipers of the standard RS brake system with internally ventilated and perforated discs (measuring 420 millimeters (16.5 in) at the front and 370 millimeters (14.6 in) at the rear) are painted black, with red available upon request. On the optional and completely new RS ceramic brake system, the calipers can be gray, red or blue. The discs measure 440 millimeters (17.3 in) at the front and 370 millimeters (14.6 in) at the rear. The anthracite gray ceramic discs are extremely stable, powerful and long-lasting. New air deflector elements rapidly dissipate heat and improve fade resistance. The RS ceramic brake system tips the scales at 34 kilograms (75.0 lb) less than its steel equivalent, which reduces unsprung masses.

Body

The body concept for the RS 7combines the best of three worlds: the design of a coupé, the space of a sedan and the variability of an Avant. The luggage compartment has a base size of 535 liters (18.9 cu ft) and can be expanded up to 1,390 liters (49.1 cu ft) despite a sloping tailgate. The interior is extremely quiet thanks to highly advanced aerodynamics and aeroacoustics. The loading sill is just 669 millimeters (26.3 in) above the road surface. The extended load-through width now measures 1,050 millimeters (41.3 in) so that two golf bags fit laterally in the luggage compartment. The long tailgate opens and closes electrically as standard or via foot gesture with the optional convenience key.

For the structure of the Audi RS7 Sportback's body, Audi Sport has chosen to use an ingenious mixture of materials. As an ultra-high-strength composite, hot-formed steel components form the backbone of the passenger compartment, accounting for 23.9 percent of the weight of the structure. It is used primarily in the lower section of the front bulkhead, the side sills, the rear cross member, the B-pillars and the front zone of the roof line. Here and in other areas of the body, Audi uses sheet metal blanks in many places with variable wall thicknesses between 0.75 and 2.05 millimeters (0.03 and 0.1 in). They provide high strength while keeping the weight low. These tailored blanks (custom-made sheets) are created by partial tempering and by complex processes during rolling or welding.

The aluminum components in the body-in-white together weigh 10.9 kilograms (24.0 lb). The strut dome and reinforcements in the roof frame are made of cast aluminum, the strut brace in the engine compartment and the central cross brace under the floor of extruded sections. An aluminum sheet supports the B-pillars, and the upper shell of the rear roof frame is made of a new steel/polymer mix. Doors, hood and luggage compartment lid are made entirely of the lightweight metal. The curb weight (without driver) of the Audi RS7 Sportback is 2,065 kilograms (4,552.5 lb).

At almost the same length and height as its predecessor, the new Audi RS7 Sportback has a larger interior, translating an extra 14 millimeters (0.6 in) of wheelbase into a gain of 21 millimeters (0.8 in) of interior length. The grand tourer also offers more leg, knee and head room on the rear seats. The extra space in the interior and the increased torsional rigidity of the body of the new Audi RS7 Sportback help to make for a more comfortable ride as well as a sportier experience.

Aerodynamics

The drag coefficient of the new Audi RS7 Sportback is 0.32. The Audi Aerodynamics team put in a lot of work into all areas, including on the exterior mirrors and the rear axle trim. Small spoilers direct the flow at the underbody, including in front of the wheels. The outer areas of the air inlets feature additional openings-they guide a portion of the air flow into the wheel arches, where it flows past the wheels. When the spoiler extends electrically at a speed of 100 km/h (62.1 mph), it noticeably reduces the buoyancy on the rear axle - even at top speed it is only 40 kilograms (88.2 lb).

The new Audi RS7 Sportback features top aeroacoustics thanks to a sophisticated sealing system for the doors and tailgate. Despite the frameless doors, passengers enjoy extraordinary acoustic comfort. Audi offers optional acoustic glazing 6 millimeters (0.2 in) thick for the front and side windows.

Interior

Much like the exterior design of the new Audi RS7 Sportback, the design language in the interior combines taut, sinewy surfaces with clearly defined contours. A stripped-down look with sporty accents are the key stylistic elements in the interior. All the design motifs are logically connected. There is plenty of space for the driver and passenger, with the architecture of the interior accomplishing a seamless transition to the futuristic user interface. From the Audi A7 Sportback, the Audi RS7 Sportback takes on the fully digital operating concept called the MMI touch response, which can be operated intuitively like a smartphone with touch and swipe gestures: two touch displays with haptic and acoustic feedback replace the rotary push-button and many buttons from the previous model.

The upper MMI touch response display is embedded in the black-paneled architecture in a way that renders it almost impossible to see where the display ends and the surroundings begin. The asymmetric console in the center tunnel also stands out with its black-paneled look and houses a second display and a strip of buttons. It and the control panel for the lighting functions are optionally available with touch response technology.

As standard, the driver and front passenger sit on RS sport seats in black pearl Nappa leather/Alcantara with a rhombus pattern and RS embossing. An even sportier option is available in the form of RS sport seats covered with perforated Valcona leather, featuring a honeycomb pattern and RS embossing. The perforation allows a ventilation function for the first time.

The two RS design packages, available in either red or gray, bring a splash of color, with contrasting stitching on the Alcantara steering wheel rim, gear lever gaiter and knee pads. Each package also features seat belt straps with colored edging and RS floor mats. Optional inlays in natural gray-brown wood or matt aluminum open up a range of possibilities for customizing the interior.

The contour/ambient lighting package is standard in the new RS7 Sportback. Both bring the interior design to life in the dark and highlight the space, volume and materials. The ambient light makes the dashboard and center console seem to float, and in the door it enhances the sense of space. The contour light traces the large lines on the center console and in the door panels and can be set to any of 30 colors. RS and RS 7 logos adorn the interior on the steering wheel, seats and the illuminated front door sill trims. Logo projectors on the front and rear doors beam the Audi Sport emblem onto the ground when the doors are open.

The new Audi RS7 Sportback offers better functionality than its predecessor. For the first time, Audi Sport is offering the five-door grand tourer with a three-seater rear bench. The sporty four-seater design with a two-seater rear bench is still available. The luggage compartment offers a base capacity of 535 liters (18.9 cu ft), which can be increased to as much as 1,390 liters (49.1 cu ft) with the split rear seatbacks folded down. The long tailgate opens and closes electrically as standard, with an optional convenience key allowing it to be operated by foot gesture control.

Control system

The fully digital MMI touch response control system can be operated as intuitively as a smartphone with touch and swipe gestures. Two touch displays with haptic and acoustic feedback replace the rotary pushbutton and many buttons from the previous model. They offer a high degree of operating safety and transport Audi's quality standards into the digital age.

The 10.1-inch top display is used to control the infotainment. The driver can use the RS monitor to call up an overview of drive system component temperatures, maximum g-forces and information regarding tire pressures and temperatures.

The lower, 8.6-inch display is on the center console and is used for the climate control, comfort and convenience functions and text input by handwriting or virtual keyboard. The driver can rest his or her wrist on the wide RS-specific selection lever when using the controls. Both displays present the images and graphics on a black background. The graphical user interface has been deliberately reduced so that information can be understood particularly quickly. A few pictographs are subtly animated. The menu structure is lean and intuitively understandable. On the lower display, the start screen can be configured according to your personal preferences.

The look of the Audi virtual cockpit has RS-specific displays to ensure that its appearance fits right in. The digital instrument cluster measures 12.3 inches in the diagonal and offers full HD resolution of 1920 x 720 pixels. The driver can choose between two interfaces-the classic view and infotainment mode. In addition, special RS displays provide information on tire pressure, torque, power output, engine oil temperature, boost pressure, lap timings, acceleration measurements and g-forces. The shift light display in contrasting colors prompts the driver to upshift when the rev limit is reached. The optional head-up display also shows some RS-specific information. The image window for this-22 x 8 centimeters (8.7 x 3.1 in)-is in the driver's direct field of view.

The flat-bottomed, fully perforated RS sport leather steering wheel with new RS specific aluminum shift paddles features multifunction buttons, including the RS MODE button, which the driver can use to enable the new Audi drive select RS1 and RS2 modes. This automatically opens the RS-specific displays described above in the Audi virtual cockpit.

The voice control system is based on natural-language voice control. This makes the new Audi RS7 Sportback a smart conversationalist and travel companion. The user can speak freely for the most part.

Infotainment and Audi connect

As a smart, high-performance sports car, the new RS7 Sportback provides an extensive range of infotainment and connectivity services. The standard MMI navigation plus uses the MIB 2+ modular infotainment platform, with the Audi connect data transfer module integrated as standard. This brings a Wi-Fi hotspot that also supports the 5 GHz band and the fast LTE Advanced transmission standard to the car.

When planning the route, the self-learning navigation system makes suggestions to the driver based on routes driven previously, incorporating experience regarding time of day and traffic density. The route is calculated online on the servers of the map and navigation service provider HERE, which also considers real-time data concerning the overall traffic situation. If the data connection is lost while the car is on the move, the navigation system will switch to on-board route guidance, which runs in the background. The driver can access gas stations and parking garages from the navigation system and will receive additional information such as fuel prices, availability of parking spaces and business hours.

In the first three years after the new car is purchased, the map can be updated four times per year free of charge-over the air at LTE Advanced speed, if desired. Audi connect navigation & infotainment services are also free of charge for the first three years. The Car-to-X services, traffic sign information and hazard alerts use the swarm intelligence of the Audi fleet, while the on-street parking service makes it easier to find a parking space.

Audi connect offers many other services, such as Twitter and email access. Navigation with Google Earth, online radio and hybrid radio, which automatically switches between FM, DAB + and web channels, are part of MMI navigation plus. The functions of Audi connect emergency call and service form their own package. In many markets, the data traffic for all connect services goes through the Audi connect SIM, which is permanently installed in the car. Owners of the new Audi RS7 Sportback can use the myAudi app to explore the brand's digital ecosystem.

The Audi phone box makes phone calls easier. It connects the smartphone to the car antenna and is capable of charging it inductively. Voice-over-LTE helps to connect faster and makes it possible to use high-speed data transfer and high-resolution online voice telephony (HD Voice) at the same time.

Driver assist systems

In the new RS7 Sportback, Audi offers more than 30 driver assist systems, making driving even safer, more comfortable and more efficient. The systems are split into two packages: the Tour and the City. The Audi assist package plus integrates all both packages.

The adaptive cruise assist (ACA) is the most important system in the Tour assist package. It adds a lane-tracking function that also helps out in traffic jams to the adaptive cruise control (ACC). At speeds between 0 and 250 km/h (155.3 mph), the system keeps the new Audi RS7 Sportback at the desired distance to the vehicle ahead. It also makes slight steering corrections to help the driver to stay in the lane and provides longitudinal guidance through road construction sites by means of the narrowed road assist.

The Audi pre sense basic and Audi pre sense front safety systems are fitted as standard. They detect collision hazards all around the car and initiate targeted preventive measures-whether maximum braking, adjusting the seats or tightening the belts. Audi pre sense front includes a warning and braking function for vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists. The emergency assist brings the car to a stop if the driver is no longer able to do so.

Behind the assistance systems in the new Audi RS7 Sportback are the central driver assistance controller (zFAS) and a portfolio of sensors that complement each other with their respective strengths. The data from the various sensors flow together in the zFAS. With its high-end processors, the tablet-sized computer continually computes a differentiated image of the vehicle's surroundings. This centralized environment model enables the assistance systems to further improve their performance compared to the predecessor model, for example, when they detect the end of a traffic jam and initiate braking. Also, navigation is even more precise, because the sensor data fusion locates your own car down to the exact lane.