Audi has unveiled the new 2014-spec RS7, with a modestly refreshed wardrobe and a sprinkling of tech changes to keep it honest in the face of the soon-to-be-fettled CLS 63 AMG.
The 2014 Audi RS7 is marked out by new LED headlights wrapped around the company’s dominating black-honeycomb grille, a fresh design of 20in wheel, four new paint choices and, at the rear, redesigned LED tail lamps.
What’s new on the 2014 Audi RS7 under the bonnet?
Not much. The Audi/Bentley-developed 4.0-litre V8 engine continues unchanged. Not that much needed to be changed: it develops 552bhp and 516lb ft of twist, sending drive to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic gearbox.
Audi claims an identical 3.9sec 0-62mph time to the outgoing car, which was unveiled only 18 months ago. Top speed is pegged to 155mph, but can be increased to 174mph or 190mph as part of upgrade packages, for which Audi will charge a handsome sum.
Perhaps the cleverest party trick of this 4.0-litre V8 is its cylinder deactivation system, which turns the lump from an eight-pot into a four-cylinder engine at moderate throttle openings. Which explains how Audi can achieve 221g/km of CO2 and a 29.7mpg combined fuel economy figure on a car which can out-drag most Porsches.
The cosmetic changes bring the Audi RS7 in line with the facelift of the regular A7 unveiled earlier this summer.
When can I buy a new 2014 Audi RS7?
You’ll have to wait until autumn 2014. On the continent, it costs €113,300, suggesting a list price in the UK of around £ 84,000.
Inside the new RS7 Sportback features a tweaked instrument cluster, air vents and shift paddles, while the MMI multi-media system is substantially upgraded, with a superior graphics package.