Having unveiled the second-generation Audi A7 in October last year, the four rings seem to spare no time in developing higher performance versions of the model. Spied here for the first time may well be the upcoming Audi RS7, although not entirely dressed in the corresponding go-fast bodykit.

That’s because this very unit is a test mule, still donning the regular A7 and TFSI badges. Clear giveaways however, are the flared wheel arches, housing huge triple five-spoke alloys, carbon composite brakes and striking yellow brake calipers. Another typical RS trait is the dual dark oval exhaust tips.


The lower section of the front bumper appears different from the standard A7, but there’s really no knowing whether it’s the final version or not. Expect a new and much more aggressive Singleframe grille design to go with the RS7.

For propulsion, word is it will get an all-new 4.0 litre twin-turbo V8, rated to be somewhere in the region of 650 hp. This V8 lump is said to be the same one found in the new Panamera Turbo, which produces 542 hp at 5,750 rpm and 770 Nm. That’s 18 hp down from the outgoing RS7’s 560-pony count, but a full 70 Nm more twist.


The next-generation Audi RS7 will be one of five new RS models that Audi Sport is planning to roll out by the year 2020. The fact that we’re seeing the RS7 just three months after the A7 was unveiled reflects much of the company’s focus to shorten the gap between the standard A7 and the RS7.