Audi's head of design, Marc Lichte, has reportedly
confirmed the next-generation RS7 Sportback will be offered in two different
"states of tune." The designer was coy on specifics but Evo is
reporting the standard model will be introduced late next year with a
twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine sourced from the Bentley Continental GT and
Porsche Panamera Turbo. Lichte reportedly confirmed it will produce around 650
hp and 812 Nm of torque.
The engine will likely be connected to eight-speed
automatic transmission which sends power to a quattro all-wheel drive system.
The publication believes this will enable the hatchback to accelerate from 0-97 km/h in less than four seconds before hitting a top speed of around 305
km/h.
The model will reportedly be followed by a more
extreme RS7 plug-in hybrid which features a lithium-ion battery pack and an
electric motor. The components will reportedly be sourced from Porsche Panamera
Turbo S E-hybrid but it appears they may feature some additional refinements.
The specifics remain unclear at this point but the publication says the
twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine will have its output reduced to 550 hp.
However, that will be more than made up by the electric motor which is rumored
to produce 150 hp and bring the car's combined output up to 700 hp.
