The Audi RS7 may get a Panamera Heart

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The first-generation Audi RS7 was constantly praised as the only car you’re ever going to need. A combination of luxurious design, spacious interior, cutting edge technology and a potent drivetrain were the main strong points of the RS7.

The base 2019 Audi A7 was unveiled for the first time in October 2017 during the Frankfurt Auto Show, but not much was revealed regarding the sportier RS7 Sportback. We all knew it would eventually come into light, but it appears that Audi kept its lips sealed tight regarding even the tiniest bit of information. Now, as various test mules are emerging and spotted in Europe, more data is available on the car that’s about to hit the dealerships next year.

Here’s what we know so far about the new Audi RS7, including rumors.

Less power, more torque

First of all, let’s discuss power figures. It is highly rumored that the new RS7 will share the same 4-liter TFSI twin turbo V8 as the Panamera Turbo. The engine is capable of delivering 542hp and 770Nm. While that’s 18hp less than the current figure count of the 1^st gen RS7, we can also see an extra (and probably more valuable) 70Nm of torque ready to deploy.

And if that’s not enough, other rumors hint towards an even more powerful version of the 2019 Audi RS7. This one may be fitted with an electric motor in order to boost that low-end torque and reach a 700 hp output. The idea may not be too far-fetched considering that the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid features a similar system, pushing out 680 hp and 850 Nm. And if that’s not enough proof, think about the fact that the new 2019 Audi A7 was built to accommodate hybrid tech on all its trims and versions.

The power unit would also suggest a 0 to 60mph time of roughly 3.9 seconds and a top speed of either 170 mph or 190 mph, depending on the dynamics package installed.

Extended track, new air vents

Spy shots of the Audi RS7 test mule were taken with minimum camo in Barcelona earlier this year, as the car goes through its initial testing phase. The shots reveal a slightly altered front bumper (compared to official Audi A7 photos) including a differently shaped air vent.

In the back it can be clearly seen that the original A7 bumper has been cut in order to make room for the beefier, RS-specific oval dual exhaust. Obviously, the 2019 Audi RS7 will come around with a fresh bumper to properly accommodate the exhaust system. It’s highly probable that the exhausts will flank a diffuser in order to attain better aerodynamic characteristics. After all, you need that downforce to keep up to 700 hp on the asphalt, don’t you?

The extended wheel arches, the large brake calipers attached to (surprisingly, solid rotors) alongside the dual oval exhausts are all pointing to the fact that the spy shots actually reveal the RS7, not just a regular A7. However, the very same details also hint for a larger track, mainly to boost stability. When thinking about it, when paired with a proper, sportier and stiffer suspension, the 2019 RS7 Sports should attack corners in a nice manner.

With the Audi A7 body featuring large amounts of aluminum in order to increase rigidity and lower weight, it’s expected that the RS7 may go into further lengths and add carbon fiber elements here and there.

Interior tech carried from the A7

If the heart was taken away from a Porsche, the 2019 RS7 is likely to share the interior design elements with its less strong brother, the A7. However, this is in no way something to dread. Instead, the 2019 Audi A7 boasts a beautiful interior. Bold lines are found throughout the cabin, providing a light and spacious area for the driver and the passengers. The interior is quite similar with what you are to find in the new Audi A8 and this speaks a lot to how attractive the 2018 A7 cabin actually is.

According to Audi, the A7 will come with both 5-seater and 2+2 configuration options – we’d expect to find the same within the RS7. Honestly, a 4-seat Sportback would be way more appreciated, regardless of the extra 0.8 inch of space Audi states it has added to the cabin.

Both the A7 and the RS7 will bring over infotainment features from Audi’s executive sedan. This translates in a 12.3-inch instrument cluster with a 10.1-inch MMI Touch Response screen on top of the dash and (yet) another 8.6-inch screen to control climate settings or to double as a keyboard.

However, neither the new Audi A7 nor the RS7 will be available with the Level 3 autonomous driving systems – Audi decided to keep these solely for the A8 executive sedan. On the other hand, dynamic elements such as rear wheel steering and coilover suspension are guaranteed to be featured on the RS7 Sportback. A version including air-suspension may also be in the works.

Overall, the new 2019 Audi RS7 promises to deliver a potent power unit, whether it may be shared with Porsche’s Panamera or not. In the same time, the fluid body design will be mixed with high-tech interior brought over from the A8. The Audi RS7 Sportback will be revealed later this year and will be available starting spring 2019.