Audi introduces 605-hp RS 7 Sportback performance

Oct 22, 2015, 5:35am ET

The RS 6 Avant sold in Europe gets the same power boost as the RS 7.

Audi has introduced the RS 7 Sportback performance, an upgraded version of the sports sedan that boasts a more powerful engine and a handful of visual tweaks.

Power is delivered by an evolution of the regular RS 7's twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter TFSI V8 engine. It has been tuned to deliver 605 horsepower -- a generous 45-hp bump -- and 516 lb-ft. of torque, though an overboost function briefly bumps the eight-cylinder's torque output up to 553 lb-ft.

The RS 7 performance sprints from zero to 62 mph in 3.7 seconds and from zero to 124 mph in 12.1 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph, but car equipped with the optional dynamic package top out at nearly 190 mph.

An eight-speed automatic transmission with two built-in driving modes sends power to all four wheels via Audi's quattro all-wheel drive system. Gas mileage checks in at 25 mpg thanks in part to a cylinder-on-demand technology that turns the V8 into a four-cylinder when the 600 ponies aren't needed.