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 (484 kW) and 600 lb-ft (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 0-60 mph in less than four seconds before hitting a top speed of around 190 mph (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 (410 kW). However, that will be more than made up by the electric motor which is rumored to produce 150 hp (111 kW) and bring the car’s combined output up to 700 hp (522 kW).
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