Audi RS7 – More than the Lamborghini Aventador or the Bugatti Veyron, I am excited by the 2014 Audi RS7. In fact, in the past four years, only two “current production cars” have even tempted me to look into personal ownership: the Porsche 997.2 GT3RS. And now, the 2014 Audi RS7.

There, I’ve given away the ending.  You can stop reading: the RS7 is, at this time, the be all and end all for performance cars – my personal favorite category - that also actually have to do daily car duties like hauling people and “stuff.”

End of story. But if you are interested in details, read on…

One might well ask, “Why on earth would you compare a four door hatchback * to two ultimate dream cars, whose very unattainability and pure impracticality only fuel the flames of lust and fantasy that much more?”

* Audi calls it a Sportback, which is so much more poetic

I cannot argue the apparent malaproprism, and frankly, to compare the RS7 to the Porsche Panamera (driven, not back to back); the BMW M6 Grande Coupe (not driven); or the Mercedes Benz AMG CLS (driven, directly compared back to back) would be such a no-brainer, that we actually did it for Part 2, but allow me to explain here in a more abstract way the crazy comparison to such over the top extreme cars as the Aventador or Veyron –

As a Purist, I am well used to making excuses even as I pursue perfection in an imperfect world.  Decades ago I starting playing mental gymnastics with the overarching, untenably broad scoring rubric of “best car” – best car for what? Racing? Making grocery runs? Hauling a family of four and all their luggage? Usually in response to the question from non-gearheads after they found out I was a fanatic.

Inevitably, the excuses came fast and easy –

“the ride is too stiff and uncomfortable, but that’s because a tight suspension is what performance / track cars need.”

“it’s boring to drive, but it’s so practical.”

“such a sexy body, too bad it’s so difficult to get in and out of.”

PuristS being purists, if the superlative parameter is truly exceptional enough, we will forgive the failings in other areas, even if those other areas surround the very essence, the very raison d’etre, of the object.  Afterall, how often have we forgiven a special timepiece for poor timekeeping or unreliability or excessive fragility simply because the finishing “glows…”

So long as that one, superlative area transcends…

Which helps explain the attraction of cars like the Aventador or Veyron, or even the smaller Bulls like the Gallardo or Ponies like the 458: part of their charm is the uncompromising impracticality.

Focusing on the other side of that equation for a second, the driver side, the car guy (and gal) side - afterall, there needs to be an audience for the brilliant symphony; a wrist for the horological masterpiece - what sets to wiggling the worm of lust; of passion; of want versus need?

As with a lifelong soul mate, we need to be challenged, as well as comforted; excited as well as calmed. Made to feel happy with who we are, but inspired to become who we can be.

A great car should make us confident in our skills but also challenge us to become even better drivers; the limits of the car should always exceed our skills. And not kill ourselves in the process. It should be a trusty steed for all occasions that also makes our hearts beat just a little faster at the thought of taking her out. And it should always bring us home.

Performance; reliability; practicality. The RS7 has it all, in spades. And surprisingly, so much so in each category that it needs no excuses because it excels in each and all.

Performance - Acceleration 0-60MPH in under 4 seconds? Can you say, coyly conservative? I'd be surprised if it didn't really trip the timer in the mid-3's, on its way to just under 200mph.  All the while under control in a confidence inspiring way, even through Omega turns...

Practicality - Three large adult passengers and all their luggage...

(S-Line A5 pictured; the RS7 should be even larger and roomier...)

Reliability: being new to the market, only time will tell, but it is always encouraging that, during nearly 1000 miles under many different driving conditions, some very extreme that would stress lesser cars, there was nary a stumble or temperamental switch or tick of the temperature gauge: everything worked. The way it was supposed to.

All of this appeals to the brain. What of the heart?

A svelte, elegant curvi-linear body dresses it all, with great details, cocooned in an aura that resulted in as many “two thumbs up” from passersby as any Porsche, Ferrari, or Lamborghini I’ve driven in the past several years.

In fact, among such sexy company, several observers made a point of checking out the RS7, and two actually gushed, “You know, I’d take this over any of the others. THIS really floats my boat.”

Several days over varied roads and many diverse driving conditions later, I only learned to appreciate and respect the RS7 more.  And isn't that what makes a Keeper?

The more I got to know it, the more I learned to respect it, and the more I loved it.

Big Red is still in my mind...

Part 2: RS7 vs CLS63 coming soon