Automotive

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

click here to link to Part 1B - specific performance commentary

 

Please click here to link to Part 2: a direct comparison of the Audi RS7 to the AMG CLS 63 This message has been edited by ThomasM on 2013-10-24 11:17:12 This message has been edited by ThomasM on 2013-10-31 22:45:44

I had the chance to drive it very briefly, and on the highway when I floored it, I couldn't believe how fast it accelerated.  My M5, M3, and 996 don't accelerate as quickly as the RS7 from 60 to 100.  It's insanely quick and you'll have to be careful not to get pulled over by the cops!

From my very brief time with the RS7, the only drawback I found was is was too smooth when it accelerated on the highway.  I'm the type of driver who prefers to feel the bumps on the road, so this car felt like a Cadillac on steroids which can be dangerous to your driver's license  

I'm very impressed with this RS7 and now would love to see how a RS4 and R8 drive.

Cheers,
Anthony

Classic Audi "weaknesses" from a driver's car standpoint, though the RS7 is better than most in this regard.

"Cadillac on steroids "

LOL! I guess it depends on what generation you are from; Caddi's in my day were soft and wallowy, which is completely different than "smooth" (to the point of being numb)

I wish the steering on the RS7 had a bit more "feel" (without getting twitchy or nervous) and the brakes and throttle were just a bit easier to modulate, but again, they are already better than most.

Let's make sure you get a chance to try those other models!

Cheers,

TM

I love your automotive features, you really enjoy your cars?

I agree, the RS7 still stands out, even among all that exotica.

Hey, when you doing your Duc introduction?

Cheers,

TM

Thomas, what a brilliant way to describe our 2 doors " anchovies box " beloved sports cars!

You said it all in these few words.

I am really interested to read more from you on this RS 7... The engine, the feeling when the power comes, linear, not linear, and so on.

The " S " are something, the " RS " are superlative.

Best, my dear friend.

Nicolas

So you'd be interested in Part 1b?

TM

My fingers are suffering from refreshing your post in the wait to read Part 1b!

Send it!

Best, Mr RS.

Nicolas

Hi Thomas,

I guess we can all see your excitement over this RS7=) Look forward to the comparison to the AMG. A bit dissapointed that M6 GranCoupe is not included in the report, is there a particular reason? If I remember you were a BMW fan too, some time ago.

 

Regards

Jacky

of the big three, I've always felt BMW's before the mid-2000's were the most "driver oriented" and had the best "feel" - AMG were mostly about the engine, and Audi's seemed over engineered to the point of feeling "sterile."

But BMW's of the recent years seem to get further and further away from that hard core "driver" orientation, losing some of their "feel" while AMG has made some great inroads into chassis and handling. Audi, with the RS models, has gone some way towards building some "personality" into their cars.

I've not had access to an M6 Grand Coupe; at least not for more than a spin around the corner, and that just wouldn't be a PuristS quality write up, now would it?

 

No message body

Under 4 seconds with family and luggage

though trying to balance Parts 2, 3, and 4, and not having too much overlap, will take some effort.

We aim to please!

I was really looking forward to it and as always it was amazing , I knew exactly how you felt while experiencing the RS7, its the new generation of VAG/Porsche products which are taking things to the next level, my requirements was a car that had performance: Sporty and Exciting to Drive, Practical: can be easy to drive on a daily basis and Reliable: Time will tell on this one and so far so good and there was another factor, able to deal with rough urban roads, under construction detours, broken pothole covers and road potholes nasty enough to break rims. I was lucky enough to find the Porsche Cayenne GTS that could meet all these requirements as it was the only one that ticked all the boxes. 

some of those things SO WELL it exceeded all the benchmarks, and everything else at the top of the class or better.

Looking forward to seeing your ride "in the native environment" - I remember what our driver said, "The Landcruiser is better than even the Range Rover and Porsche..."

Waht a trip that was, eh?

Again soon, I hope, my friend...

TM

Great write up Thomas. I was really amazed at how fast the RS7 was particularly at the higher speeds.  It was so easy to drive fast too.

Regards,

ED-209

just awesome!

It does seem like a fantastic car.  I like sedans in more sedate colors.  That said, I wouldn't turn down a gift of one in red.

Regards,

Jon

"low key" relative to anything else that even comes close, performance wise - it definitely flew "under the radar" when running with the other exotics even though it certainly was not lost nor forgotten!

The graphite grey is so stealth, yet so tech! Also a very cool color for the RS7.

Hope you have a chance to drive it, Jon.

TM