Spied: 2014 Audi RS7

These spy photographs seem too good to be true—they suggest that Audi is working on a higher-performance version of its sleek A7 hatchback. We’ve already caught the 2012 S7 out testing, but an RS7? The air intakes on this prototype suggest an RS model, but the quadruple exhaust tips and the unchanged body are S trademarks. RS models typically—though not always—have dual oval exhaust tips and, more important, a modified, significantly wider body.

Since an RS6 is a sure thing, though, adding an RS7 would be quick work for the Neckarsulm-based Quattro GmbH. The A7, after all, is nothing more than a rebodied A6; even the dashboard is identical, save for the detailing. That’s no knock against the A7; its shapely body’s Italianate style serves the lightweight, high-tech platform exceptionally well, making the A6 look strangely conservative. The RS6 treatment will change some of that, but the RS7 should be a stunner.

The RS6 and RS7 will be powered by an ultra-high-performance version of the turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 that will be fitted under the hood of the S6, S7, and S8, as well as the upcoming entry-level Bentley Continental GT. While the S models will stay well under 500 hp, the RS cars should deliver close to 600 hp. They need to fill the shoes of the outgoing RS6, after all, a car that produced a mighty 580 hp from a twin-turbocharged V-10.

The power will be transmitted to all four wheels through a rear-biased Quattro all-wheel-drive system. We expect a ZF eight-speed automatic to be the only option, as Audi's seven-speed dual-clutch transmission can't handle the massive torque of this engine. A torque-vectoring rear differential will be standard.

The new engine will be lighter than the outgoing RS V-10, and these weight savings come on top of a vehicle platform that already is significantly lighter than the one it replaces. Thus, the power-to-weight ratio will be far superior to that of the last RS6—a most welcome change. Says a high-ranking Audi engineer: "The last RS6 has focused too much on straight-line performance. We want to put more emphasis on cornering ability." There's more: "We want to bring back the feeling of raw power that the first RS6 gave drivers. That means more sound, more responsiveness, more connection between car and driver." That's very good, and it will pertain to the RS7 derivative as much as the next RS6.

Will the RS7—or the RS6—come to the U.S.? Perhaps, but it’s far from certain. Audi will be watching the RS5 closely, and if that car does well here, a 2013 launch for the four-ringed Cadillac CTS-V, BMW M5 and Mercedes E63 AMG fighters is a distinct possibility.

Thanks to: Car and Driver