The 2018 Audi A7 is sharper, sleeker and more refined than its predecessor. The luxury hatchback made its debut last week, but already fans are getting to work on reimagining the the new car with even more performance cues.
Artist Tobias Büttner of Germany has digitally imagined the new A7 with added RS performance bits – and it looks mean.
Up front the angular new grille has been given an appropriate RS makeover. The vertical slats on the base model have been replaced with a honeycomb-style plastic mesh, which carries over to the side vents as well. A quattro logo is displayed prominently on the front bumper, as is the new RS badge on the grille.
New wheels can be seen, borrowed from the RS5 Sportback, and the rear gains a more aggressive diffuser with massive dual exhaust tips. The car is lowered and finished in Audi’s signature Nogaro Blue paint job, completing the sporty theme. Overall, the package isn’t dramatic, but looks production-ready.
When the new Audi RS7 does come to fruition, it should be powerful. The base A7 comes with the same 3-litre turbocharged petrol V6 found in the new A8, paired with a 48V lithium-ion battery. Power is rated at 335bhp and 369lb ft of torque, giving it the ability to sprint to 62 mph in 5.3sec.
The current RS7 is rated at 559bhp, or 605bhp with the performance package fitted. The latest rumours from Audi HQ in Ingolstadt suggest the new model will come with a 4-litre twin-turbo V8 producing upwards of 649bhp, with potential for a 700bhp hybrid powertrain borrowed from the Porsche Panamera.
Gallery: 2018 Audi A7