Audi's new RS 7 Sportback has made its world debut at the North American International Automobile Show in Detriot.

Combining seductive curves with slingshot performance, the newcomer uses twin-turbo V8 power to send its 0-100km/h acceleration time plunging to just 3.9 seconds and its top speed climbing to 304km/h. It also employs advanced cylinder-on-demand technology to ensure that economy holds true to Audi efficiency ambitions.

The RS 7 Sportback shares its 4.0-litre V8 TFSI engine with the recently announced RS 6 Avant. This means that with the help of its two turbochargers formidable peak power of 412kW arrives between 5700 and 6700rpm, and peak torque of 700Nm is constantly available between 1750 and 5500rpm.

Switchable flaps in the exhaust system can make the sound fuller at the touch of a button, and customers seeking an even more dramatic drive can choose a sports exhaust system from the options list.

The 4.0-litre TFSI is paired with the familiar eight-speed tiptronic transmission featuring shortened shift times and offering "Sport" and "Manual" modes in addition to the standard "Drive" setting. For manual shifts, drivers can use the paddles on the steering wheel or the RS-specific selector lever. The lower gears of the tiptronic are tightly spaced for optimum performance, while a tall eighth gear reduces fuel consumption.

In the RS 7 Sportback, the quattro permanent all-wheel drive system - one of the hallmarks of the RS lineage - incorporates torque vectoring, a self-locking centre differential with an elevated locking value and a sport differential on the rear axle to distribute power steplessly between the rear wheels.

The unparalleled controllability the quattro system imparts is complemented in the RS 7 Sportback by impressive ride refinement which comes courtesy of adaptive air suspension with RS-specific settings. The specially tuned set-up lowers the body by 20 millimetres, and incorporates damping with configurable settings. As an alternative, sports suspension plus with Dynamic Ride Control (DRC) will also be available. This system employs steel springs and three-way adjustable shock absorbers that are interconnected diagonally by means of oil lines and a central valve for improved body roll stability.  

Both set-ups are controllable via the Audi drive select adaptive dynamics system, which enables the driver to choose between Comfort or Dynamic modes depending on their preference, or an Automatic mode in which sensors automatically adjust the settings based on driving style, speed and prevailing conditions. An Individual mode is also available in which the driver can assign one of these three settings to each individual component of the driving experience, from the suspension or steering weighting to the throttle response and the sport differential. It will also be possible to further enhance the adaptability of the steering by choosing the extra cost dynamic steering option, which allows the driver to steplessly vary the actual ratio and boost and can also be controlled via the Audi drive select system.

The exceptional performance and handling calls for brakes of the first order, and in the RS 7 Sportback the four internally vented discs with their weight-saving wave-like outer contour more than meet the brief. The front discs measure 390mm in diameter and are gripped by six-piston calipers which are available in either black or red. Also available as an option are carbon fibre-ceramic brake discs with anthracite grey calipers which measure 420 millimetres in diameter.

The body plays a major role not only in the handling, but also in heightening the sense of refinement and precision engineering the RS 7 Sportback exudes. It comprises roughly 20 percent aluminium, and a sizeable proportion of components made from high-strength steel, and is notable for its outstanding rigidity.

Numerous RS-specific design details subtly embellish the body. Most noticeable are the matt titanium applications, the high gloss black honeycomb radiator grille, exclusive bumper design and, at the rear, a diffuser and two large, elliptical exhaust tailpipes. In common with the other members of the A7 Sportback range, the RS 7 Sportback is also pinned more securely to the road by an electrically extending rear spoiler providing additional downforce.

The interior of the RS 7 Sportback conveys the sporting theme with similar subtlety, but leaves passengers in no doubt that they are travelling in a very special Audi flagship. RS logos appear in the dials with their black faces, white dials and red needles, on the flat-bottomed three-spoke multifunction steering wheel, in the illuminated entry sills, in the rev counter and in the displays for the MMI and the colour Driver’s Information System (DIS). They are also punched into the front RS super sports seats with their pronounced bolsters, integrated head rests and honeycomb-quilted Valcona leather upholstery. The two-seat rear bench also has pronounced contours for optimum grip. A combination of Alcantara and leather can be specified as a no-cost alternative upholstery option, and power-adjustable front comfort seats can also be added at extra cost to replace the more overtly sporting RS originals.

A new feature in the RS menu of the DIS is the shift light. Green segments are illuminated as revs increase. The bar turns red and begins to blink when revs approach the red line. Displays for the gear selected, boost pressure, oil temperature and a digital speedometer round out the RS 7-specific driver information system.

The footrest, pedals and switches in the MMI navigation plus terminal have an aluminium look which contrasts with the piano finish for the decorative bezel surrounding the retractable monitor and the carbon inlays. A black headlining is standard, but Moon Silver or black Alcantara options are also available.