At the 2013 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan, Chevrolet introduced its new seventh-generation Corvette and stole the show. But Audi also made its presence known in the automotive world by introducing its newest and most powerful version of the Audi A7 Sportback: the RS7. The new model is the first in the A7 model series to bear the German automaker’s ‘RS’ performance badge and offers incredible performance in a stylish five-door coupe package. Much of the car from the forged wheels also the exterior body work and everything else.

One of the most exciting aspects of the new Audi RS7 is under the hood, where a 4.0 TFSI engine produces an incredible amount of power and torque. The 4.0-liter V-8 engine has two twin-scroll turbochargers and an intercooler positioned between each of the cylinder banks to reduce any type of turbo lag and produce 1.2 BAR of boost pressure for each cylinder. A host of innovative technologies such as autostart, thermal management, cylinder-on-demand, direct fuel injection and variable valve timing come standard to improve fuel efficiency and emissions with an impressive estimated 24 US mpg

The new technology used in the 4.0 TFSI engine also helps to produce an overwhelming amount of power. The engine sends out 560 horsepower from 5,700 to 6,700 RPM and 516 lb-ft. of torque at just 1,750 RPM up to 5,500 RPM across all four forged wheels thanks to a Quattro permanent all-wheel drive system that varies power between axles in real time using a crown differential and torque vectoring. Performance is also impressive, with the Audi RS7 accelerating to 62mph in just 3.9 seconds and reaching a top speed of 155mph, 173.98mph or 189.52mph, depending on available option packages.

Much of the chassis has been optimized to handle the extra power and performance. Making contact with the road are new 20-inch forged front and rear wheels with sport tires for better grip. A standard air suspension with adjustable shock absorbers lowers the overall ride height and improves handling, while standard six-piston calipers squeeze over 360mm front brake discs. As an option, customers can order a sports suspension with steel shock absorbers and dampers, as well as carbon ceramic brakes with 390mm discs that provide consistent braking performance.

The exterior of the Audi RS7 is also considerably more aggressive, as are the chassis and the engine. Wider fenders house the forged wheels and are connected by new side skirts. The front bumper features larger air intakes and a front spoiler, while the rear uses a new diffuser and dual oval exhaust outlets.

The Audi RS7 will likely be available in North America. Audi has not published the price of the new sports car.