Audi reveals 444-hp S7 for 2020
Audi has brought out the latest iteration of the sportier S7 version of its A7 five-door fastback coupe. The new S7 has a twin-turbo 2.9-liter V-6 engine with a very balanced 444 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque. That’s up 109 hp and 74 lb-ft from the A7, letting the new S7 reach 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds from a standing start. A paddle-shiftable eight-speed Tiptronic automatic is the only gearbox offered, and of course, the new S7 comes with Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive system. The S7 also gets upgraded brakes over the A7.
Audi isn’t using the word “supercharger,” but they do say that in addition to the two exhaust-driven turbochargers, there is a 48-volt electrically powered “compressor” that provides low-end boost while the turbos are still spinning up to speed, eliminating the effects of turbo lag and improving throttle response, torque, and off-the-line speed. Yep, that’s a supercharger.
In terms of styling, the five-passenger 2020 S7 is differentiated from the A7 with S-model specific bumpers, side sills, and quad exhaust tips. Other exterior elements include 20-inch 10-spoke wheels mounted with performance summer tires, a platinum-colored double-slat grille, aluminum-optic front splitter and side mirror housings, and a rear diffuser with a matte black chrome inlay. A black optic package is optional, which changes the side mirrors to black and the wheels to 21-inch, 5-spoke aluminum in anthracite black.
The standard S7 interior’s sport seats are upholstered with Valcona leather, with diamond accent stitching. Standard equipment also includes Audi’s virtual cockpit, four-zone automatic climate control, top-view camera system with Virtual 360 view, and a Bang & Olufsen 3D Premium audio system. Navigation is standard, as is the MMI touch-response system for operating the 10.1-inch upper and 8.6-inch lower touchscreens. Available driver assist systems include adaptive cruise control with traffic jam and turn assist, along with Audi side assist with rear cross-traffic assist and vehicle exit warning.
Audi’s S-tuned adaptive air suspension with dynamic and comfort settings also comes standard, while the optional S sport package gives you all-wheel steering and a quattro differential. The S sport package additionally gets you red brake calipers and an exhaust with a sportier tone. For maximum agility and road handling, a sport suspension upgrade is also available.
Audi has been a leader in road lighting, and the new S7 is available with high-definition matrix design LED headlights with Audi laser light and high-beam assistant. It’s not clear if the laser lighting system is Euro-spec only, as the U.S. Department of Transportation has not yet approved some of the more advanced lighting technologies now coming to market.
