Sunny
Premium
Are you really this stupid or just can't read or did Deckhook really hack your account? I never questioned Audi's or BMW's decision to use a multi sensor system. Obviously they are developing a system that is viable on the public street. I just commented on the triviality of driving solo around a track. Take a few and digest that instead of mindlessly clicking "Post Reply".
JHF
Driving Dynamics Pro
2016 Audi RS7
Still one step ahead of the class.
We called the RS7 “Quattro's best work yet,” in a recent comparison test, which it won. The car is now even better. For 2016, the Audi RS7 sees subtle upgrades inside and out, much like those that apply to its stablemates, the A7and the S7. The RS7 already was the freshest of the trio, having arrived here for 2014, so these changes are even less obvious.
Outside, it gets new head- and taillights similar to those that grace its less powerful siblings. But the style of the front bumper and lower air intakes remains almost identical to the pre-face-lift models (which should please current owners). With its large 20- or 21-inch wheels and matte-aluminum décor, the RS7 is the most impressive and perhaps the most harmonious in the lineup. Neither garish nor over-the-top, it does look imposing. With its new headlight contour, it reminds us of the original Audi Sportback concept that preceded the A7 on the show circuit.
Inside, the RS7 gets revised instrumentation with a larger driver-information display (now with Google Earth) between the tachometer and speedometer. An improved electronics architecture helps upgrade the graphics and the integration of the infotainment and telematics systems, now using LTE communications when available, and it is compatible with Siri Eyes Free. The MMI interface also gets refinements, making it easier to use, and the night-vision display is also improved. New color and wood options dress out the cabin.
Such luxuries have their appeal, but what makes the RS7 truly desirable is that it is one of the greatest performance sedans (well, hatchbacks) of all time, and there are no changes to its mechanical specification. It uses the same relatively compact, twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8, out of which Audi squeezes a healthy 560 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, the latter of which is served across a lofty plateau that stretches from 1750 to 5500 rpm.
The engine provides fantastic straight-line performance: Audi claims it will run from zero to 62 mph in 3.9 seconds, but we measured 3.4 seconds to 60 mph ina 2014 model. In Germany, the RS7 offers three different top-speed governors depending on the wheel/tire package; the top one lets it run all the way up to 190 mph. The U.S. most likely will get the mid-level governor, rated at 174 mph. Not a problem.
With the European fuel-consumption rating, however, Audi seems to be joking. The official rating of 25 mpg would require ruthless asceticism. Figure on 20 mpg if you’re feather-footing. Using the power liberally will cut that in half. We saw 9 mpg in that comparison test over a relatively short (150-mile) run of spirited motoring. With only 420 horsepower to tempt us, our long-term S7 is averaging 21 mpg.
Not just supercar fast, the RS7 sounds off with a corresponding, ultra-aggressive tone, menacing even at standstill. Wind out the gears, and the exhaust pops audibly at upshifts; easing off the gas produces a furious crackle; the whole symphony of intake, combustion, and exhaust underscores the reality that there are tightly controlled but massive explosions raging in the combustion chambers of this engine. The ZF-supplied eight-speed automatic responds so quickly that few will miss the S7’s dual-clutch box.
Never silent, the RS7 is nevertheless easily maneuverable and controllable on the street. Step up the pace, and it exhibits remarkable agility. The torque-vectoring rear sports differential is almost overly eager to help the driver throw the RS7 into corners; it can feel a bit artificial at times. Way up at the limits of adhesion, the powertrain, sports differential, and assistance systems have to work overtime and can no longer disguise the big hatchback's mass. Audi claims a curb weight of 4398 pounds; our comparison-test example registered 4453 on our scales, heavier than even the portly BMW M6 Gran Coupe and the Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG.
Expect the 2016 model’s price to stay near that of the current model, which lists for $107,425, before options. It’s easy to run it up over $130K. If you are serious about driving, start by choosing the RS7 Dynamic package that Audi recently added to the range: It packs a sports-tuned steel-spring suspension instead of the standard air suspension and comes with the fantastic performance exhaust system. Down the road, we anticipate that Audi will bump up the power, perhaps to 600 horsepower, to match or top the BMW and Mercedes-Benz competitors that now stand at 575 and 577, respectively. Until then, we stick to our verdict: This is Quattro's best work yet.
SPECIFICATIONS
VEHICLE TYPE: front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 4- or 5-passenger, 5-door hatchback
ESTIMATED BASE PRICE:$108,000
ENGINE TYPE: twin-turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 32-valve V-8, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection
Displacement: 244 cu in, 3993 cc
Power: 560 hp @ 6600 rpm
Torque: 516 lb-ft @ 1750 rpm
TRANSMISSION: 8-speed automatic with manual shifting mode
DIMENSIONS (German market):
Wheelbase: 114.8 in
Length: 197.3 in
Width: 75.2 in Height: 55.9 in
Curb weight (C/D est): 4450 lb
PERFORMANCE (C/D EST):
Zero to 60 mph: 3.4 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 3.4 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 11.6 sec
Top speed: 174 mph (governed)
FUEL ECONOMY (C/D EST):
EPA city/highway: 16/27 mpg
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2016-audi-rs7-first-drive-review
Still one step ahead of the class.
We called the RS7 “Quattro's best work yet,” in a recent comparison test, which it won. The car is now even better. For 2016, the Audi RS7 sees subtle upgrades inside and out, much like those that apply to its stablemates, the A7and the S7. The RS7 already was the freshest of the trio, having arrived here for 2014, so these changes are even less obvious.
Outside, it gets new head- and taillights similar to those that grace its less powerful siblings. But the style of the front bumper and lower air intakes remains almost identical to the pre-face-lift models (which should please current owners). With its large 20- or 21-inch wheels and matte-aluminum décor, the RS7 is the most impressive and perhaps the most harmonious in the lineup. Neither garish nor over-the-top, it does look imposing. With its new headlight contour, it reminds us of the original Audi Sportback concept that preceded the A7 on the show circuit.
Inside, the RS7 gets revised instrumentation with a larger driver-information display (now with Google Earth) between the tachometer and speedometer. An improved electronics architecture helps upgrade the graphics and the integration of the infotainment and telematics systems, now using LTE communications when available, and it is compatible with Siri Eyes Free. The MMI interface also gets refinements, making it easier to use, and the night-vision display is also improved. New color and wood options dress out the cabin.
Such luxuries have their appeal, but what makes the RS7 truly desirable is that it is one of the greatest performance sedans (well, hatchbacks) of all time, and there are no changes to its mechanical specification. It uses the same relatively compact, twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8, out of which Audi squeezes a healthy 560 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, the latter of which is served across a lofty plateau that stretches from 1750 to 5500 rpm.
The engine provides fantastic straight-line performance: Audi claims it will run from zero to 62 mph in 3.9 seconds, but we measured 3.4 seconds to 60 mph ina 2014 model. In Germany, the RS7 offers three different top-speed governors depending on the wheel/tire package; the top one lets it run all the way up to 190 mph. The U.S. most likely will get the mid-level governor, rated at 174 mph. Not a problem.
With the European fuel-consumption rating, however, Audi seems to be joking. The official rating of 25 mpg would require ruthless asceticism. Figure on 20 mpg if you’re feather-footing. Using the power liberally will cut that in half. We saw 9 mpg in that comparison test over a relatively short (150-mile) run of spirited motoring. With only 420 horsepower to tempt us, our long-term S7 is averaging 21 mpg.
Not just supercar fast, the RS7 sounds off with a corresponding, ultra-aggressive tone, menacing even at standstill. Wind out the gears, and the exhaust pops audibly at upshifts; easing off the gas produces a furious crackle; the whole symphony of intake, combustion, and exhaust underscores the reality that there are tightly controlled but massive explosions raging in the combustion chambers of this engine. The ZF-supplied eight-speed automatic responds so quickly that few will miss the S7’s dual-clutch box.
Never silent, the RS7 is nevertheless easily maneuverable and controllable on the street. Step up the pace, and it exhibits remarkable agility. The torque-vectoring rear sports differential is almost overly eager to help the driver throw the RS7 into corners; it can feel a bit artificial at times. Way up at the limits of adhesion, the powertrain, sports differential, and assistance systems have to work overtime and can no longer disguise the big hatchback's mass. Audi claims a curb weight of 4398 pounds; our comparison-test example registered 4453 on our scales, heavier than even the portly BMW M6 Gran Coupe and the Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG.
Expect the 2016 model’s price to stay near that of the current model, which lists for $107,425, before options. It’s easy to run it up over $130K. If you are serious about driving, start by choosing the RS7 Dynamic package that Audi recently added to the range: It packs a sports-tuned steel-spring suspension instead of the standard air suspension and comes with the fantastic performance exhaust system. Down the road, we anticipate that Audi will bump up the power, perhaps to 600 horsepower, to match or top the BMW and Mercedes-Benz competitors that now stand at 575 and 577, respectively. Until then, we stick to our verdict: This is Quattro's best work yet.
SPECIFICATIONS
VEHICLE TYPE: front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 4- or 5-passenger, 5-door hatchback
ESTIMATED BASE PRICE:$108,000
ENGINE TYPE: twin-turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 32-valve V-8, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection
Displacement: 244 cu in, 3993 cc
Power: 560 hp @ 6600 rpm
Torque: 516 lb-ft @ 1750 rpm
TRANSMISSION: 8-speed automatic with manual shifting mode
DIMENSIONS (German market):
Wheelbase: 114.8 in
Length: 197.3 in
Width: 75.2 in Height: 55.9 in
Curb weight (C/D est): 4450 lb
PERFORMANCE (C/D EST):
Zero to 60 mph: 3.4 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 3.4 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 11.6 sec
Top speed: 174 mph (governed)
FUEL ECONOMY (C/D EST):
EPA city/highway: 16/27 mpg
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2016-audi-rs7-first-drive-review
JHF
Driving Dynamics Pro
Audi RS7 Piloted Driving concept ride review
We take a seat in the Audi that drives itself, the RS7 Piloted Driving concept.
Verdict
Audi’s RS7 Piloted Driving concept car gives a tantalising glimpse into the future of motoring according to Audi. The idea of being driven by your car takes a lot of getting used to but even in our short time with the vehicle, we learned to trust the tech. It’s refreshing to learn that Audi doesn’t see the driver being replaced entirely but wants the autonomous tech to set in for those more menial trips behind the wheel.
Audis will be able to drive themselves on the motorway and even valet park themselves before the end of the decade. That’s the promise of Thomas Muller – head of development of braking, steering and driver assistance systems at the German firm. But don’t worry; Audi doesn’t want to create robot taxis that take over from humans entirely.
Muller made the pledge as journalists were given hot laps round Ascari racing circuit in Spain by ‘Bobby’ Audi’s autonomous self-driving RS7. The car uses a mixture of radars, cameras and GPS to sense where it is on the track, while a small computer in the boot decides how to steer, brake and accelerate to follow the racing line at the optimum speed.
To show off just how fast the car can drive itself round the circuit, Audi gave us a little challenge. Could we drive a normal RS7 quicker than Bobby?
We went out on track first to set the benchmark time – 2min 12.5 seconds. Not exactly Lewis Hamilton-fast, but would it be quick enough to beat an autonomous car?
Climbing inside ‘Bobby’ you’d never know what it (he?) was capable of. It just looked like a standard RS7 except for a fighter-jet style covered switch in front of the central armrest and a thumb-operated plunger that looks like the controller from an old Scalextric set.
The first switch puts the car into auto drive mode and then a technician sat in the driver’s seat has to hold the plunger down throughout the duration of the drive. This acts as a failsafe - releasing it automatically disengages the automatic pilot and brings the car to a halt.
For this reason we had to experience ‘Bobby’ from the passenger seat. However, what we saw was still impressive. As soon as autonomous mode was engaged the car turned itself off, restarted its engine and waggled its steering wheel as part of a systems check. A few seconds later we were pushed back into our seat as the 560bhp RS7 accelerated hard up the straight and towards the first chicane all of its own accord.
As it approached the braking boards put out as a guide for the journalists, Bobby slammed on its anchors, the steering wheel turned sharply and its nose darted purposefully towards the apex.
Looking across to see the technician with his hands nowhere near any of the controls was alarming. Throughout the lap Bobby faultlessly followed the racing line, occasionally counter steering to keep the hefty RS7 in check and help prevent a slide.
Overall, Bobby’s lap felt a little more composed than ours, though perhaps a little bit slower. And as we crossed the line it was – but not by much. The car with no driver completed the lap in 2min 14.6 seconds. So it was one nil to the humans.
But then, as Thomas Muller pointed out, Audi doesn’t want to replace the driver in the same way Google does with its autonomous car. “We are not building robot taxis,” he said. “We want to make cars that still give you the pleasure to drive when you want to but can take control for the boring tasks like commuting in traffic or to lend a hand to improve safety.”
Indeed, some of what Bobby can do will be introduced to production Audis in the very near future. From next year there will be an extension of the city safe automatic braking system, which will use short-range radar to look out for oncoming obstacles when a car is turning right across a junction. Also, ESP systems will be supplemented by mild assistive counter steering to further help prevent a spin.
Before the end of the decade Audi plans to be able to offer driver assistance systems which allow a car to pilot itself on the motorway or find its own parking space without the ‘driver’ monitoring the situation or having their hands on the wheel.
However, before this can happen there needs to be a change in legislation. The Vienna Convention, which European countries including the UK have signed up to, states that “the driver must steer his car”. Thomas said: “There are a lot of regulations involved in piloted cars. That’s why, for the first time in my experience with Audi, there are as many lawyers as engineers working on this project.”
It was for similar legal reasons that we weren’t allowed to sit in the driver’s seat on our hot lap in Bobby. However, after the track was cleared, Thomas’s team allowed the car to drive the circuit at full pelt completely on its own with no one at all inside it.
For safety there were marshals dotted about the track with remote cut-out switches in the unlikely event of a technical problem. Or Bobby suddenly becoming self-aware and taking itself off for a hot wax and polish at the local car wash…
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/audi/rs7/89695/audi-rs7-piloted-driving-concept-ride-review
We take a seat in the Audi that drives itself, the RS7 Piloted Driving concept.
Verdict
Audi’s RS7 Piloted Driving concept car gives a tantalising glimpse into the future of motoring according to Audi. The idea of being driven by your car takes a lot of getting used to but even in our short time with the vehicle, we learned to trust the tech. It’s refreshing to learn that Audi doesn’t see the driver being replaced entirely but wants the autonomous tech to set in for those more menial trips behind the wheel.
Audis will be able to drive themselves on the motorway and even valet park themselves before the end of the decade. That’s the promise of Thomas Muller – head of development of braking, steering and driver assistance systems at the German firm. But don’t worry; Audi doesn’t want to create robot taxis that take over from humans entirely.
Muller made the pledge as journalists were given hot laps round Ascari racing circuit in Spain by ‘Bobby’ Audi’s autonomous self-driving RS7. The car uses a mixture of radars, cameras and GPS to sense where it is on the track, while a small computer in the boot decides how to steer, brake and accelerate to follow the racing line at the optimum speed.
To show off just how fast the car can drive itself round the circuit, Audi gave us a little challenge. Could we drive a normal RS7 quicker than Bobby?
We went out on track first to set the benchmark time – 2min 12.5 seconds. Not exactly Lewis Hamilton-fast, but would it be quick enough to beat an autonomous car?
Climbing inside ‘Bobby’ you’d never know what it (he?) was capable of. It just looked like a standard RS7 except for a fighter-jet style covered switch in front of the central armrest and a thumb-operated plunger that looks like the controller from an old Scalextric set.
The first switch puts the car into auto drive mode and then a technician sat in the driver’s seat has to hold the plunger down throughout the duration of the drive. This acts as a failsafe - releasing it automatically disengages the automatic pilot and brings the car to a halt.
For this reason we had to experience ‘Bobby’ from the passenger seat. However, what we saw was still impressive. As soon as autonomous mode was engaged the car turned itself off, restarted its engine and waggled its steering wheel as part of a systems check. A few seconds later we were pushed back into our seat as the 560bhp RS7 accelerated hard up the straight and towards the first chicane all of its own accord.
As it approached the braking boards put out as a guide for the journalists, Bobby slammed on its anchors, the steering wheel turned sharply and its nose darted purposefully towards the apex.
Looking across to see the technician with his hands nowhere near any of the controls was alarming. Throughout the lap Bobby faultlessly followed the racing line, occasionally counter steering to keep the hefty RS7 in check and help prevent a slide.
Overall, Bobby’s lap felt a little more composed than ours, though perhaps a little bit slower. And as we crossed the line it was – but not by much. The car with no driver completed the lap in 2min 14.6 seconds. So it was one nil to the humans.
But then, as Thomas Muller pointed out, Audi doesn’t want to replace the driver in the same way Google does with its autonomous car. “We are not building robot taxis,” he said. “We want to make cars that still give you the pleasure to drive when you want to but can take control for the boring tasks like commuting in traffic or to lend a hand to improve safety.”
Indeed, some of what Bobby can do will be introduced to production Audis in the very near future. From next year there will be an extension of the city safe automatic braking system, which will use short-range radar to look out for oncoming obstacles when a car is turning right across a junction. Also, ESP systems will be supplemented by mild assistive counter steering to further help prevent a spin.
Before the end of the decade Audi plans to be able to offer driver assistance systems which allow a car to pilot itself on the motorway or find its own parking space without the ‘driver’ monitoring the situation or having their hands on the wheel.
However, before this can happen there needs to be a change in legislation. The Vienna Convention, which European countries including the UK have signed up to, states that “the driver must steer his car”. Thomas said: “There are a lot of regulations involved in piloted cars. That’s why, for the first time in my experience with Audi, there are as many lawyers as engineers working on this project.”
It was for similar legal reasons that we weren’t allowed to sit in the driver’s seat on our hot lap in Bobby. However, after the track was cleared, Thomas’s team allowed the car to drive the circuit at full pelt completely on its own with no one at all inside it.
For safety there were marshals dotted about the track with remote cut-out switches in the unlikely event of a technical problem. Or Bobby suddenly becoming self-aware and taking itself off for a hot wax and polish at the local car wash…
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/audi/rs7/89695/audi-rs7-piloted-driving-concept-ride-review
JHF
Driving Dynamics Pro
The RS7 test, by AMuS.
Beschleunigung
0-80 km/h: 2,7 s
0-100 km/h: 3,7 s
0-120 km/h: 4,9 s
0-130 km/h: 5,6 s
0-160 km/h: 8 s
0-180 km/h: 10,2 s
0-200 km/h: 12,6 s
Bremsweg
aus 100 km/h (kalt leer): 34,2 m
aus 100 km/h (kalt beladen): 35,2 m
http://www.auto-motor-und-sport.de/...m-test-starker-ueber-audi-8842225.html?show=4
Beschleunigung
0-80 km/h: 2,7 s
0-100 km/h: 3,7 s
0-120 km/h: 4,9 s
0-130 km/h: 5,6 s
0-160 km/h: 8 s
0-180 km/h: 10,2 s
0-200 km/h: 12,6 s
Bremsweg
aus 100 km/h (kalt leer): 34,2 m
aus 100 km/h (kalt beladen): 35,2 m
http://www.auto-motor-und-sport.de/...m-test-starker-ueber-audi-8842225.html?show=4
Mick Briesgau
Tire Trailblazer
Yes, Giannis, wouldn,t throw her out of my car either
But those shoes. Why can't these ladies just wear a nice classic pump instead of those horrible 2 inch soles under it.
martinbo
Staff member
Sole provider dictates modular platform?
Mick Briesgau
Tire Trailblazer
If her heels are equivalent for the modular platform for rear wheel drive and the soles the equivalent for modular platform front wheel drive it all comes together. I like RWD and don't like FWD.
JHF
Driving Dynamics Pro
Audi RS7 Sportback painted in Apple Green Metallic looks striking
http://www.worldcarfans.com/115063095963/audi-rs7-sportback-painted-in-apple-green-metallic
http://www.worldcarfans.com/115063095963/audi-rs7-sportback-painted-in-apple-green-metallic
JHF
Driving Dynamics Pro
Audi Naples / NaplesSpeed Already at Work with New RS 7
http://fourtitude.com/news/aftermar...es-naplesspeed-already-at-work-with-new-rs-7/
http://fourtitude.com/news/aftermar...es-naplesspeed-already-at-work-with-new-rs-7/
JHF
Driving Dynamics Pro
Updated Audi RS7 piloted driving concept loses a whopping 400 kg
Baptized "Robby"
Audi has unveiled an updated version of their RS7 piloted driving concept from last year.
The original concept known as "Bobby" managed to hit a top speed of 240 km/h (149.1 mph) during a driverless lap at the Hockenheim track in Germany and now Audi has made some updates to the car and renamed it "Robby". The revised concept was tested at the Sonoma Raceway in California and managed to complete the 4.050-meter long lap on its own without any human assistance in 2:01.01.
Aside from receiving a new red & black livery, the updated RS7 piloted driving concept was put through a very strict diet as it's now about 400 kg (881.8 lbs) lighter than before, but unfortunately Audi doesn't say how they were able to remove so much bulk. We do know it's powered by the same 560 PS (412 kW) & 700 Nm (516 lb-ft) twin-turbo V8 4.0-liter found in the production RS7 Sportback facelift.
Let's not forget Audi also created a driverless A7 Sportback known as "Jack" which was tested earlier this year from Silicon Valley to Las Vegas for CES 2015 and also on the German autobahn at speeds of up to 130 km/h (80.8 mph). Moreover, the autonomous A7 took journalists gathered at CES Asia for a quick ride on the crowded streets of Shanghai.
These three concepts are more than just for show as an evolution of the technology will be implemented in the next generation A8 due to come out late 2017 after being postponedto improve the autonomous driving system.
Source: Audi
http://www.worldcarfans.com/115071396505/updated-audi-rs7-piloted-driving-concept-loses-a-whopping
Baptized "Robby"
Audi has unveiled an updated version of their RS7 piloted driving concept from last year.
The original concept known as "Bobby" managed to hit a top speed of 240 km/h (149.1 mph) during a driverless lap at the Hockenheim track in Germany and now Audi has made some updates to the car and renamed it "Robby". The revised concept was tested at the Sonoma Raceway in California and managed to complete the 4.050-meter long lap on its own without any human assistance in 2:01.01.
Aside from receiving a new red & black livery, the updated RS7 piloted driving concept was put through a very strict diet as it's now about 400 kg (881.8 lbs) lighter than before, but unfortunately Audi doesn't say how they were able to remove so much bulk. We do know it's powered by the same 560 PS (412 kW) & 700 Nm (516 lb-ft) twin-turbo V8 4.0-liter found in the production RS7 Sportback facelift.
Let's not forget Audi also created a driverless A7 Sportback known as "Jack" which was tested earlier this year from Silicon Valley to Las Vegas for CES 2015 and also on the German autobahn at speeds of up to 130 km/h (80.8 mph). Moreover, the autonomous A7 took journalists gathered at CES Asia for a quick ride on the crowded streets of Shanghai.
These three concepts are more than just for show as an evolution of the technology will be implemented in the next generation A8 due to come out late 2017 after being postponedto improve the autonomous driving system.
Source: Audi
http://www.worldcarfans.com/115071396505/updated-audi-rs7-piloted-driving-concept-loses-a-whopping
Similar threads
Audi
Audi AG is a German automotive manufacturer of luxury vehicles
headquartered in Ingolstadt, Bavaria, Germany. A subsidiary of the
Volkswagen Group, the company’s origins date back to the early 20th
century and the initial enterprises (Horch and the Audiwerke) founded
by engineer August Horch (1868–1951). Two other manufacturers (DKW
and Wanderer) also contributed to the foundation of Auto Union in 1932.
The modern Audi era began in the 1960s, when Volkswagen acquired Auto
Union from Daimler-Benz, and merged it with NSU Motorenwerke in 1969.
Official website: Audi (Global), Audi (USA)
Official website: Audi (Global), Audi (USA)
