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2016 Audi RS 7 Performance gets 605 horsepower and 190 mph top speed (pictures)

Audi pushes the performance envelope further for the RS 7 Performance by adding more power, dynamic ride control suspension and carbon ceramic brakes.

Jon Wong
Jon Wong was a reviews editor for CNET Cars. He test drove and wrote about new cars and oversaw coverage of automotive accessories and garage gear. In his spare time, he enjoys track days, caring for his fleet of old Japanese cars and searching for the next one to add to his garage.
Jon Wong
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If the 560 horsepower RS 7 isn't powerful enough for you, then the RS 7 Performance with 605 horsepower is for you.

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The RS 7 Performance's 605 horsepower helps propel it to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds.

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Top track speed of the RS 7 Performance is 190 mph.

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Upgrading to the RS 7 Performance from the RS 7 will cost you an extra $20,100.

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Audi's Dynamic Ride Control suspension replaces the air suspension system on the RS 7 Performance.

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Carbon ceramic brakes is an additional standard feature on the RS 7 Performance.

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A sport exhaust system with black tailpipes is standard on the RS 7 Performance.

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A gloss black RS grille is exclusive to the RS 7 Performance.

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The RS 7 Performance rides on standard 21-inch cast aluminum wheels.

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Four different 21-inch wheel designs are available on the RS 7 Performance.

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With overboost, the 4.0-liter turbo V-8 engine produces 553 pound-feet of torque.

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LED headlights are standard on the RS 7 Performance.

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Taillights are also LED.

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Instead of a 174 top speed like the regular RS 7, the Performance version is limited to 190 mph.

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An eight-speed automatic transmission is connected to the RS 7 Performance's turbocharged V-8 engine.

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A torque vectoring rear differential is standard to improve the RS 7 Performance's cornering abilities.

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Carbon-fiber trim pieces dress the front end of the RS 7 Performance.

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Base price for the RS 7 Performance is $129,000.

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An night vision assist system is a $2,500 option on the RS 7 Performnace.

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Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities will be available in the A7 family of vehicles this summer.

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A head-up display is standard in the RS 7 Performance.

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A new turbocharger and modified exhaust valves help bump output of the turbocharged V-8 to 605 horsepower.

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The LED headlights on the RS 7 Performance.

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Honeycomb grille inserts on the RS 7 Performance.

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The RS 7 badge on the honeycomb grille.

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Carbon-fiber lip spoiler on the RS 7 Performance.

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One of the four available 21-inch wheel designs available.

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Carbon-fiber mirror housings.

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The rear badge on the 605 horsepower RS 7 Performance.

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The rear hatch opened up on the RS 7 Performance.

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The trunk offers 24.5 cubic-feet of cargo space.

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The cabin of the RS 7 Performance.

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The three-spoke, flat-bottom steering wheel inside of the RS 7 Performance.

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Carbon-fiber interior trim comes standard.

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The tachometer on the main gauge cluster in the RS 7 Performance.

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The center infotainment screen of the RS 7 Performance.

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HVAC controls consist of traditional buttons and knobs.

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The controls for the Audi MMI system are mounted on the center console.

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The Audi Quattro all-wheel-drive badge mounted inside of the cabin.

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Honeycomb stitching decorates the seats inside of the RS 7 Performance's cabin.

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Embossed RS 7 symbols in the front seat backs.

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The rear seat of the RS 7 Performance with honeycomb accent stitching.

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A rear side sill greet passengers getting into the backseat.

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Ascari blue metallic paint is a color exclusive to the RS 7 Performance.

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The three-spoke, flat-bottom sport steering wheel features paddle shifters.

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Blue accent stitching and carbon twill blue inlays are available in the cabin of the RS 7 Performance.

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The available blue accent stitching.

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