A sinister beauty: 2016 Audi S7 Quattro (pictures)

This sinister beauty is the 2016 Audi S7 4.0T quattro.

It's classified as a sedan, but the S7 features a liftback design that blends with coupe and wagon elements.

The S7 is a higher-performance variant of Audi's A7 large sedan. The S is for "Sport."

In addition to the go-faster bits, the S7 also features a darker, more sinister look than the A7.

The darkened grille and more aggressive bumper are subtle tweaks that add aggression to the fascia.

The S7's roofline extends nearly to the rear drop-off, giving the sedan a very coupelike silhouette.

Beneath the Audi's hood is a 4.0-liter, twin-turbocharged V-8 engine.

Power is stated at 450 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque.

Zero-to-60 mph happens in just 4.5 seconds.

The headlamps feature full LED illumination, including the daytime running accents. Automatic high-beam illumination is part of an optional Driver Assistance package.

The S7's upgraded brakes grip 15.7-inch rotors up front and 14-inch rotors out back.

To keep the aerofoil-shaped body from lifting at speed, a small spoiler deploys.

The spoiler automatically lifts at about 80 mph, but drivers can lift it manually with the touch of a button.

19-inch wheels are standard equipment, but our example has been upgraded with 21-inch rollers.

The low and wide design continues around to the rear end, where the sedan's hips seem to flare out.

The liftback design gives wide and free access to the 24.5 cubic feet of rear cargo space.

The liftback raises and lowers at the touch of a button.

The sedan rides on Audi's air suspension, which gets a firmer tune for the S model.

Three different modes change suspension's behavior between dynamic, auto and comfort settings.

Some of the driver aid functions are powered by a camera located at the top of the windshield.

A head-up display is projected onto the windshield.

The headlamps and HUD are controlled via this bank of knobs and buttons.