First spyshots of RS 7 emerge after Audi boss confirmed option of 700bhp plug-in hybrid powertrain from the Porsche Panamera
Audi's next generation of four-door super-coupe is just around the corner, as our spy snappers have caught the new RS 7 Sportback testing ahead of its debut next year. It'll get the option of a 700bhp plug-in hybrid powertrain derived from Porsche. 
The standard A7 Sportback was revealed earlier this year, and the subtly evolved shape and high-tech interior will transfer over to the RS 7. This test mule sports all the usual cues of an RS Audi, with the large oval-tipped twin exhausts, beefier air intakes and oversized wheels covering bigger brakes.
Audi's head of design, Marc Lichte, confirmed to Auto Express' sister publication Evo earlier this year that the new car would be available with two powertrain options for the first time. The base RS 7 will feature the 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 found in the Porsche Panamera Turbo and Bentley Continental GT, while a more expensive version will use the Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid's 700bhp plug-in hybrid V8.
Despite the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid and forthcoming RS 7 hybrid featuring a similar petrol-electric setup, the four-door Audi is based on the new 'MLB Evo' platform shared with the Audi A8. The Panamera uses a different platform.
Lichte states the standard V8 will have around 650bhp and 800Nm of torque, with the hybrid adding plug-in power for a short all-electric range and improved performance. Both the regular RS 7 and the hybrid car will come with the latest eight-speed S-tronic gearbox, with drive going to all four wheels via the brand’s venerable quattro system.
Like the outgoing car, the new RS 7 will be capable of sprinting from 0-62mph in less than four seconds, as well as an electronically limited top speed of 155mph. Remove the limiter, however, and the RS 7 should exceed 190mph. The range-topping Hybrid will see that 0-62mph sprint reduced to about 3.5 seconds.
The RS 7 will be Audi Sport’s first plug-in hybrid when it goes on sale towards the end of 2018. It's likely to command a significant premium over its conventionally-powered V8 sibling, though prices and specs won’t be revealed until nearer the car’s launch.
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