t's based on the Audi A7, naturally, but only in body shape doth this RS7 share any sibling genetics. Because underneath rests the same twin-turbocharged, 4.0-litre V8 engine as used in the upcoming RS6 Avant (itself only announced last month). At this rate we'll be getting a new RS-model every few minutes.

So that V8. It's the same one used by Bentley, and Audi in the S8, producing some 552bhp and 516lb ft of torque, which if you're unaware, is a significant amount of firepower. Audi reckons that - mated to a standard eight-speed automatic box and quattro four-wheel-drive - the new RS7 will accelerate from 0-62mph in just 3.9 seconds and hit a limited top speed of 155mph.

Tick the ‘Dynamic Plus' pack and you'll raise that top speed to 189mph. Nice. Incidentally, the M6 Gran Coupe's pub-lording stats are 0-62mph in 4.2 seconds and the possibility of 189mph. Clearly, the battle for pub supremacy is won in tenths.

Saying that, the engine also gets cylinder cut-off technology; under lighter loads, four cylinders are ‘deactivated', turning the RS7 into a four-pot. Before you shudder yourself into an Internet rant, you only need to floor the accelerator and normal, 552bhp service will be resumed.

The chassis features air suspension that lowers the car by 20mm, and the option of a sports suspension setup with dynamic ride control, steel springs, three-way adjustable shocks and dynamic steering. There are mammoth brakes, as expected, measuring in at 390mm diameter discs up front, with the option of 420mm size discs and six-piston calipers. Sheesh.