Considering a 17 RS7 Performance- had a 14 RS7 with DRC... Questions

[vic55]

As title states, I was an owner of a 2014 RS7 with DRC back in March of 2014. I had a GIAC tune and it ripped but it did have alot of body roll which was fixed with wider sway bars and KW HAS (to an extent). I do have some regret dumping it for, of all things, a Ferrari FF. So Im back considering the 17 after going thru a bunch of other cars in the interim. Some questions I have but feel free to inform me of other things if you are so inclined that I may have missed:

Outside of the obvious items that the Performance Edition has over my 14 (hp/tq, brakes)- what else might be noticed from a driving standpoint?

1. Sway bars- are they thicker than my 14? Body roll in general?
2. Shocks- are they better than my 14
3. How is the Quattro understeer? Is it reduced?
4. Anyone lowered theirs with the H&R springs.. the KW's were ok but still had some lean (better than the oem springs)
5. TQ steer, is that still prevalent?

Again, I appreciate any comments. Normally my advice here is to go test drive one but I have been traveling and the dealer just threw out an offer so absent of the drive I will seek out the experts here.

[Serpent]

Unfortunately, I only have a regular RS7 with air suspension so i can't answer to the RS7P, hopefully couple of the guys with Ps will chime in.


Not to take the thread off-topic: What did you think about the FF? likes/dislikes? There's a guy at my work that drives one but I never run into him to ask in person.

[vic55]

Unfortunately, I only have a regular RS7 with air suspension so i can't answer to the RS7P, hopefully couple of the guys with Ps will chime in.


Not to take the thread off-topic: What did you think about the FF? likes/dislikes? There's a guy at my work that drives one but I never run into him to ask in person.

It was a 2012 with dated technology inside and I was using it as a daily; I had for about a year and then ADD of car ownership set in and I got something else.. The V12 sounded great but in traffic (so cal) the auto mode was very sluggish and not intuitive. Even though it had more hp (stock vs stock) than my RS7 it just didnt feel as fast even though its AWD too, especially from a dig.

[MBrock]

Just get the thing already. It's miles ahead of any four door rocket that you've previously owned.

Is the Telsa P100D still not a consideration?

[vic55]

Just get the thing already. It's miles ahead of any four door rocket that you've previously owned.

Is the Telsa P100D still not a consideration?

Shut it LOL....

No, I need to hear myself speed.

[Ze_Nardo6]

Shut it LOL....

No, I need to hear myself speed.

Good man

[limeypride]

As title states, I was an owner of a 2014 RS7 with DRC back in March of 2014. I had a GIAC tune and it ripped but it did have alot of body roll which was fixed with wider sway bars and KW HAS (to an extent). I do have some regret dumping it for, of all things, a Ferrari FF. So Im back considering the 17 after going thru a bunch of other cars in the interim. Some questions I have but feel free to inform me of other things if you are so inclined that I may have missed:

Outside of the obvious items that the Performance Edition has over my 14 (hp/tq, brakes)- what else might be noticed from a driving standpoint?

1. Sway bars- are they thicker than my 14? Body roll in general?
2. Shocks- are they better than my 14
3. How is the Quattro understeer? Is it reduced?
4. Anyone lowered theirs with the H&R springs.. the KW's were ok but still had some lean (better than the oem springs)
5. TQ steer, is that still prevalent?

Again, I appreciate any comments. Normally my advice here is to go test drive one but I have been traveling and the dealer just threw out an offer so absent of the drive I will seek out the experts here.

I'm not too much use here but I can speak subjectively to the shocks (assuming you're asking about comfort/handling) and objectively to the torque steer question:
- torque steer: yes, there's $hite loads of it... manageable but ever-present
- in comfort, the car's comfortable; in dynamic, it's rock hard

The ceramic brakes are good... grabby to begin with but they've worn in nicely.

To my mind, the Performance isn't worth it unless you're getting it because it happened to be on a car you liked for other reasons. For me, I wanted the 1/50 in the world Titanium package and it came with that but I wouldn't spec it a-la-carte... especially if you're planning to tune.

[3rdBNCC]

Can't say that there's anything I like about DRC. Hated it in the RS5 and wouldn't consider it an option for me in a RS7. Just one man's opinion but I would rather have the flexibility of the air suspension. There are plenty of aftermarket components that will help stabilize the car, but your options are very limited with DRC in terms of improving ride quality. For me, this is a luxury car first and then a very fast luxury car.

TBH I thought Audi did away with DRC because of past issues and was surprised that the P had it. To each their own but the P model to me is not worth the extra $$$ and especially if you plan to tune it.

[limeypride]

Can't say that there's anything I like about DRC. Hated it in the RS5 and wouldn't consider it an option for me in a RS7. Just one man's opinion but I would rather have the flexibility of the air suspension. There are plenty of aftermarket components that will help stabilize the car, but your options are very limited with DRC in terms of improving ride quality. For me, this is a luxury car first and then a very fast luxury car.

TBH I thought Audi did away with DRC because of past issues and was surprised that the P had it. To each their own but the P model to me is not worth the extra $$$ and especially if you plan to tune it.

HOW DARE YOU!! I agree entirely

[3rdBNCC]

HOW DARE YOU!! I agree entirely

You should have asked me first Dean. Lol. Of course I do love you car, simply beautiful but would love it more with air suspension. Sorry bro!

[cobrario]

I'm not too much use here but I can speak subjectively to the shocks (assuming you're asking about comfort/handling) and objectively to the torque steer question:
- torque steer: yes, there's $hite loads of it... manageable but ever-present
- in comfort, the car's comfortable; in dynamic, it's rock hard

The ceramic brakes are good... grabby to begin with but they've worn in nicely.

To my mind, the Performance isn't worth it unless you're getting it because it happened to be on a car you liked for other reasons. For me, I wanted the 1/50 in the world Titanium package and it came with that but I wouldn't spec it a-la-carte... especially if you're planning to tune.

Preach it brother! The RS7 is a sledge hammer not a scalpel- and I love it!

[limeypride]

You should have asked me first Dean. Lol. Of course I do love you car, simply beautiful but would love it more with air suspension. Sorry bro!

Yeah, yeah--I see you drooling over my alcantara exhaust and Akrapovic-covered interior (yes, yes--the mistake was an attempt at humour.

[Serpent]

alcantara exhaust

Alcantara is the one thing I wish I should've gotten in my car :(

[limeypride]

Alcantara is the one thing I wish I should've gotten in my car :(

I'm certainly liking it so far but I worry about its wear characteristics... time will tell.

[warp_ix]

Alcantara is the one thing I wish I should've gotten in my car :(

The Alcantara was a must-have for me. So glad I did, it really elevates the interior. Sorry if I'm just rubbing it in

[limeypride]

The Alcantara was a must-have for me. So glad I did, it really elevates the interior. Sorry if I'm just rubbing it in

Doh, harsh! Hehe...

I was initially not a fan of the steering wheel segments in Alcantara but I've grown to like that. As of today (direct sunlight on the seats), I've grown to love the seat-inserts even more.

[Djpeaksd]

Not sure if this an option for you but a guy in our local Audi chapter has a new RS7 titanium package that he installed air suspension on.

[Ze_Nardo6]

For me, I wanted the 1/50 in the world Titanium package and it came with that but I wouldn't spec it a-la-carte... especially if you're planning to tune.

1 of 50 for the US...there are more worldwide. Still rare as can be, just educating.

Not sure if this an option for you but a guy in our local Audi chapter has a new RS7 titanium package that he installed air suspension on.

That is a custom job. He swapped the DRC for air as you said. I believe the only one to do so thus far!

God I love those wheels

[cobrario]

God I love those wheels

wheels are sweet and that factory 35mm ET lets you drop it way low- sadly those of us with the roller skate look can't do that

[RSLRS71]

As title states, I was an owner of a 2014 RS7 with DRC back in March of 2014. I had a GIAC tune and it ripped but it did have alot of body roll which was fixed with wider sway bars and KW HAS (to an extent). I do have some regret dumping it for, of all things, a Ferrari FF. So Im back considering the 17 after going thru a bunch of other cars in the interim. Some questions I have but feel free to inform me of other things if you are so inclined that I may have missed:

Outside of the obvious items that the Performance Edition has over my 14 (hp/tq, brakes)- what else might be noticed from a driving standpoint?

1. Sway bars- are they thicker than my 14? Body roll in general? Purchased the Euro Code Sway bars and end links but have held off installing them as i have heard they are more of a headache, with regard to squeaking and such, than a benefit
2. Shocks- are they better than my 14 - I would assume?
3. How is the Quattro understeer? Is it reduced?
4. Anyone lowered theirs with the H&R springs.. the KW's were ok but still had some lean (better than the oem springs) - installed the K&W HAS but havent had it back yet...will keep you posted.
5. TQ steer, is that still prevalent?

Again, I appreciate any comments. Normally my advice here is to go test drive one but I have been traveling and the dealer just threw out an offer so absent of the drive I will seek out the experts here.

Overall, it is hard for me to compare since i didnt have a 14', but i have a feeling that lowering the ride along with the wider wheels (10.5") will roughen the ride substantially....holding off on the sway bars and links until i see how the ride is before hand.

[RSLRS71]

HOW DARE YOU!! I agree entirely

i disagree! lol i prefer it to be a sports sedan before a luxury car....coming from a need for speed background.....

[limeypride]

1 of 50 for the US...there are more worldwide. Still rare as can be, just educating.

Thanks.

Give it a week and my enthusiasm + age will replace this new fact with the preferable one...

God I love those wheels

I love 'em, too, but the fact that they're 9" rims makes them temporary for me (most).

[vic55]

Thanks for the input and other cool banter :)

I'm not too much use here but I can speak subjectively to the shocks (assuming you're asking about comfort/handling) and objectively to the torque steer question:
- torque steer: yes, there's $hite loads of it... manageable but ever-present
- in comfort, the car's comfortable; in dynamic, it's rock hard

The ceramic brakes are good... grabby to begin with but they've worn in nicely.

To my mind, the Performance isn't worth it unless you're getting it because it happened to be on a car you liked for other reasons. For me, I wanted the 1/50 in the world Titanium package and it came with that but I wouldn't spec it a-la-carte... especially if you're planning to tune.

Im not adverse to a non Performance car but my friend who owns the store only has a Performance car in Daytona Matte... with probably too many options I dont care about LOL. Ill make a call on it today or tomorrow but here is the car at the store:

[CanuckRS]

looks good, just needs a 2" drop.

[vic55]

looks good, just needs a 2" drop.

without a doubt and I dont think the KW's go that low....

[cobrario]

Thanks for the input and other cool banter :)



Im not adverse to a non Performance car but my friend who owns the store only has a Performance car in Daytona Matte... with probably too many options I dont care about LOL. Ill make a call on it today or tomorrow but here is the car at the store:

It is a beautiful car and there is no "wrong" decision here- but I personally couldn't deal with that stock ride height and if I did pull the trigger would have to put the lowering plans in motion asap.

such as- that's 50mm actually, a little too low to be honest, 30mm is perfect in my estimation.



Good luck!

[SilvaDolla]

There are several people saying the Performance package isn't worth it - but it was to me. I compared the regular RS7 optioned out with "Carbon Optic package", "Sport exhaust", and the upgraded interior "Inlays". All of these are basically included with the Performance package. Plus you get beautiful carbon fiber mirror, and ceramic brakes -- there are probably dozens of threads on this site of people complaining about their brake dust, and with ceramic brake pads it's not an issue at all. Plus you get sort of a "mini-tune" with the extra HP/torque.

As far as the DRC - I have the '17 Performance. To me it feels quite stiff in Dynamic mode, with very little roll/sway but I don't have anything to compare it to - I never drove the '14 model.

[Serpent]

The Alcantara was a must-have for me. So glad I did, it really elevates the interior. Sorry if I'm just rubbing it in

I have it on the doors etc, i just wish it was everywhere lol

[vic55]

It is a beautiful car and there is no "wrong" decision here- but I personally couldn't deal with that stock ride height and if I did pull the trigger would have to put the lowering plans in motion asap.

such as- that's 50mm actually, a little too low to be honest, 30mm is perfect in my estimation.

Good luck!

Thanks, if I get it- KW is the first call :) I think thats the most drop I can get from springs that are available. I still have my spacers from my 14 so Ill just employ those.

There are several people saying the Performance package isn't worth it - but it was to me. I compared the regular RS7 optioned out with "Carbon Optic package", "Sport exhaust", and the upgraded interior "Inlays". All of these are basically included with the Performance package. Plus you get beautiful carbon fiber mirror, and ceramic brakes -- there are probably dozens of threads on this site of people complaining about their brake dust, and with ceramic brake pads it's not an issue at all. Plus you get sort of a "mini-tune" with the extra HP/torque.

As far as the DRC - I have the '17 Performance. To me it feels quite stiff in Dynamic mode, with very little roll/sway but I don't have anything to compare it to - I never drove the '14 model.

Thanks and I agree on all your "plug and play" points that come with the car.


Here was my 14 lowered on KW HAS with DRC:

[3rdBNCC]

Thanks for the input and other cool banter :)



Im not adverse to a non Performance car but my friend who owns the store only has a Performance car in Daytona Matte... with probably too many options I dont care about LOL. Ill make a call on it today or tomorrow but here is the car at the store:

Beautiful car.

[limeypride]

There are several people saying the Performance package isn't worth it - but it was to me. I compared the regular RS7 optioned out with "Carbon Optic package", "Sport exhaust", and the upgraded interior "Inlays". All of these are basically included with the Performance package. Plus you get beautiful carbon fiber mirror, and ceramic brakes -- there are probably dozens of threads on this site of people complaining about their brake dust, and with ceramic brake pads it's not an issue at all. Plus you get sort of a "mini-tune" with the extra HP/torque.

As far as the DRC - I have the '17 Performance. To me it feels quite stiff in Dynamic mode, with very little roll/sway but I don't have anything to compare it to - I never drove the '14 model.

I think it's mainly me saying 'Performance not worth it'... I don't recall seeing anyone else.

Anyhoo, here's why I say that: my car is a Titanium edition which thoroughly mods the styling, wing mirrors, front splitter, rear diffuser, headliner, steering wheel, seats and seat-stitching, floor mats, seat belts, leather and exhaust (I've probably missed some, too). If I could have had this edition on a regular Prestige model, I'd haven taken it since there's virtually nothing (nothing at all?) of the Performance model's interior accoutrements remaining. I'd have preferred the air suspension since it's controllable via coding so I can lower ride height without open-heart surgery. The ceramic brakes are good and I've had no real issues with them but they're no better in daily driving than regular brakes and their replacement cost is often over double compared to regular brakes. The wheels are very nice but they're only 9" rims so they've got to go next. So I'm left with performance tweaks alone... which were cancelled out by the tune. Short story: $20+K for... what?

[limeypride]

Here was my 14 lowered on KW HAS with DRC:

Did that ride just horribly?

[cobrario]

I think it's mainly me saying 'Performance not worth it'... I don't recall seeing anyone else.

Anyhoo, here's why I say that: my car is a Titanium edition which thoroughly mods the styling, wing mirrors, front splitter, rear diffuser, headliner, steering wheel, seats and seat-stitching, floor mats, seat belts, leather and exhaust (I've probably missed some, too). If I could have had this edition on a regular Prestige model, I'd haven taken it since there's virtually nothing (nothing at all?) of the Performance model's interior accoutrements remaining. I'd have preferred the air suspension since it's controllable via coding so I can lower ride height without open-heart surgery. The ceramic brakes are good and I've had no real issues with them but they're no better in daily driving than regular brakes and their replacement cost is often over double compared to regular brakes. The wheels are very nice but they're only 9" rims so they've got to go next. So I'm left with performance tweaks alone... which were cancelled out by the tune. Short story: $20+K for... what?

I completely agree- and this is not bagging on the Performance model guys at all, but if you're not using the CC brakes as designed (i.e Track use) what's the point?
- plus they're horrifically expensive to replace, if any of you guys actually have yours long enough to do so. The 605hp vs. 560hp has yet to be proven in my eyes, I know I'm the wannabe, bitter little cynic of the group but I'd have to see a stock P model time slip (not some magazine road test either) to prove to me it's any faster than the 560hp Prestige. Just my .02 and again, I'm not trying to blast anyone but if we're really discussing the differences and logic behind considering one v the other these are the points of discussion for me.

[vic55]

Did that ride just horribly?

No... the KW progressive springs were just fine and I actually felt it was better over undulations and rough roads than the OEM springs. The OEM ride was, just like others described here, as rough in Dynamic and ok in comfort. The spring rates of the KW's made it more endurable. What really helped in the handling department was the adding of the Eurocode sways which helped in lateral acceleration and movement and reduction in yaw.

[socialpro]

No... the KW progressive springs were just fine and I actually felt it was better over undulations and rough roads than the OEM springs. The OEM ride was, just like others described here, as rough in Dynamic and ok in comfort. The spring rates of the KW's made it more endurable. What really helped in the handling department was the adding of the Eurocode sways which helped in lateral acceleration and movement and reduction in yaw.

Have the 034 rear sway (stiffer setting out of the 2) on my air suspension RS7 (on stock 21s) - and cannot see wanting it ANY stiffer then it was in dynamic setting, outside of track use.

I also heavily debated on air vs DRC - and ultimately went with air (as it was easier to find one with specs I wanted), and I figured with easy adjustability (height control, sway bar add ons etc) - its a no brainer if I need to alter the feel and handling of the car. DRC is more involved obviously to change up ride heights, etc.

What I picked up on which would be the 'greatest' option on the RS7 is the daytona matte paint option. You can always modify suspension feel - but that stock paint option is just

Keep us posted on what you decide - your previous RS was just drool :) :)

[RSLRS71]

I think it's mainly me saying 'Performance not worth it'... I don't recall seeing anyone else.

Anyhoo, here's why I say that: my car is a Titanium edition which thoroughly mods the styling, wing mirrors, front splitter, rear diffuser, headliner, steering wheel, seats and seat-stitching, floor mats, seat belts, leather and exhaust (I've probably missed some, too). If I could have had this edition on a regular Prestige model, I'd haven taken it since there's virtually nothing (nothing at all?) of the Performance model's interior accoutrements remaining. I'd have preferred the air suspension since it's controllable via coding so I can lower ride height without open-heart surgery. The ceramic brakes are good and I've had no real issues with them but they're no better in daily driving than regular brakes and their replacement cost is often over double compared to regular brakes. The wheels are very nice but they're only 9" rims so they've got to go next. So I'm left with performance tweaks alone... which were cancelled out by the tune. Short story: $20+K for... what?

a better looking car once you have the right rims on it. ;) ceramic disc look killer with the right wheels IMO

MONSTERS!!!