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When it comes to the world of sporty sedans on the road, there are a few that reign supreme: BMW M6 GC, the M5, the Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG, the Porsche Panamera GTS, and the Cadillac CTS-V. However, there is another that should be on that list but often isn’t: the Audi RS7.

The RS7 was brought to production in 2013 with models rolling out onto dealership floors as a 2014 model year for everyone to enjoy.

Audi had strived for a long while building a range of usable and affordable luxury sedans of all shapes and sizes in the A-Class line, with sportier versions taking over in the S-Class line. However with the birth of the RS line came a beautiful blend of luxury, usability, and sport-based speed and handling.

The Audi RS7 came off the line with a modified version of the 4.0 twin-turbo V8 engine that already was housed in the S7 model, only tweaked to produce 553 horsepower and 516 pounds of torque. It can hit zero to 60 miles per hour in 3.9 seconds and is limited to a top speed of 155mph. That’s a lot of power from a four-door family sedan.

Its design carries over the majority of the base that the S7 is built on, longer, lower, and sleeker than the A7 for example, but the RS7 contains more of that “exotic car” design with angular headlights, boxier rear, and aggressive side views. Small changes like these help to set the three branches of the large Audi sedan family apart.

If you are considering getting yourself a daily driver, whether it is your one and only, or the newest edition to a packed garage, keep reading to see if the RS7 is right for you.

 

Driving Experience

Driving the RS7 is quite a lot of fun. It is usable for the everyday trek of work, errands, etc. It is not so dramatic looking on the outside where people will swerve into your lane to take a photo of you, but at the same time, it is enough to make someone take a second look when it passes them by on the main street or is sitting pretty in the gym parking lot.

Being the sportier version out of the Audi sedans the RS7 comes with a bit more fluff than its cousins. The RS7 has more spec-friendly options such as matte exterior paints, carbon fiber interior trims, power extending rear spoiler, adaptive air suspension, carbon-ceramic brakes, and options of three different designed 21-inch multi-spoke cast wheels. These options all help to give that more sporty feel for the driver and even the passengers when enjoying the RS7.

 

Audi RS7 Common Problems

It seems that overall Audi has made a reliable machine when it comes to the RS7, with the most common problems regarding the vehicle being related to user error and treating the vehicle poorly by not maintaining it correctly. However, there are currently two recalls present for the Audi RS7 which I have linked HERE. Please ensure before purchasing your RS7 that these recalls have been addressed by a licensed Audi dealership.

 

Audi RS7 Cost of Ownership/Maintenance

Audi’s, much like Mercedes or BMW’s are not as expensive as everyone believes they are to maintain. Are they more expensive than your average Kia or Dodge? Yes of course, but they are nowhere near as expensive as the Lamborghini’s or Ferrari’s of the world.

A lot of work on Audi’s can be done at trusted third-party mechanic shops, as their construction is rather simple if the shop is familiar with German cars.

Tires will be on the more expensive side, however, depending upon the brand you choose. For a performance model car such as the RS7 we always recommend Continental’s if you are looking on the less expensive side of the spectrum, Michelin in the middle, and Pirelli if you are looking to go all out. As you aren’t tracking the sedan every other weekend, you shouldn’t have to worry too much on the tire side if you got a PPI done beforehand and know how much tread is left on the tires of your RS7.

 

Audi RS7 Model Year Changes

2014-2016 The models remained pretty much the same aside from technological upgrades.

2017 The Performance model is introduced to the line-up, offering a more sporty feel to the luxury brand. Smartphone integration coming standard in 2017 and newer models.

2018 Sport exhaust becomes standard on all models of the RS7

2019-2020 The major facelift of the RS7 “Sportback”, sleeker more angular body style, LED taillight upgrade, front bumper/headlight upgrade, new interior designed, higher-end standard technology, up-tick in engine output and performance.

 

Audi RS7 Options

Though the options on the Audi RS7 aren’t endless like they would be on a Ferrari, there are still important options to note and with said options, the RS7 you inquire about could be better or worse for resale.

Matte or Nardo Grey paint is always favored, 21-inch wheels are also preferred, upgraded Bang & Olufsen sound system is a plus, as well as carbon fiber interior trim, heads-up display, and the dynamic package.

If you’d like to see a full list of the options as well as the dollar In which they add to the MSRP, check out this link.

 

Best Audi RS7 To Buy

With the current market, believe it or not, the RS7’s have been rather steady in the market, with no massive dips but rather trending level. For me, the 2015-2016 Prestige models are were it is going to be at in terms of hacking. The color scheme plays a great role in these cars, metallic paint, as well as matte/nardo, all do better for resale versus the basic whites or blacks. Any car with the aforementioned options in our last section will always do better for resale.

 

Conclusion

The Audi RS7 (first gen) is A LOT of car for the money, and owning one will truly give you a sporty feeling with that highly sought-after daily driver usability. The RS7 is one of those cars where if you can only have one in the garage, you get the best of both worlds in one clean, sleek, and beautiful German ride.

For more than a century, the Bentley has been synonymous with pure luxury. Many in the world aspire to own one of its vehicles because the quality and prestige it confers are second to none. And because of its lofty position in the market, very few car makers in the world can proclaim that it is of the same status as Bentley.

Without a doubt, cars from Bentleys are built with exceptional comfort, top-notch performance and grandeur in mind. Every car out of its manufacture in Crewe, North-West England, involves the human touch. This is what sets luxury apart from its commercialised counterparts. At the core of the company, it is about providing unrivalled craftsmanship and performance to its customers. To achieve this standard of excellence, thousands of highly skilled craftspeople are involved in every aspect of crafting each car. 

Craftsmanship is an important aspect of design and it transcends boundaries to include an array of industries. In architecture, the construction and design of a project are paramount but equally important is the intent that goes behind the creative process.

A well-designed building is one that checks all the requirements in the brief given but also takes into consideration the intangible aspects. This is where the human factor comes into play — “humanising” buildings such that they are desirable to live in.

No one understands this quite like award-winning architect Yip Yuen Hong. A four-time recipient of the prestigious President’s Design Award, the designer fully understands what good design is. The ability to personalise an experience is the pinnacle of luxury, and this quality is a common trait between Bentley and Yip.

The physical manifestation of this commonality is the Bentley Bentayga V8. This luxurious SUV is the embodiment of what craftsmanship is to the British marque and Yip, and it excels in three distinct areas: performance, comfort and luxury. 

Powering the Bentayga is its twin-turbocharged V8 engine that is capable of reaching 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds. Bentley’s characteristics of phenomenal torque at low engine speeds and ample reserves of power are spectacular, it can reach a maximum of 770 Nm at an engine speed of under 2,000 rpm. 

The exterior of the Bentayga presents a muscular, broad-shouldered look. When viewed from the front, the SUV exudes an air of stateliness thanks to the wide grille flanked by the cut crystal headlights. And four 21-inch five twin-spoke wheels ensure a smooth and luxurious ride.

Moving into the interior of the Bentayga, this is where craftsmanship is exhibited to the fullest. One of the most striking features of a Bentley interior is the ring of veneer that encircles the cabin. Utilising what is known as mirror-matching, the talented craftsmen at Bentley use sheets of veneer taken from the same section of a single tree to create a continuous grain pattern that rings the driver and passengers. 

Meanwhile, the upholstery of the cabin uses approximately 15 leather hides, all hand-picked from herds that graze high above sea level in Northern Europe. Bentley takes pride in not using any plastic leather substitutes in its cars. 

The supple leather hides are given an added flair through the various weave patterns. The styles include decorative contrast stitching, hand cross-stitching and embroidery. Owners can even take things up a notch, opting for micro piping instead of conventional piping. The detailing work here epitomise Bentley’s commitment to exquisite craftsmanship and these are all done by hand. It is only through the masterly skills of the craftsmen in Crewe that the stringent requirements of Bentley can be met.

To be able to personalise a Bentley car is part of the customer experience at the British brand. Each owner’s needs are unique and the Bentayga can be commissioned to match those precise requirements. The team will provide recommendations for any modifications and make the car truly theirs.

Yip is familiar with this ethos. His completed projects such as Martin Modern and at 44 Kasai Road are representative of the architect’s vision of craftsmanship. The latter even won the Building of the Year at the Singapore Institute of Architects’ Architectural Design Awards in 2019. 

“To create good architecture, you have to understand human nature and how people use space. In the end it is really just for people, so I want to create well-crafted places and houses that are built to last,” says Yip. 

Ultimately, to both Bentley and Yip, craftsmanship is the creation of long-lasting products that are not flamboyant and outlandish — it is about understated luxury that requires no introduction.

For more information about the Bentley Bentayga, click here.

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While Tesla is dominating the world of electric vehicles, some people might be put off by their lineup of vehicles, its eccentric CEO Elon Musk, or both. This could be a blessing for rival company Rivian.

The US automaker is focused on electric trucks and SUVs that are expected to go public later this year. A key part of Rivian’s appeal is how different it is from Tesla.

In an interview with CNN Business, drivers who have pre-ordered with Rivian say that the vehicles are better suited for an outdoorsy lifestyle, and have a more conventional, rugged appearance. Some have also said Rivian’s environmental focus seems more sincere and its mission more people-oriented compared to Tesla.

Electric vehicle enthusiasts have said their opinion of Musk had soured over the years. From his controversial tweets to calling a rescue worker in Thailand “pedo guy”, to mocking the Securities and Exchange Commission. The drivers interviewed said they preferred the low-profile Rivian CEO, RJ Scaringe.

• READ MORE: Top Luxurious Electric Cars in 2021

“Sometimes Musk can come across as a Bond villain or something, RJ does not give me those vibes,” said Stephen Henken, who has ordered a Rivian R1S.

Scaringe graduated with a PhD in mechanical engineering from MIT and founded Rivian in 2009. From then until now, the company has made sure to turn itself into a full-fledged automaker before ever selling a car.

Rivian purchased a former Mitsubishi manufacturing plant in 2017 and the company has raised US$10.5 billion since 2019 from various sources, including giants Amazon and Ford. The company markets itself as an adventure-focused brand. Its mission? To “inspire people to do more of the things they love, while minimizing our impact on the planet”.

Rivian also offers the option to purchase a tent that mounts atop its vehicles and sells specific mounts for bikes, snowboards, skis, kayaks, and surfboards. Other companies such as Ford and Subaru offer similar attachments, while Tesla does not.

Of course, there’s a risk that Rivian will overpromise and under-deliver. David Kirsch, a professor at the University of Maryland’s business school, said Rivian’s team, product, and investors all look promising, but there are no guarantees it will meet expectations.

“You see concept images of a car, you get excited. You see a facility to build it, you get excited. You see production versions and get more excited,” said Karl Brauer, executive analyst at iSeeCars.com. “But none of that means anything once the person buys the car.”

Also happening in car news, Audi Sport has been running tests on its Audi RS Q e-tron in Morrocco in preparation for the Dakar Rally next year in Saudi Arabia. The war was pushed to its extremes in the high temperatures of the desert, along with sandstorms hampering progress.

For more motoring reads, click here.

The post What Sets Rivian Apart From Tesla appeared first on LUXUO.

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars announced today that it will be releasing its first fully electric car, the Spectre. The vehicle is an ode to its founding fathers, Charles Rolls and Sir Henry Royce who both wanted to create the best motorcar in the world. 

Rolls had prophesied an electric future for automobiles. In 1900, Rolls created an early version of an electric car called the Columbia and decided electric vehicles would be ideal.

“The electric car is perfectly noiseless and clean,” he said. “There is no smell or vibration, and they should become very useful when fixed charging stations can be arranged. But for now, I do not anticipate that they will be very serviceable – at least for many years to come.”

• READ MORE: Salon Privé 2021: Rolls-Royce Celebrates Bespoke Commissions

The Spectre is the answer to Rolls’ promise to himself. And CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös has promised that Rolls-Royce will go electric starting this decade, expecting to be fully electric by 2030.

Müller-Ötvös described the car as “the first super-luxury car of its type”. 

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Rolls-Royce has been involved in electric automobiles since 2011, when it revealed the 102EX, an electric-battery operated Phantom. This was followed by the 103EX in 2016, its first entirely electric vehicle. The Spectre, however, is the real deal and is scheduled to hit the market in Q4 2024.

• READ MORE: Top Luxurious Electric Cars in 2021

It is also said that Rolls-Royce has conceived the most demanding testing programme in its history. It will push the car to its limits, covering 2.5 million kilometres, travelling the world to test them on road. It will be tested in all conditions and terrains. 

More information about the Spectre can be found on Rolls-Royce’s website.

Rolls-Royce isn’t the only automaker with exciting electric vehicle news. US-based Rivian is also set to launch its own line of electric trucks and SUVs, scheduled to be released later this year. Offering electric vehicles to those with an outdoorsy lifestyle. Its hoping to offer consumers what Tesla can’t, in terms of functionality and personality.

For more car reads, click here.

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As the 25th James Bond movie arrives in cinemas this week, we say goodbye to Daniel Craig as he retires from the 007 role. However, there is some good news for James Bond fans as “No Time To Die” features an extremely exciting car chase scene.

One of the most iconic aspects of James Bond movies is the various cars that make their way onto the silver screen. While fans everywhere would like to debate who the best Bond is, we’re wondering which Bond had the coolest car? 

• READ MORE: Tom Ford defines the Measure of A Man for James Bond and regular Joes

1. Aston Martin DB5 – Goldfinger (1964)

Arguably the most famous Bond car of all, Aston Martin’s DB5 made its first appearance with Sean Connery in “Goldfinger” — a movie that would catapult the James Bond franchise into its legendary status. 

It introduced audiences to the famous suite of gadgets: machine guns, tyre slashers, hydraulic rams, and the ejector seat. The DB5 was also launched only three months prior to filming the movie. 

2. Lotus Esprit S1 – The Spy Who Loved Me (1977)

Another car also made iconic by the film franchise, the Lotus Esprit first appeared in 1977’s “The Spy Who Loved Me” starring the late Sir Roger Moore. This car was especially unique as it was a fully functioning working submarine with anti-aircraft missiles.

The actual vehicle right now is owned by Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla.

3. Aston Martin V8 Vantage – The Living Daylights (1987)

Another Aston Martin, this time for Timothy Dalton in 1987. Gadgets included a control panel under the armrest for wheel lasers, missiles, pop-out spiked tyres, a rocket booster, and a police radio receiver. 

The car was also bulletproof. If all the gear were real, the car would weigh in at an estimated 800 million kilograms. 

• READ MORE: Bentley: Master Architect in the Field of Car-making

4. Tuk-tuk – Octopussy (1983)

Technically not really an actual “car”, this Bajaj RE, or tuktuk or autorickshaw was driven by Roger Moore for the 13th 007 film, “Octopussy”. 

The scene involved Bond winning a high-stakes backgammon game against an Afghan prince, and then hooking up with MI6 agent Vijay for a sharp exit. The duo is then pursued by said prince’s goon, wielding a shotgun in a similar-looking vehicle.

5. Renault 11 TXE – A View To A Kill (1985)

The car became famous for its ability to soldier on after suffering a mortifying injury: the roof being removed as Bond drives under a lorry, and the rear half of the car being cut off after being hit by another vehicle. Funnily enough, both halves of the car went on sale just a couple of years ago. Watch the iconic scene below:

6. Mercury Cougar XR7 – On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1969)

This one isn’t technically a Bond car. It belonged to Tracy di Vicenzo (played by Diana Rigg), Bond’s (played by George Lazenby) wife. The Mercury Cougar was the brand’s take on the Ford Mustang, fitted with a ram air hood scoop, rally wheels, high-backed bucket seats, and a full gauge kit. 

7. Citroen 2CV – For Your Eyes Only (1981)

While it was lacking in gadgets, this car more than made up for it in boldness. While Roger Moore’s Bond escapes from villains in more powerful Peugeot 504s, the little yellow car manages to escape bullets and drive down the side of mountains without breaking. It also survives being inverted and then thrown back onto its wheels by helpful bystanders. 

For more car reads, click here.

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