RS7 (C8)

The usual path is an exhaust for a richer V8 sound, then an ECU and gearbox software package, which on the 4.0 TFSI is widely quoted at well over 700 PS without hardware changes. Supporting upgrades follow: cooling to manage heat on a tuned car, high-boiling brake fluid, and lowering on air or DRC suspension. Owners who track the car tend to prioritise brakes and cooling before chasing further power.

It is worth considering. With the turbos mounted inside the vee, a lot of heat is concentrated on top of the engine, and extra boost from a remap raises charge and coolant temperatures further. On the road the factory system copes well, but repeated launches, hot weather or track sessions can bring on heat soak and reduced power. Uprated radiators and heat shielding for hoses and wiring help the car deliver consistent performance.

Audi specifies fluid changes on a time basis for road use, typically every two years, because brake fluid absorbs moisture and its boiling point drops. For track days, change to a high-boiling racing fluid and bleed it before each event or at least every few sessions, as an RS7 puts a lot of heat into its brakes. A spongy pedal or longer travel after hard laps is a sign the fluid needs replacing.

Largely, for anything mechanical. Both cars share the 4.0 TFSI V8, eight-speed gearbox, cooling system and brake hardware, so radiators, heat protection and brake fluid are typically common to both. Body parts such as splitters, side skirts and diffusers are model-specific because the Sportback and Avant use different panels. Each R44 product lists its exact fitment, and saving your RS7 to My Garage filters out anything that will not suit it.

Yes. Most RS7s use adaptive air suspension, which can be lowered with adjustable links or a module that changes ride height per drive mode. Both keep the factory damping working. Cars on optional DRC steel suspension need lowering springs or coilovers instead. Keep the drop sensible, as very low settings can stress the air struts and affect the large wheels' clearance, and have a four-wheel alignment carried out afterwards.

Modifications do not automatically void a UK warranty, but Audi can reject a claim for a fault it attributes to aftermarket parts or software, and engine remaps are detectable. Supporting parts such as brake fluid, heat protection or cooling carry less risk than tuning. Every modification should be declared to your insurer, because undeclared changes can lead to a claim being refused or a policy cancelled.