Audi has many beautiful vehicles in its line-up, frankly there are few (if any) automakers out there who can compete with the Four Rings on a strictly aesthetic level. And one of their best looking vehicles, the A7 sportback, is getting the RS overhaul for 2014 — something Benz’s CLS63 and BMW’s M6 are probably dreading to hear. Welcome the 2014 Audi RS 7 Sportback, a car who’s gorgeous lines are now aligned with potent fists to match. Powered by a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8, the same found in the Europe-only RS 6, the Audi RS 7 boasts impressive numbers: 560 horsepower, 516 lb-ft of torque and a 0-62 time of just 3.9 seconds. It will also bestow the hatchback with a top speed of 155 mph — although option packages like the Dynamic and Dynamic Plus levels will pop the roof to 174 and 190 mph.

Of course the car will come loaded with technological wizardry, as is the way with Audi (its S8 being a Death Star-worthy tech adversary). An RS-optimized Quattro AWD system, torque vectoring control, head-up display and driver assist systems (e.g. adaptive cruise control, active lane assist, front collision avoidance) will all come standard. As will Drive Select, a system which allows the driver to select the suspension tightness for comfort or performance. To help out with fuel efficiency, Audi has also integrated engine stop-start and cylinder deactivation to boost its critical green credentials. Six-piston caliper carbon-fiber ceramic brakes will get you stopped in time, as will the standard 20-inch or optional 21 inch forged alloy wheels. Other exterior aesthetic cues include Audi’s signature honeycomb grill, large air dams, copious Quattro and RS badges and big dual oval exhaust tips. If you want to amplify the volume of the exhaust note, Audi is including a button the driver can push to open flaps, making RS 7 positively sing.

Inside you get your predictable melange of Alcantara, carbon-fiber and aluminum punctuated with the flat-bottomed steering wheel, but an unexpected touch is the honeycomb stitching that swathes the soft leather seats — a nice reference to the Audi’s head-turning grill pattern. No word on pricing yet, but expect it to hit 6-figures for even the base model. Sure it’s a lot, but well worth it for the Audi aficionado who’s looking for a 4-door with plenty of firepower.

More looks at the 2014 Audi RS 7 Sportback after the Jump…