My FH5 Log: Progressive Values

Audi's tagline, Progress is an Attitude, truly showcased the German luxury car brand's progressive values when it comes to how much hard work they've implied. Of course, they may not be as cool as either a Mercedes-Benz or a BMW but when it comes to technology and behavior, Audi's a real standing ovation.

That's why Forza Horizon 5's Horizon Road Trip update showcased two progressively new Audis for us to try; the RS7 Sportback C8 and the first-ever Audi RS e-tron GT.

Beginning with the second-generation RS7 Sportback that I've obtained from the Storm Season Playlist, the ultimate version of the second-generation A7 is powered by a powerful 4.0L V8 TFSi engine with the 48-volt electrical system and cylinder on-demand system for added efficiency on the go. It produces 600PS of power and 800Nm of torque and when mated to an 8-speed Tiptronic gearbox, it goes from 0-100kph in over three and a half seconds and with the dynamic package plus, up to 305kph of top speed. It also comes with a number of race-inspired suspension setups, including the available dynamic all-wheel steering and RS sports suspension plus Dynamic Ride Control.

Lastly, obtained as an overall prize in the Horizon Road Trip, the Audi RS e-tron GT is the ultimate version of the first-ever Audi e-tron GT for those who demand more. With styling inspired from the concept car, the one Tony Stark drove in the Avengers Endgame movie, its electric powertrain produces 598PS of total power and 830Nm of total torque but when boost mode is engaged, it produces up to 646PS of power for a brief period of time, sprinting from 0-100kph in 3.3 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 250kph.

Now that we get to know these two progressively new Audis in detail, it's time to find out which one is the most progressive, and with that, it's a little sprint run at the streets of Guanajuato. As always, fastest time wins so, without further ado, let the progressive fight begin. Petrol vs. electric, this should be interesting.

After a quick sprint, here are the results;

RS7 C8 - 2:30.484

RS e-tron GT - 2:28.532

Call me crazy but it appears the electric-powered RS e-tron GT has chomped the RS7 Sportback by nearly two seconds. Guess Iron Man wasn't kidding about his...endgame.

Petrol or electric, celebrating the past or embracing the future, it's proof that "progress is an attitude" and Audi showcased the world what progress truly means. Now that's progressive, get it? Anyway, enjoy your new Audis, boys and girls. These two machines truly demand progress.

Audi RS6 Avant C8 and RS7 C8

The best RS Audis in the stable, the RS6 Avant and the RS7 Sportback, are back in the latest C8 generation and the newest incarnations of the so-called best Audis have been uncaged on the road and track to deliver the best-ever performance that will leave them driven to tears, wishing they just want either one of them. Let's investigate more on the all-new RS6 Avant and RS7 Sportback.

2020 Audi RS6 Avant

2020 Audi RS7 Sportback

The all-new RS6 Avant, priced at 124260 Euros plus on-road costs, and the all-new RS7 Sportback, priced at 127,720 Euros plus on-road costs, are the best Audis aimed squarely at the opposition with its dynamics and performance that will push them beyond their limits.

Both of them are powered by a powerful 4.0L V8 TFSi engine with a 48-volt electrical system and cylinder-on-demand system for added efficiency on the go. This engine produces 600PS of power and 800Nm of torque and when mated to an 8-speed Tiptronic gearbox, it goes from 0-100kph in over three and a half seconds and with the dynamic package plus, up to 305kph of top speed. Stats like these will make them as fast as those from the AMG stable, especially their prime targets such as the E63S and the GT63S.

Unlike their AMG rivals, both the RS6 and RS7 don't have special witchcraft that makes them behave like rear-wheel drive monsters instead, both come with a number of race-inspired suspension setups, including the available dynamic all-wheel steering and RS sports suspension plus Dynamic Ride Control, allowing them to misbehave like the drivers want while keeping them enjoyable to drive on the road and track, even on gravel and snow thanks to its Quattro permanent all-wheel drive system. 

Yes, they're not as mad as the AMGs but they're way beyond Subaru WRX STi levels of enjoyment and these best Audis are sure to give drivers a fresh new take on dynamic driving for all seasons. 

Such enjoyment will leave the others driven to tears, wishing they just want either one of them, and boy, they just did. And apart from being as mad as they look, their interior smells manly enough to get accommodated with. It even has good space in the back as well just like the normal ones.

The new RS6 and RS7 may not be as good as the AMG rivals because of the fact that they don't have rear-wheel drive witchcraft on their all-wheel drive systems but with numerous improvements tinkered inside out, these best Audis are simply the best Audis you really wish to want one. If you want one, so be it.

Photo: Audi AG

Audi S6 C8 and S7 C8

Audi's S6 range and the S7 Sportback are back for their latest generation but they're not what you think because what's underneath them is a different story that's going to be worth an argument heard round the world because for the first time, all of them are powered by a 3.0 TDi diesel engine, which is going to be irrelevant in today's Europe. but in such interest, let's investigate the whys of the S6 range and the S7 Sportback.

2020 Audi S6

2020 Audi S6 Avant

2020 Audi S7 Sportback

Back on their C8 outing, the new S6 range and S7 Sportback ups the ante with its sporty exterior styling, sporty handling, sporty interior, and same tech from its normal A6/A7 derivatives, but the most questionable of all is the engine that powers it. Yep, the new S6/S7 is powered by a new 3.0L V6 TDi engine, a semi-high performance diesel engine that is deemed irrelevant in today's diesel-sceptic Europe, but for such curiosity, let's get to know the diesel engine that powers it.

The 3.0L V6 TDi diesel engine that powers it comes from the A6 allroad and it is fitted with a 48-volt primary electrical system capable of producing 350PS of power and 700Nm of torque. Mated to an 8-speed AT, it is capable of going 0-100kph in five seconds and electronically limited to 250kph. Now that is something else for these diesel-powered sport saloons despite being carried from a pseudo-crossover wagon relative of the A6 C8 family tree.

With the diesel engine sorted, let's investigate more on the basic stuff of the S6/S7 range. On the exterior design, the sporty exterior really is like a businessman in a track suit jogging at the park on a Sunday morning, although the rear is somewhat questionable due to its fake exhaust tips, but either way, the new S6/S7 really means business in a nearly athletic way and the dark-themed interior really smells like aftershave everytime you get in and out of the familiar cabin that comes with all of the familiar toys and comforts from the standard A6/A7.

At the dynamics section, the S6/S7 possess sportscar-like handling like every S model in the Audi catalog and although it feels rather mild but menacing, the dynamic all-wheel steering and optional ceramic brake system adds some dramatic feel to these models, making them solid all-rounder that balances the right things and the wrong things in a timely manner. Although not quite as impressive as its M Performance variants from BMW or the AMG 35 range from Mercedes but the new S6/S7 feels nearly addictive to drive.

The S6 range starts at 76,500 Euros plus tax and delivery while the S7 starts at 82,750 Euros plus tax and delivery. Yes, they really are expensive but feel free to get to know them if you got the time.

Photo: Audi AG

Second-generation Audi A7 (C8)

Since the start of the new decade, Audi presented the world their equivalent to Mercedes' CLS, known as the A7 Sportback. Of course, this is Audi's foray to the almost non-existent four-door coupe genre and by the looks of it, it's not half bad to look at but judging by its rear view, it's like a bad case of "finish or not finished, pass your papers" as well as the way it behaves while driving. It's like getting suffocated by two fat ladies squeezing you like a sandwich in a subway. Knowing this, Audi made a second-generation of their eccentric offering and I'm here to have a probe on it.

2018 Audi A7 Sportback

2018 Audi A7 Sportback

Here is the new A7 in question and at first glance, you can think of it as an Audi A8 with a rear of the Tesla Model X and it's better looking than the previous A7, which is good because they used the prologue-inspired design language first introduced at the Audi A8 and while most luxury cars had forgone the Russian doll effect, the new A7 almost looks like it but because the rear view is different than today's A8, it's easy to distinguish between the two cars.

2018 Audi A7 Sportback

The interior has a different story as well because it looks like it came from the latest A8, meaning there's a hint of Russian doll effect on it, and because most of the stuff at the dashboard are touch panel rather than buttons, speedo boys are running scared over this kind of layout because in today's high-tech cars, their sat-navs and radios are now irreplaceable. Sorry, speedo boys, you can't replace their fancy gizmos with that kind of layout. Although the dashboard can easily intimidate speedo boys because of its high-tech stuff, there's so much to toy around with it such as smartphone connectivity that works with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the available Bang & Olufsen

Advanced Sound System, wi-fi hotspot, and much more. Of course, being a luxury car, the rear seats really matters and despite the roofline, the "out of a limo" feeling remains and you can really tell when you hit their sweet spot. Also, the boot space isn't bad for fastback standards which is good for trips to the country club on weekends.

2018 Audi A7 Sportback

Like I said before, the previous A7 has a driving feeling of two fat ladies squeezing you like a sandwich in a subway but in the new model, it's starting to feel more dramatic and somewhat enjoyable to drive courtesy of its new chassis and new body which is more rigid and lighter than the previous model and by the feel of it, it feels like you're not getting sandwiched by two fat ladies. Instead, you'd be sandwiched by two good-looking men and while the dynamics are improved by a pinch, it still has a hint of mildness when you handle it. Being all-wheel drive, you can't escape its grip of this thing but for an all-rounder, it's not half bad.

By launch, the new A7 is powered by a choice of two 3.0L engines, in petrol and diesel guise but because Germany is starting to dispel diesel-powered cars due to recent developments of you-know-what, let's only focus on the 3.0L TFSi engine for the time being. Armed with the 7-speed S tronic and the new mild-hybrid system with a 48-volt primary electrical system and a belt alternator starter generating up to 12 kilowatts of recuperation power, it produces 340PS of power output, 500Nm of torque, a 0-100kph time of 5.3 seconds, electronically limited top speed of 250kph, and an NEFZ-verified combined fuel consumption of 6.9l/100km, which is irrelevant right now as the world's slowly adapting to the new and more WTLC standards to make it more relevant but in the meantime, the fuel consumption figures will be nothing more to you for the time being.

Like the new Audi A8 we saw last year, the new A7 comes with a wide array of high-tech driver assistance features that can be either surprising or annoyed at the same time such as adaptive cruise assist, the new crossing assist, and Audi pre sense safety systems, with 39 driver assistance systems either standard or optional and with all of the driver assistance systems standard, the new A7 is armed with 24 sensors. This car is all eyes on the road and while it promises to be a more relaxing drive for everyone, its autonomy can be downright scary, even for speedo boys.

The new A7 is priced at 66,300 Euros (around $82,000/Php 4,300,000) plus additional costs which sounds like a lot but it's less pricey than the Mercedes CLS, making this luxury hatchback a bargain of the year. So, what's good about the new A7? Well, the exterior looks nicer than before, the interior looks more high-tech, and it's surprisingly comfortable. What's not is the handling that is not as exciting as I thought it would be and the driver aids that can scare the speedo boys out. While there is no excitement in store for this one, the new A7 still works well as a luxury saloon with that "out on a limo" feeling for the occupants and Audi really knows what they're doing right now.

Available colors: Brillantschwarz, Ibisweiß Firmamentblau Metallic, Florettsilber Metallic, Gletscherweiss Metallic, Karatbeige Metallic, Mythosschwarz Metallic, Sohobraun Metallic, Taifungrau Metallic, Tangorot Metallic, Tritonblau Metallic, Vesubgrau Metallic, and Daytonagrau Perleffekt.

Photo: Audi AG

Forza Motorsport 5: The one with the M157 engine

This is the M157 5.5L V8 BiTurbo engine. It's the mainstream in most Mercedes-AMG models bearing the 63 moniker. With the combination of direct injection and turbocharging, it delivers more exceptional power than the M156 6.2L naturally-aspirated V8 engine it replaces and it's 25% more fuel efficient as well. In 2011, most AMG models wearing the M156 engine had them replaced with this and three years from now, no racing video game is brave enough to feature any AMG model with such engine...until now...



Yes, this is the facelifted Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG. It's now on Forza Motorsport 5 via the Alpinestars Car Pack, available now, and for the first time in racing game history, a Mercedes-AMG model with the M157 5.5L V8 BiTurbo engine made its appearance but just how good is it?



I am one of the many people who played the Forza franchise since the first one and I am very desperate to have a Mercedes-AMG model using the turbocharged V8 engine. Three years ago in FM4, I've enjoyed the pre-facelifted E63 AMG because it feels and sounds like an American muscle car...except this isn't a muscle car, it's a German premium sedan with washboard abs. Of course the C63 AMG Black Series and the SLS AMG has this engine but because of the abundance of the 5.5L V8 BiTurbo engine in any other AMG models, it seems that a game like this never seen it that way. They're much more stay outdated rather than update with the times.

With the addition of the facelifted E63 AMG, the dream of having a video game featuring a Mercedes-AMG model with the M157 V8 engine has became a reality and I'm glad I'm not the only one whose been trying out the new version for the first time.



However, this particular E63 AMG is not the AMG we've expect, it's the S-Model, and you know what that is, right? The S-Model adds more power on the M157 engine and this time, it's four-wheel drive. What a twist!



When you get your foot down, you really know that the torque in this saloon is just too unpredictable but by getting off from the start, it doesn't get that catastrophic wheelspin that most high-powered rear-wheel drive cars most do. As for the exhaust note...well, not every exhaust note is textbook but as far as I can say...it is as close as the real thing as I can get...or is it?

With the added power, it seems that the E63 AMG's four-wheel drive is not so bad but the main problem to this car is its catastrophic understeer. I know, right? Because of its electric power steering that most modern cars do get combined with the 4WD drivetrain, it feels like you're struggling to follow through the right lines and it feels like...um...getting a small hard ball dropped to your sensitive foot and you can feel the pain from within.



But despite the woes with the power steering and with the understeering issue, the four-wheel drive system is no mumbo-jumbo here and it really catches up against its rivals from a good corner and finding a way to its problem requires an unflinching commitment and this car's no exception because to see how good this car is, I've invited some neighbors from Germany...



This is the Audi RS7 Sportback. Like the E63 AMG S-Model, it has four-wheel drive and it has a turbocharged V8 engine except it's smaller.

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And this is the latest BMW M5. Often criticized by its fakey exhaust note fired at the stereo on the inside, its hydraulic steering, rear-wheel drive, 4.4L V8 turbo, and its all-rounder personality makes it a clever contender.

I sent those three German saloons at the Top Gear Test Track and whichever's the fastest to lap is the winner. Here goes...




Like the E63 S-Model, the RS7 is all about the grip and a bad case of bad-understeer-itis when it faces a tight corner. It's like getting suffocated by two fat ladies squeezing you like a sandwich in a subway. The M5 has no risk at all because of its hydraulic steering and its rear-wheel drive layout, although it may have a risk getting spun out from a corner in a dynamic fashion. Since all of them are rigged with a double clutch gearbox, the shifting feel is gapless and it can't be matched with any other gearbox in the world but it can be a bit too messy if you're more on the fun factor. Let's not forget that the E63 has more power than the RS7 and the M5 but will it be enough to take down the opposition from its compatriots?



After a lap round the Top Gear track, here are the results;

RS7 - 1:24.032
M5 - 1:24.353
E63 - 1:23.382

So, there you have it, the new and improved E63 AMG is the victor of this comparison, proving that this German 4-door saloon is still doing the rounds on the track with the added power and its unquestionable grip but only just.



Well I'm glad I'm driving the one with the M157 engine that no other game featured it just yet...

WALD Audi A7 Sports Line

WALD Audi A7 Sports Line

Let's be honest, the Audi A7 may not be the most elegant-looking 4-door coupe built to counter Mercedes' CLS and recently BMW's 6 Gran Coupe and sadly, this car doesn't have the "aha" factor enthusiasts deserve but what if you can try to give this European luxury coupe some makeover it deserves?

Using the normal A7, not the S line mode please, as its basis for WALD's Sports Line entry, this latest aero kit adds flavor to Audi's 4-door coupe design and the whole kit will cost about 257,250 Japanese Yen.

For rims, customers can opt in either a PORTOFINO P21C 20-inch, PORTOFINO P12 20 or 21-inch, or the Mahora M11C 19 or 20-inch rims.

WALD also offers DTM Sports Muffler for the A7 at the cost of 252,000 Japanese Yen as well whereas the muffler cutter costs about 84,000 Japanese Yen.

Audi RS7 Sportback

2014 Audi RS7 Sportback

Well, that was quite an unexpected arrival for this hot version of the Audi A7 4-door coupe even this promises to give the Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG and the BMW M6 Gran Coupe a run for their money. So, ladies and gents, meet the Audi RS7 Sportback.

Lurking behind the skunk works of quattro GmBH, this high-performance 4-door coupe tries to balance it out not just as a premium saloon car but also a sports saloon that prefers to play with alkali metals in the bathroom, only cesium is worth the big bang in the bathtub perhaps. The science lesson is always one of Audi's biggest excuses when it comes to retain their "Vorsprung Durch Technik" slogan but because Germans love to do some serious stuff, all that sense of humor is not here, and so are its German rivals. Sometimes, it always left fake smiles rather than real smiles even when you made a fantastic joke out of it but no matter what, the Germans never laughed because humor is not in the German lexicon. There's another thing about how German is a German car because rather than losing its sense of humor, it's bang goes to the fear, the sorrow, and the fury. A true German car has to be more emotionless in order to focus to its keen points a driver would want but to be honest, it's all emotion commotion for this kind of scenario anyway.

For such a serious car like the RS7, it's rigged with Audi's 4.0 TFSi twin turbo engine which develops the same as the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4. 0-100kph takes about 3.9 seconds and top speed normally limited to 250kph or if you have enough cash, there's this dynamic package which raises the limit to 280kph or the very serious dynamic package plus which has its limit raised to 305kph, about 20 less than the LP560-4 Gallardo so it's not much of what you call...hmmm...

In terms of handling, well that was a bit of a brainstormer here, it still retains its seriousness as a German car and even if your hammering around like a megalomaniac, heh, no fuss. It behaves just like an office junior jumping through the swimming pool with some office equipment. Be warned though that while it drives seriously on the open roads, it still yanks like babies and roadworks. You wouldn't want one to use it as a chauffeur's car because sometimes, you'll be waking your boss up with his wine spilled on his pants. Quite an embarrassing moment eh and if it happened if you drive one of these in formal occasions or some sort of luxury parties, you're going to ruin theirs because what you have here is morally impolite. Geez, I don't really want to have one or have my driver to chauffeur with me because things can really get as messy as Japanese wasabi.

What's also crazy about the RS7 is its serious pricing and I was hoping to be priced competitively between the CLS63 and the M6 Gran Coupe but with this, it starts at around 113,000 Euros, around 20,000 more than the S7 Sportback, which is a lesser brother to that. So, with so many questions about the new RS7 are better left untold, it all leads to everyone's verdict to figure out how does the RS7 stack up but in the meantime, don't. It's still worth leaving your ears red if you had one and when you hear people talking about your ride.

Photo: Audi AG

Audi S7 Sportback

2013 Audi S7 Sportback

Back in 2010, Audi revealed what it could be a direct competitor to the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class, the Audi A7 Sportback, but sadly, I really don't like the back because, it's far too eccentric. If a kid sees one during the nighttime, he might say "DADDY! DADDY! THERE'S A MONSTER IN THE BACKYARD!" Get it?

Now, it gets even more scarier than ever with this S7 Sportback. Of course, it looks the same as the eccentric looking A7 even the weirdest rear view known to man, but because it has the S, some body kits were equipped to make the scary even more scarier. What's even scarier is the S7 Sportback's new 4.0 TFSI engine.

This new 4.0 TFSI engine produces 420PS of power, 550 Nm of torque, 9.6L/100km of fuel economy, 225 g/km of CO2 emissions, 0-60mph in 4.7 seconds and top speed limited to 155mph. It was all down to this quick-shifting 7-speed S tronic transmission but wait. When you talk about 9.6L/100km, one such reason is the 4.0 TFSi engine's variable cylinder management that deactivates four of the eight cylinders when it senses full power isn't needed. Right?

Standard equipment includes xenon plus headlights with daytime running lamps that kill vampires (so long vampires!), driver information system with color display, and the MMI radio plus audio and operating system. If you want to blow all your pockets, you have a choice to go with options such as driver assistance and infotainment systems, Bluetooh online car phone, and much much more.

Available colors are Eissilber Metallic, Brillantschwarz, Ibisweiß, Gletscherweiß Metallic, Mondscheinblau Metallic, Havannaschwarz Metallic, Oolonggrau Metallic, Quarzgrau Metallic, Estorillblau Kristalleffekt, and Phantomschwarz Perleffekt.

My comment;

The scary-looking Audi A7 Sportback gets even more scarier with the new sportier S7 Sportback that addresses the likes of the Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG but I think its cool if you're a mad doctor because it has the meanest power you want to abuse with. Sadly, I am not impressed to have the Audi S7 because this is just another way to scare your kids even in the back.

Photo: AUDI A.G.

I saw the Audi A7 earlier!

Here's a little scoop. While me and my family went grocery shopping at Costco Warehouse, I bumped into the appearance of the new Audi A7 Sportback. The model I encountered earlier was an Audi A7 3.0T and it's supercharged! Wow!

Wish I want to experience more about the Audi A7...

Anyway, while grocery shopping at Costco...

Whoa, strange things happened at Costco, especially Pepsi's Limited Edition Pepsi Throwback which sports a retro Pepsi labeling in a can that dates back years ago. Retro packaging, huh?

The selection in Costco looks nice, much like Safeway and Walmart indeed.

They offer the finest tires from Bridgestone, Michelin, and BF Goodrich.

I even got myself a first scoop of a triple scoop ice cream! This reminds me of a "dirty ice cream" back at the Philippines.

Audi A7 Sportback

Audi's first-of-its-kind premium hatchback, the A7 (not to be confused with the Kia K7), tries to stand out against its main competitor, the Porsche Panamera. However, the million-dollar question is, will the Audi A7 take advantage with its eccentric design?

Audi A7 Sportback

Just how eccentric is the Audi A7's design? For instance, the front view of the A7 resembles like the present third-generation A8, the side view looks more of an A5 Sportback, and the rear view that makes it more eccentric. With that design, most German car enthusiasts will keep guessing whether they will like the A7 or not. As for me, I think this rear view will be placed in a scrapbook of ugliest rear sides because just one look will make their reactions go eccentric.

On the inside, the A7 seems to have an eccentric feeling. Compare this car to the A5 Sportback and the results will remain eccentric. The rear seats of the A7 Sportback can be flipped down to make room for some more luggage space, which reminds me of other hatchbacks I know from the past to the present. On the driver's side, the A7 Sportback offers the same level as the new A8. With the available handwriting recognition, MMI Navigation Plus, and the new heads-up display, these features will keep the driver informed while taking on the most eccentric places on Europe.

From its arrival, three available engines are available for the A7. These engines include the 2.8 V6 FSI engine, diesel powered 3.0L V6 engine, and the high-performance 3.0L V6 TFSi engine. Most variants come with the seven-speed S-tronic transmission and Audi's legendary quattro technology. Finding which A7 variant suitable for you still offers you with this transmission and drive-train available only on this eccentric premium-sized hatchback.

My thoughts about the A7:
With the A7's sales start this autumn at the suggested retail price of 51,650 Euros or my predicted price will be under the seven-million peso mark, this eccentric sportback will try to keep itself eccentric thanks to its eccentric rear view that others think this is very ugly to look at it. On the bright side, 51,650 Euros is good enough to topple the base Panamera's price of about 75,899, but I still prefer the Panamera because this is more appealing than the A7.