NSW Police reveal hot new ride

Police have upgraded the traditional patrol car.

Audi has loaned the Lake Illawarra Local Area Command a brand new $180k S7 Sportback for use in its community and youth engagement programs.

The S7 is powered by the German brand's 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 petrol unit that pumps out an impressive 331kW and 550Nm. It is also capable of sprinting from 0-100km/h in just 4.6 seconds and is limited to a top speed of 250km/h.

The livery for the S7 is an interpretation of a design chosen by almost 800 facebook fans, and the cars aim is increase the relationship between the local police and the community.

"Our use of the S7 Sportback will encourage people of all ages to introduce themselves to local police, using the car itself to help start up a conversation." says Commander of Lake Illawarra LAC, Superintendent Zoran Dzevlan.

This isn't the first example of Audi loaning a high-performance vehicle to the NSW Police Force, it previously had sent a RS4 Avant to the same local area command. While Porsche has also ponied up a Panamera and 911 Coupe for use at community events in NSW over the last few years.

The Victorian Police Force earlier this year were loaned a Mercedes-AMG GLE63 Coupe for use as a highway patrol car and to promote in-car safety.