I did build v2.1.0 with the proposed changes to support the new HdlTarget=zynq_k7 and compared various App Workers but found to significant concerns. That said, an App Workers comparison it not really the best test to determine either way if this new target is warranted.

A better test would be a implement a Device Worker that implements a resource that is only available on the K7, in which case building for the “zynq” (7020) target would fail due to the 7020 (A7) not possessing K7 resources. Another test would be to create a design with speed/performance requirements that only the K7 can support and determine the impacts of using A7 netlists.

So until, this zynq_k7 is adopted or the future (2.2/2.3) becomes the present, developers just need to be aware that HdlTargets=zynq creates synthesized netlists for Artix-7, which are used for all Zynq-7000 devices (i.e. Kintex-7).