DUE TO LAUNCH in the second half of next year as a 2011 model, the A7 four-door coupe has been spied in an Audi workshop in Europe.
These new images mark the first glimpse of the unmasked production A7 since its debut earlier this year as the 2009 Audi Sportback Concept.
While little of the face and rear end can be seen, it is clear from these photos that the production A7 will follow the lines of its concept progenitor very closely.
Audi boss Rupert Stadler would not be drawn on an exact launch date, but details concerning the A7’s engine, gearbox and suspension systems have been revealed.
Beginning with the base model A7, a 152kW (204hp) 2.8 litre V6 and a 223kW (300hp) supercharged 3.0 litre V6 engine will be on offer.
From there, buyers can step up to S7 trim, which will see a 294kW (394hp) 4.0 litre V8 fitted as standard equipment. The range-topping RS7 will leave the lesser models behind with its 373kW (500hp) 5.0 litre twin turbo V10.
Reports suggest that a diesel-electric hybrid engine may also appear on the options list, though a petrol-electric system could take its place.
Transmission options are expected to consist of a six-speed manual and eight-speed auto in the less-powerful models, while a seven-speed dual clutch gearbox is expected to appear in the S7 and RS7 models.
Audi’s quattro AWD system is expected to feature, as is Audi’s torque-vectoring system. Air-suspension setup to take the place of traditional spring suspension.
With sales expected to top no more than 40,000, the major benefit of the A7 to Audi will come in the way of improved perception of the brand. Expect the A7 to cater for premium buyers seeking a car with ‘presence’ and performance in equal measure.
Official pricing and imagery is yet to be seen, but we can gain an insight into the design direction from the Audi Sportback concept images in the gallery below.
Expect further information to trickle out of Ingolstadt in the next year.
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Lancer front? BMW X6 rear? I could have them both now and I’d have twice the cars!
Nah Andrew it looks like the concept CS from BMW from the back side view and an Aston from the rear………front is just ugly!
Another fabulous beast from the Volkswagen Group. Sad about the local and US performance products; still going backwards….
Awesome looks, another brilliant product from the best premium brand out there. I have to give it to Audi they just ooze class inside and out.
Audi is Garbage. Bought a Q7 in Melbourne. Nothing but problems. Customer service is even worse. Id take a Merc or Porsche any day over Audi, it just took me a loss of over 30k to realise it. Audi has a lot to be desired, and is very overpriced.
Audi’s price inflation are pretty close to Lexus, compared to its American and European prices’ equivalent to here (New Zealand). While some Lexus sit up to 40-50% higher (currency CONVERTED) Audis typically do 30-40% higher, meaning it costs more than buying one in the states and shipping it here (LHD and imperial unconverted)
THese engines however…
That 2.8l V6 seems pointless when they could shove the 2.0TFSI with similar outputs and better treehuggery and that 5.0l V10… what happened to the 426kw RS6/S8 engine?
My experience with Audi has left a lot to be desired. I went to their showroom, they treated me pretty poorly. I ended up with a 2 minute test drive (and I really do mean 2 minutes). I think they thought I was some joker just wanting a drive. Anyhow, maybe I’ll pop around in my BMW when it arrives mid-December!
Anyway, back to the car - looks nice enough. I’m a fan of the ’sportback’ look. It also looks like it has pillar-less doors (bit hard to see with the ‘The Motor Report’ moniker in the way though!).
Aaaah come on Luke, it’s not blocking it that much!