While the vehicle is hidden under the sheet metal of the current A6 sedan we can gather a few minor details. Namely, we can see that it will feature a significantly wider track than the A6. Previous spy shots of a masked prototype also showed that it will have a generous wheelbase but relatively short overhangs.
The Audi A7 will initially be offered as a hard-top but will be joined by a soft-top four-door convertible towards the end of 2010. Positioned between the A6 and A8 flagship, the new A7 will have to compete with the upcoming Aston Martin Rapide and Porsche Panamera four-door coupes but will be unique in the market due to its convertible option.
A very wide range of powertrains will be offered in the A7 and its S7 and RS7 sport-focused variants, including diesel-electric hybrids to 600hp (450kW) V10s. The hybrid drive is expected to show up first in the company’s Q5 soft-roader, making its A7 appearance later next year, according to documents obtained by AutoWeek. The new hybrid models, which will be available with either diesel or petrol V6 engines, will also feature new lithium-ion batteries developed in a joint-venture between parent company Volkswagen and Sanyo.
The more ordinary A7 variants will be powered by a pair of petrol V6s. The first, a 204hp (152kW) 2.8L engine in the base model, while a 3.0L supercharged engine making 300hp (225kW) will be the first step up. An upgrade to S7 trim will bring with it another 94hp (70kW) in the form of a 4.0L V8. The RS7 range topper will get the same 5.2L V10 from the RS6 but power will be boosted to 600hp (450kW).
A six-speed manual gearbox and eight-speed automatic will be available in the lower-spec models, while a seven-speed dual-clutch unit is also expected to be offered in the higher-performance variants. U.S. models are also expected to get Audi’s quattro AWD standard, though it’s not known if European market variants will have a FWD option. Audi’s new torque-vectoring system will also be part of the package.
Air suspension will replace the standard spring-based system found in other Audis. The change is designed to help the car compete with the progenitor of the four-door coupe genre, the Mercedes CLS. Sales of the car are only expected to reach the 40,000 mark, but the image boost it will offer with its high-tech features and glamorous look - especially in the soft-top variant - are important for Audi’s development as a brand.
2011 Audi A7 prototype spy shots September 2008
2011 Audi A7 prototype spy shots June 2008
Preview: 2011 Audi A7 Cabrio
Preview: 2011 Audi S7
Reader Comments
Fri Jun 13 2008 11:15 AM
jeff says
Im not going to pass jusdgement till i actually see it, The q5 had so many different renderings that didnt look good, and now it is the best looking suv in its class. I have a feeling when the final version is released it is going to look way better than all the renderings and concepts.
Fri Jun 13 2008 1:14 PM
Raptor says
As far as I'm concerned, this is an ugly tent on wheels. Can't comment anything until I see something :)
Fri Jun 13 2008 4:45 PM
InkMaster says
holy crap they camouflaged the crap out of it :p
Sat Jun 14 2008 7:28 AM
Xiaoma says
Audi's answer to BMW's recent cloth-skinned vehicle!
Sat Jun 14 2008 5:16 PM
anthony says
So far the computer enhanced images I've seen of the Audi A7 are really nice, therefore I'm excited to see the final product. I'm a huge fan of the "4-door" sedan" and so far the A7 is the only car I've seen that I would consider over my Mercedes Benz CLS.
Tue Sep 16 2008 9:14 AM
IlJonny says
Anyone noticed the wider vw polo behind the test-mule?!? What are those grey things around the wheels?
Tue Sep 16 2008 3:05 PM
Audi4eva says
it looks more like Audi A6 facelift 2009 year model with S-line package,just take a look over the photos under how it's supposed to be,and look at the crashed one...the frontlights don't look at least smth similar...it's all different...
it's not the same A7 as we have seen on magazines and on the internet...but the hell yeah it's a hot sedan coupe (the one that we already seen before in net,magazines etc..)
GOD I LOVE AUDI....
Tue Sep 16 2008 5:45 PM
NoNameDenton says
Oh goodie, another 4 door "coupe" oh well, if it gets a nice disesl with a DSG I would not complain much.
Tue Sep 16 2008 6:04 PM
CK says
The Polo with the widened wheel arches could be A1 test mule. There some polos with awd metering systems lapping the Nürburgring. And I don't think VW will introduce an awd version of the Polo.
Tue Sep 16 2008 6:41 PM
HECTOR says
Gorgeous design... Breathtaking...
And as useless as a ass pimple.
But someone give an attaboy to the designer. And someone else call MB and tell them to take a second at the abomination that is the CLS.
Tue Sep 16 2008 11:15 PM
Anthony says
Looking at the photos of the crashed car, if that is the A7 the CLS has nothing to worry about it looks as boring and flavorless as a rice cake.
What happend to this car when you look at the computer photos at the bottom they don't look anything like the photos of the crashed car! It looks just like a A6 to me (IMO).
Even after being the first "4-door coupe" the Mercedes CLS is still king of the hill!
Wed Sep 17 2008 12:42 AM
smiles says
I like this A7.
Sun Nov 2 2008 6:59 PM
iBrian says
Kenneth, are you honestly saying that the crashed vehicle picture in your article is an A7 "hidden under the sheet metal of the current A6?"
How could that possibly make sense? What makes the A7 an A7? Please...turn in your pen, and don't let the door hit you on the way out! lmao....honestly!
Leave a Comment
Login or register to leave comments.
Please keep your comments on topic. Your involvement is governed by our Privacy Policy and Terms.