Audi invents the new five-door coupe segment.
The newest model from Audi combines the sleek styling of a coupe, the comfort of a sedan, and the utility of a wagon, all while bridging the gap between the A6 and A8. Debuting with four V-6 engines and an athletic and elegant design, the Audi A7 Sportback promises to be the high-end sporty grand tourer that was missing from the Audi lineup.
The A7 is the latest of the German sedans to wear sleek “coupe-like” styling while showcasing muscular contours and athletic proportions. Up front a large, single frame grille is flanked by two sets of LED strips that emit a powerful stare. A commanding tornado line extends from the headlights to the taillights, giving the A7 broad shoulders. Wide wheel arches along the side accentuate the muscular tornado line. The roofline remains low to capture the coupe-like silhouette, emphasized by a C-pillar that flows to the rear. What makes the Audi A7 Sporback unique is the slightly drooping rear and functional hatch that creates a dynamic and sporty appearance.
Inside, the sporty and elegant design of the exterior continues with a driver-oriented cabin featuring Audi’s attention to detail. The prominent design feature is the “wrap around” line that envelops the driver and passengers that stretches from the driver’s side door sill to the passenger side door sill, creating a comfortable and secure atmosphere. An application strip runs through the instrument panel transforming into a wave-like shape towards the passenger side, directing the dashboard towards the driver. Rear passengers are greeted with two comfortable seats and vast amounts of leg and head room. The five-door design of the Audi A7 Sportback allows for a suitable 18.89 cubic ft of luggage space, while a vast 49.09 cubic ft. of space is available with the rear seats folded. Audi also offers numerous interior options such as the ambient lighting to set the mood.
Along with the high-grade leather and materials Audi incorporates modern technology into the interior. A new on-board monitor sits inside the dashboard and rises upwards when turned on. Audi’s MMI operating system is ergonomically located alongside the gearshifter, and features both hard and soft keys along with a rotary pushbutton for easy operation. As an option, customers can select a heads-up display unit that projects information onto the windshield. For customers that desire the utmost in sound quality, Audi offers a 15-speaker, 1,300-watt Bang & Olufsen sound system. Completing the list of advanced features is an online service that works with Google to display navigation information and also work as a WLAN mobile hot spot.
The Audi A7 Sportback will feature four new V-6 engines during its launch: two diesel and two gasoline, paired with two different transmissions. A 3.0-liter TDI engine with 204 hp will be mated to the multitronic front-wheel drive system and achieves 44.38 US mpg. A more powerful 3.0-liter TDI is also available, producing 245 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, while being paired with the seven-speed S Tronic transmission and Quattro all-wheel drive. The base gasoline V-6 is the 2.8-liter FSI making 204 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque, while the top-of-the-line supercharged 3.0-liter TFSI pumps out 300 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque, propelling the A7 to 62 mph in just 5.6 seconds and achieving a top speed of 155 mph. Both gasoline engines come standard with the S Tronic and Quattro all-wheel drive with a torque vectoring crown gear differential for dynamic traction.
The sporty and athletic character of the Audi A7 Sportback can also be found in the suspension and steering. Audi offers numerous suspensions instead of the standard steel-spring setup depending on the customer’s desire. For a sharper, more dynamic ride, customers can opt for the sport suspension which lowers ride height by 10 mm, or for enthusiastic drivers, Quattro GmbH offers an even firmer suspension. For those seeking comfort, Audi also offers an adaptive air suspension with four electronically controlled shock absorbers. Drivers are provided with a direct and sensitive electromechanical steering that comes alive during spirited driving. Audi’s drive select system is integrated with the engine ECU, steering, and transmission, to provide drivers with a comfortable or engaging ride.
Audi’s new Audi A7 Sportback will be available in dealerships in the fall, with a base price of €51,600 for Europe. For customers looking for a more powerful version, Audi has confirmed an S variant while an RS model is rumored to be in development.
Design and Body:
– Elegant coupe design with four doors and a large, wide-opening luggage compartment hatch that opens and closes electrically (standard).
– 4.97 meters (16.31 ft) long; variable luggage compartment with up to 1,390 liters (49.09 cu ft) of capacity.
– LED headlights optional; bi-xenon headlights and LED tail lights standard.
– Lightweight body, large percentage of aluminum and high-strength steels.
Interior and Controls:
– Elegant, modern lines, a craftsman’s level of workmanship, elegant colors and materials, novel layered wood inserts.
– Start-stop button standard.
– Front seats optionally with ventilation and massage function.
– MMI radio operating system standard; head-up display available as an option.
– Optional MMI navigation plus system with touchpad and large 8-inch display, Internet services from Google, Audi music interface and Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System.
– Optional ambient lighting package with LED technology in the roof module, in the center console ringed with lights and the illuminated doorsill trims.
– Advanced safety and assistance systems such as Audi pre sense, adaptive cruise control with stop & go function, Audi active lane assist, night vision assistant, speed limit display and park assist system.
– Highly efficient, fuel-saving climate control system
Engines:
– Four V6 engines – two powerful and highly efficient gasoline and TDI units each with power ranging from 150 kW (204 hp) to 220 kW (300 hp).
– All engines with thermal management, start-stop system and energy recovery
3.0 TDI with 150 kW (204 hp) and multitronic (front-wheel drive) with just 139 g CO2/km (223.70 g/mile).
Drivetrain:
– Front-wheel drive with multitronic; quattro all-wheel drive combined with seven-speed S tronic.
– Quattro with crown-gear center differential and torque vectoring.
– Quattro with sport differential for the active distribution of power at the rear axle available as an option.
Chassis:
– Sophisticated chassis construction, aluminum control arms.
– Newly developed, high-efficiency electromechanical power steering.
– Audi drive select assistance system comes standard.
– Optionally available adaptive air suspension with controlled damping.
– 18-inch to 20-inch wheels, powerful brakes
Is Audi creating a new market segment with the A7? Like the five-door coupe design? Leave a comment and let us know!
[Source: Audi]
