Audi News - Audi's A7 Launched

A 5-door Coupe from Audi?

"The peeps at Ingolstadt are bonkers" - might be the response of some of the traditionalists, as Audi launches its largest Sportback yet - a 5-door coupe. A 5-door coupe? Yes, they call it the Audi A7.

The launch of the A7 is an attempt by Audi to siphon off sales momentum from Porsche's Panamera and the CLS from Mercedes Benz.

As you would recall from primary school math, the number '7' comes after the number '6' and before the numbers '8'. This become evident with the Audi A7, as it sits between the Audi A6 and Audi A8 in terms of its dimension and market positioning.

The A7 measures slightly more than 4.97m bumper-to-bumper against Audi's current flagship the A8, but has a shorter wheelbase of 80mm. The new A7 is also 40mm lower in profile.

The A7 sees all-new asymmetrical taillights and a defined shoulder line at the rear, but the rest of the styling cues contemporary Audi design details such as an oversized grille and LED embedded headlights framing.

Audi's A7 has gained a hatchback spoiler which deploys at motorway speeds, like its R8 performance and TT coupe siblings.

Two diesel and two petrol engines will be available in V6 configuration when the car is launched. The 3.0 TDI engine will have 150kW that drives the front wheels via a continuously variable transmission. This will also be the entry level engine. A turbodiesel V6 producing an 180kW and 500Nm will power the Quattro.

A trimmed down 220kW versioned, S4 engine will headline the A7 range, supported by a 2.8l V6. Audi's S-tronic seven-speed automatic transmission comes standard with all Quattro A7's. The sport-differential, which debuted on the S4 will be available as an option. Fuel saving functionality comes standard on the all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive A7's, complete with a stop/start option.

The entry level A7 is only 1695kg, besting Mercedes Benz's CLS350 by 100kg - with its sporting aluminum space-frame construction. Dynamically the A7's helm is electromechanically geared, whilst adaptive air-suspension (with variable damping) shore's up ride comfort without sacrificing agility

An all new chunkier boss, with quad-spoke steering wheel, combined with classic Audi cabin design becomes a texture masterpiece that highlights the instrument binnacle.

Lastly the A7's convenience and comfort package includes a 1300W Bang & Olufsen sound system; heads-up display; ambient lighting and massage powered (climate-controlled) front seats.

When will the A7 go on sale you ask? Well, they say for right-hand drive markets, the A7 is expected to hit the dealerships by the fourth quarter of 2010.

      

To view more A7 photos, visit our A7 gallery by click here

Want to own Audi's largest coupe? Send us your details by clicking HERE or Mobile: +27 82 653 0075