2019 Audi A7
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Audi A7
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Year:2019
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Engine:V6
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Transmission:seven-speed automatic
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Horsepower @ RPM:340
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Torque @ RPM:368
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Displacement:3.0 L
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0-60 time:5.3 sec.
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Top Speed:155 mph
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The A7 is finally here, but it’ll only be hot for a few years..
What started as the Audi Sportback Concept in 2009 took a quick turn and morphed into the Audi A7 Sportback for 2010. It’s been seven years since the first A7 rolled into our presence and you know what that means – it’s time for the second-gen model to finally make its way into the limelight, and make its way it did as Audi looked back on its history and presented us with what is, essentially, a hatchback A8 with some serious steroid-induced muscles to go with an equally sized bad attitude. The whole package includes the wide, low grille from the A8 which is flanked on each side by evolved A8 headlights and a pair of fake vents down below. The base motivator provides the same horsepower as the outgoing model (340 ponies) but delivers a bit more torque.
The interior is also a focal point of the second-gen model as it sees a pretty serious upgrade over the previous model and borrows some cues from the A8 while at the same time pushing that A8 DNA to a serious extreme. All told, the A7 is much more attractive inside and out in comparison to the outgoing model, but it comes off a bit slower to 60 mph and carries the same limited top speed. So, if it’s performance increases that you’re looking for, you might want to check out another German manufacturer, but if you’re all about having fresh looks in a luxurious and sexy package, you’ll want to keep reading and check out the full review below.
Latest Audi A7 news and reviews:
2019 Audi A7 - Driven
In the past 20 to 25 years, automotive executives have been looking at ways to activate new areas of the public by coming up with weird niches, some more successful than others. The Audi A7 is a proud flag-bearer of the four-door coupe segment that’s managed to keep its head above the water as consumers flock to buy the latest crossover SUV. Get behind the wheel of Audi’s sleek answer to the Mercedes-Benz CLS and it’s easy to see why as this might just be one of the best models Audi currently sales Stateside.
Introduced back in 2017, the second-generation Audi A7 set about fixing just about everything that was wrong with the original luxury four-door coupe from Ingolstadt. Broadly speaking, the Germans have managed to tick all the boxes while also improving in areas that didn’t really need improving such as the design - one of Audi’s undeniable strengths despite what you may consider as an overly aggressive brand recognition strategy that ended up making all of Audi’s products look alike. Still, the A7 manages to stand out from the crowd with the single-piece rear light cluster and it looks sportier than ever, the muscular vibe given by the exterior being bolstered by its handling and performance. While not new on the market, we jumped at the opportunity of driving the A7 right away to see if there’s any wind left in the sails of this quirky niche.
The 2020 Audi A7 Has Been Electrified, But to What Extent and What Cost?
The current Audi A7 is a real looker, it offers pretty decent performance for a car its size, and you can’t argue with its interior quality of technology. But, the one technology it wasn’t privy to was electrification. Well, not at least until now, anyway. That’s right, folks, Audi has just introduced the A7 Sportback 55 TFSI E Quattro PHEV. What does that mean for performance and fuel economy? Well, Audi didn’t just toss in an electric motor and battery – there are some serious changes here, and you should probably be aware of them.
2019 Audi RS7 Sportback
Audi first introduced the A7 in 2010 at the Paris Motor Sow as a sporty, yet practical iteration of the A6. U.S. models arrived for the 2012 model year, while the hot-to-trot RS7 was released in 2013 with more power, complimentary suspension and chassis upgrades, and sharper looks. Now, following the release of the second-gen A7 in October of 2017, Audi is cooking up a second generation for the RS7 as well, and it could get as much as 700 hybridized horsepower under the hood.
Updated 12/10/2018: Our spy photographers caught the upcoming Audi RS7 Sportback in its production form during cold weather testing flaunting its big oval exhaust pipes.
Like Lots of Tech? You Need the Audi A7 in your Life
The Audi A7 recently made its debut, and it should come as no surprise that it took a lot of DNA from it’s bigger brother, the Audi A8. A lot of this DNA includes an insane amount of technology that shows just how far we’ve come in this department over the last 20 years. Digital Displays in cars were once practically non-existent, and those that did have them didn’t have anything anywhere near as cool as we have today. With that in mind, the Audi A7 (and the A8 for that matter) really push things to the limit with technology, and that’s what we’re here to talk about today.
First off, let me point out that you’re going to have to pay up if you want the goods, but in the end, it’s really worth it if you’re into this kind of stuff. You want to hit up the checkbox for the MMI Navigation Plus system that gives you the Audi Digital Cockpit, and the MMI navigation. I mean, the graphics are beautiful, the infotainment screen is almost too gorgeous to allow in a car (talk about distracted driving,) and the way that ten-inch display in the center stack blends in so nicely with the glass panel around it, the whole package just comes together nice and clean. The best part is that the system works like a smartphone in that you can use the upper screen to control most infotainment system functions, meaning there is no more control knob. And, the lower screen is used to control various creature comforts – that means there are far fewer buttons inside the vehicle.
There’s a lot what you find in the infotainment system, though. We’re talking about as many as 39 driver assistance features (these are available via three different packages, so they don’t come cheap,) and there’s the option for voice control as well. And, when you use this voice control, the system accesses data stored locally with the vehicle and in the Audi cloud. A head-up display can be had for some extra moolah and, sometime in 2018, Audi will activate the garage and parking pilot systems which should park your car for you. And, to bring the whole technology package together, the A7 is a mild hybrid as well, which means it can freewheel at certain speeds with the engine off, only starting when needed. A front-facing camera is also used to help improve start\stop functionality.
Now, obviously, a lot of this technology is just really over the top. The mild hybrid technology doesn’t even save you a whole liter per 100km driven, and until the A7 can locate a parking spot and park itself, the parking and garage assistant just seem to be in place for people who like the showoff or are simply too lazy to park themselves. Be that as it may, the A7 is very technological and, if you’re into technology, it’s certainly something you want to look into. This is what the future of all cars looks like – few buttons, more touch displays, more hybrid technology – but it still comes at a cost. What do you guys think of the new A7’s technology? Let us know in the comments section below
The New Audi A7 Is Here, But Its Sporty Heritage Remains The Same
Out of a rich history that originates in the early 20th century, Audi as we know it was born from corporate mergers in 1969. The first Audi model came to the U.S. for the 1970 model year, and the rest is automotive history. Audi’s latest model, the 2019 A7 Sportback, just took center stage at a debut event in Ingolstadt, Germany, Audi’s hometown. The four-door coupe is stunningly gorgeous and features some cutting-edge technology and high-horsepower drivetrains.
But, it was 1992 that Audi earnestly began competing in the sports sedan segment. The model of choice: The S4. This compact sedan came with a potent, 2.2-liter turbocharged inline five-cylinder good for 227 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The little five boasted high-tech stuff for its day, too, including dual overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, and an air-to-water intercooler for the turbo. A five-speed manual transmission was the only gearbox offered. Of course, being an Audi, the 1992 S4 came with Quattro AWD. Even this version of Quattro could split torque variability between the front and rear axles depending on traction, sending as much as 70 percent to the front wheels. Fuel economy wasn’t a strong suit, however, only returning an EPA-estimated 18 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway. Then again, that’s pretty good for a 227-horse, AWD car from the early 1990s.
Audi wasn’t afraid of making a limited-edition car for the U.S., either, as only 250 examples of the ’92 S4 came Stateside. More became available for the 1993 model though. Not surprisingly, all were sold out rather quickly, despite its hefty price tag of $44,750. That’s roughly $80,000 today. Still, Audi quickly built its reputation here in the U.S. and has seen big success ever since.
EIC Thoughts: Audi Finally Nails a Generational Shift with the New Audi A7
I will openly admit that I’ve been very harsh toward the German brands – all of them – for following the “same sausage, different length” philosophy (Audi, this is you) or for simply changing very little when it comes to facelifts or generational shifts. Admittedly, I expected the same from Audi when it came to the A7. But, while there are a lot of similarities to the A8, the A7 still stands out as its own model thanks to Audi’s ambition to provide simple evolutionary enhancements to not only the exterior but the interior too. In comparison to the A8, the A7 gets additional body lines on the hood but lacks the strong line below the waist. Inside, the dash is more defined, while things like the center console and trim panels have been tweaked just enough to keep things comfortable. Sure, it’s a bit smaller, but everything is so well proportioned inside and out that it’s almost like it was meant to be this way.
And, even better is the fact that there are options-a-plenty. You get the MMI system by default, but to get the Virtual cockpit you have to go with the MMI Nav Plus. I don’t necessarily like that idea, but it is what it is. A total of four sound systems are for the taking, including a very powerful Bang & Olufsen advanced sound system. You can also opt for the Audi Ai Parking Pilot and Remote Garage Pilot, but those won’t be activated until later on in 2018. What I really want to know is what engines will be available once the A7 goes into production. Audi already has the base 3.0-liter (hybridized, of course) that delivers 340 ponies and 368 pound-feet, but what else will be on the docket? I would love to see a turbo V-8, but I doubt it will happen. An S7 and RS7 are almost mandatory, and with any luck, the RS7 may get the turbo V-8 – eh, a man can hope anyway, right?
At the end of the day, the A7 certainly doesn’t disappoint, but I am worried about one thing. Considering the fact that the A7 borrows heavily from the A8, will the rest of the lineup eventually end up looking just like the two range-topping models? History tells me yes, and that’s a bad thing, as Audi could really use some diversity in its lineup, but at the same time, the brand’s strategy seems to be working so perhaps I should be less critical. Is this the world we live in now? Where every automaker makes one design, then copy and pastes it onto a proportionately smaller canvas? I really hope not, but who could blame you if you were starting to think that way? I certainly won’t because it seems to me like I see a lot of the same designs popping up model after model, and that doesn’t say a lot for individuality at all.
What do you guys think? Is the A7 a hit or a dud? Are automakers being too eager and pushy with their design consistency between models, changing little outside of size and engine output? Let us know what you’re thinking in the comments section below.
2019 Audi A7
What started as the Audi Sportback Concept in 2009 took a quick turn and morphed into the Audi A7 Sportback for 2010. It’s been seven years since the first A7 rolled into our presence and you know what that means – it’s time for the second-gen model to finally make its way into the limelight, and make its way it did as Audi looked back on its history and presented us with what is, essentially, a hatchback A8 with some serious steroid-induced muscles to go with an equally sized bad attitude. The whole package includes the wide, low grille from the A8 which is flanked on each side by evolved A8 headlights and a pair of fake vents down below. The base motivator provides the same horsepower as the outgoing model (340 ponies) but delivers a bit more torque.
The interior is also a focal point of the second-gen model as it sees a pretty serious upgrade over the previous model and borrows some cues from the A8 while at the same time pushing that A8 DNA to a serious extreme. All told, the A7 is much more attractive inside and out in comparison to the outgoing model, but it comes off a bit slower to 60 mph and carries the same limited top speed. So, if it’s performance increases that you’re looking for, you might want to check out another German manufacturer, but if you’re all about having fresh looks in a luxurious and sexy package, you’ll want to keep reading and check out the full review below.
2019 Audi A7 Prototype Gets Flame Broiled While Testing in the Alps
The last time we saw the second-gen Audi A7 stretching its infant wheels was back in August of 2016. One would think that the car would be a little closer to being production ready at this point, with a debut expected to come in late 2017 or early 2018, but this specific prototype either passed through a portal to hell and came back or experienced an extreme failure. According to our cameramen, the A7 was pulling a dead-weight trailer through the Alps when, all of the sudden, flames began shooting from under the hood and onto the windshield. Fortunately, the driver was able to pull to the side and get out before things to too toasty but attempts to extinguish the flames by a roadside service employee failed.
It took all of about 15 or 20 minutes for the entire car to burn to the ground, at which point the local fire department showed up and extinguished what remained. Unfortunately for Audi, this means there’s definitely still a lot of work to do on the A7 before it’s ready to shift into production, but the hard part at this point will be determining exactly what lead to such a catastrophic failure. Did a fuel line rupture and spray fuel on a hot exhaust outlet? Was there an extreme electrical short that turned fatal, or was it something else? It’s hard to say at this point, but based on what’s left, it leaves one to wonder if Audi will ever know for sure what really happened.
Keep reading for the rest of the story
2017 Audi A7
Introduced in 2010 as a competitor for the Mercedes-Benz CLS, the A7 was a significant departure from Audi’s usual lineup. Essentially an A6 with a fastback-like roof and a
type tailgate, the A7 was Audi’s first liftback model since the 1970s. Praised for its appealing design and comprehensive engine lineup, which also included the V-8-powered S7 and RS7 models, the A7 became pretty popular in its niche, forcing BMW to launch its very own four-door coupe — the 6 Series Gran Coupe. Updated twice since its introduction, the A7 has received yet another upgrade for the 2017 model year.
Arguably the only luxury model to have gained no fewer than three facelifts in only six years, the A7 carries over into 2017 with new exterior paints, new wheels, and extra interior features. Styling-wise, the A7 remains unchanged, but that’s far from being an issue given that the exterior was updated in 2014.
The updated A7 lineup will go on sale in the second quarter of 2016. To find our more about the A7’s mild facelift and how the German sedan stacks against competition from Mercedes-Benz and BMW, check out the full review below.
Updated 07/18/2016: Audi dropped a new video for us in which A7’s off-road capabilities are being put to the test in the deserts of the Dubai. Hit "play" to see if it was up for the challenge.
Continue reading to learn more about the 2017 Audi A7.
Audi’s A7 Piloted Driving Concept Making Steady Improvements
Audi’s push to develop its autonomous driving technology has gradually taken steps forward to the point that the company’s research car, the Audi A7 piloted driving concept, is now more refined in performing a variety of functions by itself. Nicknamed “Jack” for unspecified reasons, the A7 is said to be more “socially competent” than it ever has been in the past. In other words, the car is now able to navigate around its surrounding while remaining cognizant of other drivers in its area. This kind of consideration allows it adapt to a particular situation, much like what we normally do when we find ourselves in similar circumstances.
In its latest iteration, Jack has exhibited increased comfort and competence in navigating around road hazards, as well as timing his passes around large trucks, and his ability to make the appropriate turn signals. A huge part of Jack’s success can be attributed to what Audi calls the zFAS processor, which the automaker describes as the brains behind the outfit. This particular system comes with high-performance processors that works overdrive in real time to identify and evaluate Jack’s surroundings. As soon as the zFAS lays out the template of the land so to speak, it immediately plots and calculates moves that Jack would be doing, well in advance of the actual moves happening.
The pace by which Audi has developed the A7 piloted driving concept is proof at how serious this so-called race is among a lot of automakers in the industry. To its credit, the gains that have been made in the development of Jack hasn’t gone to Audi’s head. On the contrary, the German automaker continues to push forward and has even partnered with city of Ingolstadt to develop a test site that will test construction methods and technical solutions to plot out a system that can improve driving conditions throughout the country.
Test operations featuring some of Jack’s contemporaries are scheduled to begin in 2018. Similarly, a digital test site on the A9 autobahn has been opened to give automakers like Audi real-time road conditions to further develop and test the technology.
Continue reading for the full story.
One of my most vivid memories from traveling to Germany and taking a drive on the Autobahn was watching the left-hand lane. We cruised at a reasonable speed in my friend’s beat-up Honda Accord wagon (it was interesting being in a place where Japanese cars were universally considered to be crapcans, but that’s another story) and the faster souls would whip past on the left. And interestingly, though we were close to Stuttgart, most of them were Audis.
Oh, there’d be the occasional Porsche or BMW, and once even a SEAT, but for the most part, a casual glance at the Autobahn’s fast lane would have suggested that it was for the sole use of silver Audis. Every few seconds one would whip past, often moving so fast that there was a little air-pressure shockwave as it went: Thud. The whole drive from Heidelberg to Stuttgart was like that. Thud: silver Audi. Thud: silver Audi. Thud: silver Audi. It was like there was a cannon somewhere back there shooting Audis past us.
I’m reminded of that experience every time I get behind the wheel of an Audi — even more so with the silver 2015 Audi A7 TDI that I recently spent a week with. The curvy A7 is the personification of Audi’s high-speed luxury attitude, from the roof to the road.
Continue reading to lean more about my test drive with the Audi A7.
It might not be so obvious today, but Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system was quite the game-changer when it was first introduced. Back in the early ’80s, Audi’s Sport Quattro race cars forever changed the sport of rallying by making AWD a necessity. But these days there are a lot of AWD sedans to choose from, and you might even be given to thinking that they’re all the same. But Audi’s Quattro system wasn’t designed just for a bit of snow on a suburban side street, it was made for rallying, and the system in the A7 is more similar to the one from the race cars than most people realize.
So to prove it, Audi sent an A7 out into the sand dunes of Dubai. No special tires, no lifted suspension, just an A7 driven off of the road and onto the sand. Is this the kind of thing that your average A7 owner is going to need to do? Of course not, but it never hurts to have a car that you know is capable of handling some seriously tough terrain. Plus, obviously, it looks really cool doing it.
2014 is a busy year for Audi, with the Germans releasing many of facelifts and updates to existing models. The first refreshed to lose its wraps is the A7, a car we’ve been keeping our eyes on since last November, when we brought the first spy shots depicting the sleek four-door sedan.
As expected, changes are bland, with only a few details changing the Audi’s exterior appearance. The interior has benefited from even less attention, with only a few new colors and inlays added. There is, however, an updated infotainment system with a new, faster processor.
The engine compartment is a bit more interesting. In here, Audi added a dozen more ponies compared to the 2014 model. There will be three diesels units and the two gasoline engines available, but not all of them will make it to the United States.
Updated 04/17/2015: Audi announced prices for the 2016 A7 — a model that continues unchanged from the previous year. Prices will range from $68,300 for the S7 Premium Plus version up to $82,900 for the S7 Prestige.
What else is new on the 2015 Audi A7? Continue reading to find out more.
Despite being named in theory after non-vehicular technology, the 2015 edition of the Computer Electronics Show (CES) was pretty packed with high-tech means of transportation, with just about many major car manufacturers jumping on the occasion of unveiling a bespoke concept car for the event in Las Vegas. The common theme among most vehicles presented was "connectivity" and/or "autonomous driving, " and for some reason it seems that German carmakers set their sights on stealing most of the accolades.
Each and every concept car presented at CES 2015 tried in the most elaborate ways to provide consumers with a peek at the world of transportation in the near future and beyond, with some of the gizmos and features sported by a couple of cars even wearing the "production ready" tag. By far the biggest surprises came from Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz, with each of them presenting their own interpretation of the so-called "car of the future."
The luxury trio of premium carmakers wasn’t the only one to infuse CES 2015 with cars that sport extra connectivity features or self-driving options, which is why we decided to put together a short list featuring the most important cars and automotive technologies presented at the show in Las Vegas. Some are simply rehashed variants of existing vehicles, while others are futuristic thingamajigs that we will only see on the roads in the third decade or so of the new millennium. Either way, prepare for a concentrated dose of innovative means of transportation and automotive technology.
Click past the jump to read more about the 2015 CES.
The Consumer Electronic Show has become an increasingly car-centric event over the last few years. In attempt to standout from the rest of the car companies in attendance, Audi packed an autonomously driven A7 3.0 TFSI full of journalists and sent it on its way from San Francisco to make the 560-mile trek to Las Vegas in time for CES 2015.
The 2015 A7 Sportback Piloted Driving Concept, known to Audi engineers as “Jack,” uses software and hardware similar to the 2015 RS 7 Piloted Driving Concept that recently lapped the Hockenheim in just over two minutes at the 2014 DTM season finale. Audi says most of the sensors and systems fitted to “Jack” are either production ready or are already available on Audis you can buy today — adaptive cruise control, Audi side assist, and long and short-range sensors. Things like laser scanners and small front and rear cameras are also at work. There’s a sizable bank of hardware in the trunk, but given the nature of computers, all that stuff will be the size of your wallet by next week.
The technology isn’t quite ready to fully take the lives of folks who are not Audi employees into its hands yet, not even car journalists. The autonomous wizardry only kicks in on the highway at speeds under 70 mph, and “Jack” will politely ask you to take the wheel in city driving situations. Still, it’s smart enough to initiate lane changes and passing maneuvers. I just wonder if “Jack” gets as infuriated with California’s left-lane loafers as I do.
Click past the jump for two more video.
The newest marketing ploy to drive customers insane over how technologically advanced certain car brands are is "autonomous driving;" love it or hate it, but it is here to stay and that is where most carmakers will be heading in the future. Audi is the latest to jump on the "autonomous" bandwagon and those already familiar with its 2015 A7 piloted driving concepr will be happy to learn that the prototype will perform a mostly driverless test drive from Silicon Valley, California, to Las Vegas, Nevada, where the 2015 Consumer Electronics Show) is currently taking place.
The car will drive itself more than 550 miles on public roads over the course of two days, with the driving time being split between a number of journalists, each of them being in charge of the Audi’s self-driving for around 100 miles. A professional test driver from Audi will obviously accompany the journalists from the passenger seat just in case something goes terribly wrong.
To make things clear, the autonomous Audi A7 piloted driving concept isn’t actually fully autonomous, and in city traffic it will request the driver to take control of the wheel in order to "ensure proper safety," as Audi says. On top of that, all the journalist test drivers have been trained beforehand by Audi at the Arizona Proving Grounds, so in theory none of them should have any problems bringing the semi-autonomous and probably very expensive prototype to CES safely. The test drive represents a common effort between Volkswagen Electronics Research Laboratory (ERL) and Volkswagen Research and Development.
Click past the jump to read more about the Audi A7 Piloted Driving Concept.
Originally created out of a need to counter-attack the rather successful Mercedes-Benz CLS "four-door coupe," the Audi A7 is arguably the best-looking five-door hatchback coupe out there, despite its more than obvious similarities with just about every other Audi model. Still, you can tell that the Ingolstadt brand went to extremes to make it as desirable as possible, with initial sales results suggesting that it went a little bit better than expected, especially considering that the A7 is still a niche automobile.
Unveiled back in 2010, the funky five-door fastback received a mid-cycle facelift in 2014, with the second generation not only being greenlighted, but its design has been already signed off by the new Audi head of design, Marc Lichte. Set to be launched sometime in 2017 as a 2018 model, the second Audi A7 will apparently get an all-new design that is supposedly much more radical than the current model.
Naturally, "radical" and "design" in the same sentence when talking about an Audi may sound like a bit of a stretch, but this is what the brand’s evangelists are saying. According to Marc Lichte, some of the visual motifs featured by the Audi Prologue Concept will find their way on the future A6, A8 and the A7, with each model apparently having its own visual identity. Not only that, but the new Audi head of design has also said that we should expect a more thorough look differentiation not only with other distinct Ingolstadt models, but between the A7, S7 and RS7 as well.
Note: Current Audi A7 pictured here.
Click past the jump to read more about the 2017 Audi A7.
It’s hard to not be impressed by Audi’s autonomous driving 2015 RS7 test car. You’ll likely recall the same car’s recent lap around the Hockenheim circuit in which only the on-board computers were driving the car. No programmed mappings of the track or remote controlling — it was all done by the car’s “sight.” Now Auto Express journalist Mat Watson gets a front row seat view of the action.
This RS7, nicknamed Bobby, retains all its important go-fast components, including its quattro all-wheel drive and the 4.0-liter, twin-turbo V-8 making 560 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. Added to the car are a bevy of cameras, radar sensors, and a precise GPS system.
Watson, accompanied by an Audi test driver, goes for a hands- and foot-free driving experience with the goal of beating the 2:12.5-second lap time Watson previously set while driving the RS7 himself. As the pair round the last corner at the Ascari racing circuit in Spain, the self-driving Audi crossed the finish line in 2:14.6 seconds. Being only 2.1 seconds slower ‘round the track isn’t bad for an autonomous car, especially considering the added weight of an extra adult.
While it’s very unlikely racing or track days will ever benefit from an autonomous car, the track provides an excellent proving ground for such technologies. Future customers can ride easy knowing their autonomous Audi has logged track time. In the mean time, it’s a fun video to watch.
By now you’ve likely seen the latest concept from Audi, the Prologue. You also likely know the concept is a design study that previews how the next generation of Audi vehicle will look. What’s really interesting is that Audi is actually working in reverse. The upcoming A6, A7, and A8 sedans’ designs were all signed off on before the Prologue was created.
According to Audi’s design chief Marc Lichte, the Prologue is a conglomerate of designs between the upcoming trio of cars, acting like a movie trailer of sorts. “We design the new A8, A7 and A6 models first, then put the essence of all three of them into the Prologue. Every element can be traced into the production cars; some things might be a bit louder in the A7, and a bit quieter in the A8, but it’s all in there,” Lichte said in an interview with Autocar at the LA Auto Show.
This means no letdown in design between the concept and production models. What we see in the Prologue will actually hit the streets. What’s more, the Prologue’s size and shape are a preview of Audi’s upcoming A9 flagship coupe, rivaling the likes of 2015 Mercedes’ S-Class coupe. Lichte also promised more design difference between models, giving each one a more distinguishable look.
Audi will start rolling out the new products in the latter part of 2016, starting with the A8. The A7 and A6 are scheduled to follow sometime in 2017. Expect the rest of Audi’s lineup to adopt the new look in the subsequent years.
Click past the jump to read more about the Audi Prologue Concept.
Audi is pushing deeper and deeper into alternative propulsion every year. Recent concepts have seen a push towards electric power with the e-tron lineup, the racing division is pushing hybrid tech with diesel engines, and of course, we have Audi’s large lineup of TDI models. Now though, we have the next step towards a gasoline-free future with the A7 Sportback h-tron Quattro. This new car is based on the sporting and attractive A7 Sportback, but instead of the standard gasoline or diesel engines that Audi sells it with, this new car comes packed with a fuel cell combined to a plug-in hybrid system.
Audi promises outstanding speed and performance, with a hydrogen-only range of more than 300 miles. A unique and capable new electric Quattro AWD system makes its debut and it should give the A7 h-tron a level of handling prowess never before seen on a hydrogen car. Once you add in the fact that the A7 is a stunning looking car with plenty of room for five people, lots of luggage space and class-leading levels of luxury and the h-tron looks like a real winner.
Click past the jump to read more about the Audi A7 Sportback H-Tron Quattro Concept.
Make no mistake about it, the Audi RS7 is a fast car right from the showroom floor. But as with any car, there is usually some untapped potential lying within the engine, waiting to be released. That is certainly the case here, with this modified Audi RS7 from SMP Racing.
The car features SMP’s Total Race Stage 2 package that brings the 4.0-liter, twin-turbo V-8’s output to an impressive 750 horsepower. That’s a marked improvement over the stock 560 horsepower the RS7 comes with.
A man by the name of Oleg Belousov owns the car and proves just what it will do down a Russian drag strip. If you missed it in the headline, the luxo family-hauler pulls a quarter-mile time of 10.155 seconds at 135.4 mph! That’s stunningly fast for any car, let alone one that seats four and weighs 4,475 pounds.
The RS7 owes much of its quick acceleration times to its quattro all-wheel-drive system that helps all four tires hook up to the pavement. Without it, it’s likely the rear tires would just melt away in a cloud of billowing smoke as the 750 horsepower pummeled them in circles.
The Audi RS7 Piloted Driving Concept, Ingolstadt’s latest effort into self-driving cars, made its track debuted during this weekend’s DTM round at the Hockenheim track. The high-performance sedan raced the course with no driver behind the wheel and completed the lap in a little over two minutes; a great achievement for a car driven with help from GPS signals transmitted through a WiFi connection, 3D cameras and on-board computer programs.
Although it was far from being completed at actual "racing speeds," as claimed by Audi, the run saw the RS7 reach speeds of more than 100 mph, which sets a whole new benchmark for autonomous vehicles. Granted, this is a huge improvement over the self-driving TT that completed the Pikes Peak hill climb course in 27 minutes with a top speed of 45 mph in 2010.
As a brief reminder, the Piloted Driving Concept uses the same 4.0-liter V-8 engine as the regular RS7. This means the sedan has 560 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque at its disposal, which enables it to reach a top speed of 189 mph. Although there are no specific plans to put this concept car into production, Audi says it will continue to develop the self-driving system, with more demonstrations to come.
Meanwhile, hit the play button above to watch the RS7 lap the Hockenheim track on its own.
If you find yourself on a California expressway, you may just be next to a self-driving Audi. That’s right; Audi snagged California’s first permit that allows autonomous driving for automakers developing the technology. The news comes after years of negotiations between several automakers and the State of California to allow more extensive testing of autonomous vehicles on public roads.
The news is especially important for Audi, as its Electronics Research Laboratory is in Belmont, California. Now the German automaker can stick closer to its Belmont base camp rather than testing in Nevada, a state that has previously welcomed driverless cars.
While this milestone marks a first for California, it isn’t Audi’s first autonomous rodeo. The automaker has logged tens of thousands of autonomous driving across Europe.
“Driverless vehicle technology has the potential to revolutionize driving, reduce traffic accidents and save lives,” says California Senator Alex Padilla. “I applaud the efforts of Audi of America and others whose commitment is making this technology a reality.”
Audi and future autonomous-testing automakers will have to show proof of insurance or surety bonds before being awarded a permit for testing — a slight formality for automotive giants sinking big bucks into driverless research and development.
Audi’s automated Piloted driving system is geared toward freeway traffic conditions, eliminating the need for a human to control the vehicle through crowded, mostly straight-line, stop-and-go traffic situations. Current internal forecasts have Audi introducing driverless systems to the public within a five-year timeframe.
Click past the jump to read more about Audi’s self-driving technology.
The A7 is a tricky car to work on because it tugs in the directions of sportiness and luxury. Trying to determine where to angle your kit is half the battle in itself. But MR Racing holds a different principle. Instead of favoring one over the other, the company prefers having a happy compromise where both style and performance benefit from its programs. That’s evident in how the aftermarket company worked on the Audi A7. MR Racing went into the build with a clear purpose in mind: it wanted to give the A7 increased styling substance to go with subtle tweaks to the its performance capabilities. Even the interior was given its own share of new digs, not the least of which is the added entertainment value of having a portable DVD player hanging from the headliner.
If I had this sleek Audi sedan in my garage, I’d be really interested in getting MR Racing to make mine exactly like this. It’s still an ’if’ at this point, but trust me, I’m working my way to get there. I just hope MR Racing can wait, say, another 15 years?
Click past the jump to read more about the Audi A7 3.0 TDI By MR Racing.
The trendy and gorgeous Audi A7 is receiving a facelift for 2015, and with it comes a new 3.0 TDI Ultra model that pushes the turbo-diesel to new heights of efficiency and cleanliness. Introduced in 2012 to compete with the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class, the A7 was an immediate hit. Combining arguably the best styling in the segment, a sumptuous interior, and excellent performance, it’s no wonder this car was so well-received. It wasn’t just consumers who were impressed; the A7 won several awards, including the Automobile Magazine 2012 Car of the Year Award. Autoweek featured the A7 in its "Best of the Best" feature, and, in general The A7 has been at or near the top in virtually every comparison test since its arrival on the U.S. scene.
The TDI version, introduced here just this year, has also been praised. In a recent road test of the 2014 Audi A7 TDI, Car and Driver exclaimed themselves "drunk on diesel." They were particularly enamored with the TDI’s endless 428 pound-feet of torque and excellent efficiency, with a 30 mpg combined rating.
Not one to rest on its laurels, however, Audi is giving the A7 TDI a new Ultra version to help reduce consumption and emissions even more.
Click past the jump to read more about the 2015 Audi A7 Sportback 3.0 TDI ultra.
Still relatively new, the Audi A7 Sportback rides on Volkswagen Group’s MLB platform and first drove the streets of America in 2012. That MLB platform also underpins the A4, A5, A6, A8, and even the Q5 and Porsche Macan. Needless to day, it’s a popular building block for Volkswagen vehicles. Besides its underpinnings, the A7 Sportback comes with a pair of V-6 engines. First up is the 3.0-liter TFSI supercharged gasoline engine making 310 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. While it’s a great engine, fans of oil-burners will love the 3.0-liter TDI turbo diesel also available in the A7. Audi’s rich history of TDI engines turns a quarter century this year, and to celebrate, the German automaker is offering the A7 Sportback TDI Competition model — a hopped-up version of the A7 TDI.
The twin-turbocharged, clean-diesel gets meatier camshafts that help generate an additional seven horsepower, bringing the total to 326 ponies. The 3.0-liter TDI enjoys a maximum torque output of 479 pound-feet between 1,400 and 2,800 rpm. These changes don’t kill the A7 Sportback’s fuel economy either, as it still returns over 38 mpg. Get hard on the throttle, however, and the TDI’s computer will temporarily increase turbo boost, squeezing another 20 horsepower out of the mill, making its maximum output 346 horses.
There are plenty of other changes around the A7 Sportback TDI Competition package besides the extra oomph. Click on past the jump for the full rundown of all the updated features and creature comforts within Audi’s latest A7 TDI.
Click past the jump to read more about the 2014 Audi A7 Sportback 3.0 TDI Competition.
Okay, folks, the 2014 New York International Auto Show is in the books, and we saw more debuts than we could even keep up with. We saw all of the big boys come with at least one key addition to their lineups, but we also had a few misses. For example. we were hoping to see the Hellcat option for the Challenger and Charger, and some extra information on the next-gen Miata — not just a glimpse at its chassis — neither of which happened.
As with every year, we are set to bring you the best and worst of the NYIAS, but we’re changing things up a bit. This year, each of our esteemed staffers has chosen their favorite and least favorite of the show and let you know why they loved or hated each one — some of us even had complete opposite opinions. Included in the list below is the Dart-ized Charger, the even-more-retro Challenger, a concept from Land Rover and even a "dirt cheap" Aston Martin.
There were a lot of vehicles to choose from, and we may have missed one that you loved or hated. Let us know in the comments below what car you loved or hated the most from the 2014 NYIAS.
Click past the jump to read about our favorite and least favorite debuts in New York.
After about four years of production, the Audi A7 is about to receive its first revision. This news is no surprise, considering that in the past few months Aud has revised nearly its entire lineup. Our spy photographers manged to spy the new A7 out doing some test runs in the cold of Sweden.
As you can see in these spy shots this A7 prototype wears lots of camouflage, but we basically know what to expect from Audi. We expect to see the same treatment that we saw applied to the recently launched A8, including the new Matrix LED headlights, a modified front and rear bumper, and new graphics on the LED taillights.
Under the hood, the A7 will get more powerful and efficient engines combined with new assistance systems that will make the revised A7 even more attractive.
Expect to see the revised Audi A7 revealed by the end of the year, with sales to begin right in time for the 2015 model year.
Click past the jump to read more about the 2015 Audi A7.
A luxury limousine needs no explanation. For many buyers, is the only type of car on the market they will consider. Transporting themselves, family members and business colleagues in comfort and luxury is the name of the game.
It is much more than comfort for these affluent clients, or we would see American businessmen lapping up the Chevy Impala or Toyota Avalon like they do stock options in a venture capital-backed, start-up company.
No, for these buyers - it is either a professionally-driven car service or it must be the something extremely luxurious and "on brand." In other words, something these fancy folks think matches their lifestyle, clothing, accessories, vacation spots and what-have-you.
The luxury sedans on this list start at about $65,000 and go way up from there. These limos need to be huge in the back seat, ruling out the BMW 5 Series, Mercedes E-Class and Audi A6 from contention.
So, let’s talk big. A back seat so roomy that you can read the full newspaper and cross your legs. For that, it will take the size of the Audi A7 at minimum, and up to the Rolls-Royce Ghost LWB at maximum.
Click Pass the jump for the full list of the Top-Ten Luxury Sedans.
What is the appeal of a really hardcore performance sedan? There are a dozen valid reasons, and most car guys will not need much persuading to get on-board. Killer pace starts from the new Panamera Turbo’s projected 3.2-second blastoff to 60 mph.
The ingredients for the recipe are deceptively simple: big power all over the rev dial, rear-drive bias strongly preferred, and a manual box unless the automatic is absolutely state of the art.
The last and least important part? Those rear doors. Buyers of the hottest full-size performance sedans typically do not mind a tiny back seat. After all, the best possible passengers back there will probably be adoring ladies in thousand-dollar outfits.
So, megalux atmosphere back there is more important than true comfort and versatility. After all, you cannot take three beautiful and giggling best friends for a windows-down, radio-up spin in the hills without a swanky coupe-like sedan.
Even better is a stomping acceleration soundtrack and real panache outside the hottest bars and restaurants. No longer just Euro exclusives: all the cars on this list can be bought or ordered right here in the U.S. for 2013 or 2014.
Representatives from BMW, Mercedes, Lexus, Jaguar, Audi and Cadillac are also proudly represented in this market for $50,000-plus super sedans.
Click past the jump for the current Top Ten Best Performance Sedans, with a few in there you might not have expected.
The A7 is a mutant of a car in the ultra-conservative luxury sedan world. Style it all you want, but do not add a hatchback or call it a coupe. Where it starts to make sense is in the decadent fastback proportions and more than a little Lamborghini Estoque about the rear end.
The Audi seals the deal with a huge tailgate that opens to a wagon-large cargo area and rear seats that can fold down for loading antiques.
The A7 has a low roofline that is a significant 3-inch drop from the A8 above it. And while the A7 looks enormous, it is about half a foot shorter than the A8, as well.
The A7 does not have this fashion coupe space all to itself. It is nearly $20,000 cheaper than the Porsche Panamera that packs the same freaky hatchback luxury charm. The A7 also takes aim at the Mercedes-Benz CLS550 Shooting Brake and the BMW 650i Gran Coupe, making this one big German party.
None of these over-styled cars ever age very gracefully but the A7 is in the unenviable spot of being the oldest among this group of brand-new competitors. Don’t count out the $65,000 A7, as this battle has only just begun.
Click past the jump for the full review of the 2014 Audi A7 3.0T with highlights on the new equipment and performance options.
It looks like Audi is about to make the first step into its new ’tron’ range of sustainable technologies. British magazine, AutoCar, is reporting that the company will start testing a fuel-cell-powered A7 at the end of August. It looks like the announcement was made by Audi’s technical chief, Wolfgang Dürheimer, who denied offering any other details on the model.
A fuel-cell-powered auto uses hydrogen as fuel and oxygen from the ambient air to create the energy needed to charge the battery or to drive the electric motors. If you do the molecular math, Hydrogen plus Oxygen equals water. Yup, no tailpipe emissions; just water.
In fact, for Audi this is not its first attempt in developing a fuel-cell vehicle. Back in 2009, the maker tested the Q5 HFC - an SUV that used two high-pressure cylinders of hydrogen to supply a fuel cell that powered a pair of electric motors.
Whether Audi builds a fuel-cell powered A7 or not is still a big question, considering the lack of an established hydrogen infrastructure. Even so, testing is always a good exercise.
Click past the jump to read more about the standard Audi A7.
It looks like Audi has just entered the Halloween spirit, a day letter its true, but better than ever. The company has just unveiled the A6 and A7 Black Editions, two models that combine their more emphatic styling with the most extensive equipment list in each range. Prices will range from £35,010 ($56,500) to £56,785 ($91,600).
As their name suggest the two models will be distinguished by black finish for the grille and number plate surrounds and the window frame strips, plus tinted windows. The two special editions will be offered with a new set of wheels, sized 20" for the A6 and 21" for the A7. The wheels are painted in dark titanium finish and are combined with lowered sports suspension.
For the interior the Black Edition will get sports seats upholstered in black Valcona leather, a BOSE surround sound system, DAB digital radio and the Audi Music Interface (AMI) for iPod connection.
Customers will have the possibility to choose between three engines: a 3.0-litre BiTDI unit 313, a 2.0-litre TDI unit with 177 HP and a 3.0-litre TDI with 204 HP.
A car like the Audi A7 is one of those models that’s ripe for an aftermarket project. The timing’s right, too, because the 2012 SEMA Auto Show has just opened its doors. Noted aftermarket company H&R Springs is a fixture at SEMA, and this year, they’re bringing along a number of project cars, including the A7 four-door luxury sports car.
Building impressive car projects is something the H&R Springs has made a habit of. It’s no different with this A7 after the tuning firm did the work to turn it into a bonafide, custom-tuned luxury sports sedan.
Best be advised, though. If you’re expecting something over-the-top, this model is far from it. But where it lacks in eye-popping design, it sure makes up for in improved performance and strengthened handling characteristics.
At the end of the day, those things are what’s important for H&R Springs. Leave the fancy at the door and bring the practicality out.
Find out more about H&R Springs’ program for the Audi A7 after the jump.
The Audi S7 Sportback is a car that holds up when compared to a car like the Mercedes CLS-Class. But once AMG gets into the picture and releases the CLS AMG, there’s no way that the S7 Sportback can compete with it.
That’s where ABT Sportsline comes into the picture.
The German tuner has just released a new performance program for the luxury Audi sedan, an upgrade that will give it enough added power to give Mercedes’ CLS AMG line a serious run for its money. The upgrade, which has been christened the "AS7" takes the S7 Sportsback’s 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged TFSI V8 engine and increases its output from the standard 420 horsepower and 406 lb/ft of torque figures all the way up to 520 horsepower and 442 lb/ft of torque. This allows it a new top speed of 183 mph, up from the standard 155 mph top speed of the stock model. Do the math and that equates to a 100-horsepower and 36 lb/ft of torque increase from the standard S7 Sportback and an improvement of 28 mph.
In addition to the engine modifications, ABT Sportsline also fitted the S7 Sportback with a new set of either 20" or 21"CR or CD alloy wheels to go with new suspension springs, an optional lowering module, and the ABT Level Control air suspension setting.
Audi has unveiled the new twin-turbo V6 TDI engine in UK. This engine will be used on models like the A6 sedan and the Avant, as well as the A7 Sportback models. The new models are already on sale and prices will start from £43,810 ($69,200 at the current rates) for the A6 models and from £51,645 ($81,500 at the current rates) for the A7 Sportback.
The new V6 TDI engine has been equipped with a two-stage turbocharger group that delivers a maximum boost pressure of up to 3.2 bar. This allows the engine to deliver a total of 313 HP from 3,900-4,500rpm and a peak torque of 479 lb-ft available from 1,450 to 2,800rpm.
With this amount of power, the A6 3.0 BiTDI quattro sedan will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.1 seconds and the Avant and A7 in 5.3 seconds. On all three models, the top speed is limited to 155 mph.
The new engine has been combined with technologies like start-stop and recuperation systems and the innovative thermal management system that quickly brings the coolant and oil up to their operating temperatures. With these additions, the fuel economy went up to an impressive 44.1mpg.
The Audi A7 Sportback was unveiled in 2010 and since then, it hasn’t really been picked up by many tuners. In the cases where a tuning company - like MTM and Senner Tuning - has taken a chance at the A7, the power upgrades for the model haven’t exactly been as breathtaking as the recent package conceived by B&B.
The B&B tuning package is based on the 3.0-liter V6 TFSI version of the Audi A7 and includes three different engine stages. In Stage One, the V6 engine is tuned to deliver 380 HP and361 lb-ft of torque, while Stage Two takes the standard 296 HP and 325 lb-ft of torque up to 402 HP and 383 lb-ft of torque. Anyone wanting to pack a bigger punch can opt for Stage Three which includes a high-flow air filter, an optimized intercooler, and a sport exhaust system that will increase the engine power to 419 HP and 398 lb-ft of torque.
With the Audi A7’s new-found power, B&B probably didn’t feel the need to jazz up the exterior or interior. The only additions they made, aside from the engine upgrades, are front fender vents, a lowered suspension, and a new set of 19" to 21" inch alloy wheels.
We don’t usually associate Playboy with cars, unless scantily clad women were somehow involved, but the American men’s magazine has just unveiled the top 11 hottest models people should buy in 2012. Now guys can really say they are picking up Playboy’s latest issue for the articles!
The top spot for this honorable list goes to none other than the fastest production Jaguar ever built - the XKR-S! But next to this remarkable sports car is the Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4, the Fiat 500, the Range Rover Evoque, the Lexus CT 200h, the BMW 1-Series M Coupe, the Bentley Continental GTC, the Ford Mustang Boss 302, the Audi A7, the Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG, and the Hyundai Veloster.
There are certainly many fabulous vehicles to choose from on this list - and some not so fabulous vehicles - so do you agree with the top spot? Let us know in the comments section below!
When you’re in the middle of choosing your next automotive purchase, it’s always nice to have a wide range of choices for a certain model that has caught your eye. Every automaker has made it a point to offer customers more than just one version for a specific model, including Audi, which recently unveiled a special edition ’S’ version for their high-end luxury car, theA7 Sportback.
Adding to the already impressive list of features that come with the A7 Sportback, the S Limited Edition model takes the reins to provide a number of new elements to go with the standard equipment.
For the exterior set-up, the new features that are part of the A7 Sportback S Limited Ediiton include a new S-line sports suspension, redesigned bumpers, a new rear spoiler, chromed exhaust tailpipes, and a new set of 19" alloy wheels. Meanwhile, the luxury car’s interior also gets a nice dress-up in the form of a new black interior trim with aluminum trim accents, new sports seats with Valcona leather, an electrically adjustable lumbar support, a three-spoke multi-function sports steering wheel with shift paddles, automatic climate control, ambient lighting, Audi parking Plus, MMI navigation, and a new anti-theft alarm.
Under its hood, the A7 Sportback S Limited Edition will carry the same powertrain options as that of the rest of the A7 family, including the top-of-the-line 3.0-liter TFSI engine that produces 300 horsepower and 325 lb/ft of torque.
For now, the A7 Sportback S Limited Edition is only available in the Netherlands for an additional price of €11,200 ($15,430) to be added to the standard A7’s price tag.
German tuner, MTM, has unveiled a new tuning package for the Audi A7 3.0 TDI Quattro. The package includes a new suspension system, new wheels and an impressive engine update - offered in two different levels. First deliveries will be made at the end of August 2011.
In its standard version, Audi’s 3.0 liter delivers a total of 245 HP and a peak torque of 368 lbs-ft. MTM, however, has found a solution to improve the engine’s total output with two different levels of updates. In the first package the output has been increased to 285 HP and 427 lb-ft and the second sees an increase to 300 hp and 442 lbs-ft of torque. Both updates take only 90 minutes and include an M-Cantronic system, an updated control unit, and a perfectly adjusted exhaust system with four 89mm tail pipes. This is a visible sign that an MTM diesel is expected rather on the fast lane than on the slow lane. Top speed has been increased to 163 mph.
A new suspension is currently being tested and will soon be available for active operation. The tuner is offering a new set of wheels, size 20" in combination with 20mm or 30mm wheel spacers as part of the MTM product range.
Ever since its official launch, the most important update packages for the Audi A7 have come from MTM and Abt Sportsline. Now, Senner Tuning is getting into the game with their new tuning kit for the entry level sports car sporting a diesel engine.
The 3.0 liter V6 TDI found in the Audi A7 diesel variant has been tricked to deliver a total of 306 HP and a peak torque of 457 lbs-ft (up from the standard 245 HP and 368 lbs-ft). Top speed has also been increased to 174 mph. The engine has been combined with a stainless steel exhaust system with twin 90 mm (3.5 inch) tailpipes.
The 61 HP jump for the Senner A7 necessitates a tweak for the handling as well, so Senner Tuning threw on a new set of Varianza T1S wheels, size 9.5x20", wrapped in Vredestein Ultrac Sessanta tires, size 275/35R20. These tires were then combined with a 30mm lowering of the chassis with air suspension to improve the car’s agility.
Audi is preparing a strong offensive line in hopes of achieving greatness in the sports car market. In the upcoming months, the company plans to reveal four new sports sedans to complete their all-star team.
The first teammate will be the S8, which will be launched at the Frankfurt Motor Show this fall. The S8 will feature a new 4.0 liter, twin-turbo V8 engine developed in cooperation with Bentley. This new engine will deliver a total of 493 HP - an increase of about 50 HP over the current S8 model - but will also have a fuel improvement of about 20%. The engine will be mated to an 8-speed automatic gearbox and Quattro all-wheel drive system.
About two months after the S8 has its time in the spotlight, Audi will present the S6 and the S7 at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The two models will also get the new 4.0 liter V8 engine with an output of 434 HP in the S6 and 464 HP in the S7.
The true all-star on this team, however, will be the RS6. It will also get the 4.0 liter, twin-turbo V8 engine, but with tweaks to increase the power to an impressive 572 HP. The bad news, though, is that Audi will be saving the best for last and we won’t get to see the Audi RS6 until late 2012. The BMW M5 will be able to enjoy its lead in the rankings until then.
Audi’s next logical step after the A7 luxury sedan is to bring out its S7 version. The S7 has already been caught testing, and judging by the fact there is no camouflage on it, we should expect to see a production version in the next few weeks. Further down the line - at the Frankfurt Auto Show - Audi will display the new model next to the S6 and the S8.
Compared to the standard A7, the S7 will be distinguished by larger alloy wheels and bigger brakes, a sportier front bumper with larger air intakes, and quad exhaust pipes. The model will also get a sports suspension. Under the hood, there will be a new 4.0-liter V8 engine, that will also be used for the new Bentley Continental GT. It’s still unclear whether we’ll be receiving a single-turbo 440bhp or a twin-turbocharged 555bhp version, but either way, we expect very impressive performance numbers from the new S7.
Sometimes there are things that defy rhyme, reason, or any sort of explanation. You just stop thinking and appreciate the work for what its worth: a kick-ass piece of art. This project is one of those things.
Graphic designer, Taras Lesko, is known for possessing a pretty artistic set of hands, having gained fame for some of his elaborate works made out of paper. But his latest work is defined not just for the intricate work done on it, but also for its general awesomeness.
Using 285 pieces of printed pages of card stock and 750 laser-printed parts detailed and rendered in flattened wood pulp, Lesko was able to piece together a mind-boggling 4 ft x 2 ft x 2 ft scale model of the Audi A7. The finished product is nothing short of amazing, and the elaborate work wasn’t isolated on the exterior too. Even the A7’s interior, complete with the infotainment system, was carefully crafted to make it look like the real thing.
It’s one hell of a work of art, if you ask us. To see how Lesko was able to piece the whole project together from scratch to finish, check out the three-minute time-lapse video of Lesko build his Audi A7 masterpiece.
And from what we heard, the whole project was commissioned by Audi of America and judging by the finished product, we’re pretty sure that the people who asked Lesko to do this are pretty happy with how it turned out.
We had to wait long enough for Audi to release their much-anticipated A7 Sportback, but thankfully, we didn’t have to wait as long for tuning firms to whip it into shape with some customized packages. We’ve already seen makeovers from Abt Sportsline and MTM, but the name of this next package promises to take the Audi to the next level of cool. Pogea Racing is bringing out the Seven Sins package for the 3.0 TDI and 3.0 TFSI versions of the A7 which boasts of exterior and interior modifications, as well as some pretty cool engine updates.
For the 3.0 TDI version, the tuner is offering a software optimization that increases the output from 204 to 251 Hp and the peak torque from 400 to 468 Nm. For the models equipped with S-Tronic, the power has been increased from 245 to 289 HP and the peak torque soars from 500 to 555 Nm.
The petrol version also gets a software optimization that pumps the power up from 300 to 345 HP and peak torque from 440 to 495 Nm. A new stainless steel exhaust system helps the output along while also letting a deep and sporty growl escape from the back of the car.
For the exterior, the tuner is offering a new set of 20" “STROKE” metal alloy wheel rims in shiny black and chromed rims combined with coil-over suspension Street Comfort from KW. With the additional power for both versions of the A7 Sportback, Pogea Racing has added a new braking system from Brembo with perforated steel discs and special brake pads.
All in all, the A7 Sportback by Pogea Racing doesn’t really add all that much to the tuning packages prepared by the aforementioned tuning firms, but hey, the name sure sounds cool. It’s also pretty affordable with prices starting at €1799 (about $2,418 at the current rates).
The very first aftermarket package for the Audi A7 was recently brought to everyone’s attention courtesy of tuning firm, MTM, but it certainly didn’t take long for other tuning companies to follow suit and prepare their own versions of Audi goodness. This time around, the Audi A7 gets aerodynamic and performance upgrades from another German tuning company, and one that is no stranger to working on Audis, Abt Sportsline.
Having built a reputation as one of the best Audi tuners in the world, Abt Sportsline took the A7 and created a luxury car that’s more polished, more powerful, and looks about as good as anything that has come out of Abt Sportsline in the past.
Time and again, this German tuning company has never failed to deliver and their new A7 project is the latest in a long line of Abt-tuned Audis that have made a very positive impression on a lot of us.
Details on the Audi A7 by Abt Sportsline after the jump.
Audirevealed the A7 last year in December, and during its very short time, this is the first time we heard about a tuning proposition for it. To nobody’s surprise, we discovered that the first tuning firm to take a crack at the Audi A7 is no other than MTM.
And as this is the first tuning package for the A7, the changes aren’t as significant as you might have expect. Then again, an extra 40 HP on a diesel A7 is always something to take under consideration.
The only modifications MTM made to the exterior include a new set of Bimoto 9-spoke design alloy wheels and a new diffuser with a 4-tailpipe exhaust system. Significant changes were made under the hood for the 3.0-liter TDI quattro version. Thanks to the revision of the engine electronics, the engine receives an upgrade of 41 HP from 244 to 285 HP. The package is finished by a new set of special wheel spacers (20 or 30 mm round head per axle) and an electronic lowering module.
Out of the all year-end lists we compiled, picking the top sedan of the year was quite honestly the most difficult of them all.
First of all, the choices are limitless compared to the other segments. Second of all, 2010 has been characterized as a year when sedans - be it entry level ones or luxury types - have become as popular as ever. And lastly, picking one over another has become a matter of preference - and to a certain extent, budget constraints.
For our list, we’ve narrowed it down to five models, all of which are worthy of being hailed as 2010’s top sedan. In this list, three are of German descent, one is of Japanese origin, while the other is British-born. From our hints, you can probably surmise which models made it, but for the sake of suspense, we’re not going to spoil anything.
Head over after the jump for the full details.
The wait is over. After a not-so-surprising-but-apparently-surprising-to-Audi leak over the weekend, Audi has officially unveiled the Audi A7 Sportback and they describe it as a combination of elegant coupe, sport sedan, and practical wagon. The five-door, fastback coupe sees four different engine options –two gas, two diesel – and comes with features such as standard bi-xenon headlights, optional LED headlights, standard LED tail lights, and "all-weather light function." We can’t really decide what we think about the new A7 yet, so we’ll just go ahead and give you the facts so you can decide.
The 2011 Audi A7 Sportback will hit the streets with a 2.8 FSI engine producing 201hp and 280Nm, a 3.0 TFSI engine that produces 296hp and 440Nm, a 3.0 TDI producing 210hp and 400Nm, and a 3.0 TDI producing 242hp and 500Nm. These engines will be mated to a Multitronic CVT automatic for front-wheel-drive versions and a seven-speed S tronic twin-clutch transmission for quattro models. The 3.0 TDI multitronic will make the 0-62mph sprint in 8.1 seconds while top speed is limited to 145mph. Its fuel efficiency is rated at a combined 53.3mpg. We are unaware of whether or not all four engines will be available in the States, but we are guessing the diesel options won’t make it to this side of the pond.
Updated 12/13/2010: Audi has unveiled a new commercial for the A7 Sportback called Imagination Meets Engineering. Enjoy!
Updated 04/04/2011: Audi of America has announced today prices for the A7 Sportback that will go on sale later this month. Prices will start from $59,250 for the A7 3.0T quattro Tiptronic version, excluding $875 destination charge, taxes, title, options, and dealer charges.
Hit the jump for the full story and press release.
The guys from AutoExpress were able to get behind the wheel of the new Audi A7 and have a little fun! Check out the video to see what the British press has to say about the model.
The 2011 Audi A7 Sportback will hit the streets with a 2.8 FSI engine producing 201hp and 280Nm, a 3.0 TFSI engine that produces 296hp and 440Nm, a 3.0 TDI producing 210hp and 400Nm, and a 3.0 TDI producing 242hp and 500Nm. These engines will be mated to a Multitronic CVT automatic for front-wheel-drive versions and a seven-speed S tronic twin-clutch transmission for quattro models. The 3.0 TDI multitronic will make the 0-62mph sprint in 8.1 seconds while top speed is limited to 145mph. Its fuel efficiency is rated at a combined 53.3mpg. The new A7 will compete with models like the Mercedes CLS.
After finally seeing what the A7 Sportback model looked like, people have already started thinking ahead as to what the future RS version will bring. This rendering is from a guy who imagined it with an RS4 chin, RS5 grille, rotor 5-spoke RS style wheels, and chrome mirrors. Add Audi’s usual Sprint Blue exterior color for the RS models and you will be that much closer to visualizing what the future may hold. The new RS model is expected to debut in 2011.
The A7 Sportback will hit the streets with a 2.8 FSI engine producing 201hp and 280Nm, a 3.0 TFSI engine that produces 296hp and 440Nm, a 3.0 TDI producing 210hp and 400Nm, and a 3.0 TDI producing 242hp and 500Nm. However, for the RS version Audi will bring a new 4.0T FSI twin turbo V8 engine. There are also rumors about a 580bhp version of Audi’s naturally aspirated 5.2-liter V10 engine in combination with the firm’s new seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox.
We’ll hit you up with further details once we receive them.
Who in the world wants just a plain old sedan? Not us, and not the Germans, as they are at it again with another high-performance machine. This one is just a bit different though; the car it’s based on was just unveiled a few days ago and won’t be on sale for some time.
The new Audi A7 is a sleek and sexy new sedan. It will rival the Mercedes CLS, BMW Gran Coupe, and the other fastback sedans that seem to be taking over the automotive world.
Audi’s RS division, which is like Mercedes’s AMG, has been working in a cold, underground layer in Germany on a performance version of the A7. Many days and nights have passed and we finally can see the fruits of their labor. The new RS7.
We have been lucky enough to secure some renderings of the new performance Audi and a few tidbits of information before the car’s rumored Paris Motor Show launch.
Hit the jump to read on.
With the buzz surrounding the new Ford Explorer, the release of the Audi A7 has gone a bit under the radar. The new A7 will follow the likes of the Mercedes-Benz CLS and Aston Martin Rapide in terms of style and practicality. We first saw the A7 in Detroit back in 2009 and the model has officially been launched today in Munich.
For the exterior appearance it is clear that this new A7 was designed alongside the new A8. The A7 will get Audi’s signature LED running lights and a slopped rear deck that is similar to the new A8.
The most interesting design elements on the new A7 are on the sides. From the side, the A7 looks to be part shooting brake concept and part coupe. It’s easy to tell that this sedan follows the same four-door coupe design as its rivals.
Under the hood, the A7 will debut with four engine offerings, two petrol and two diesels. We will likely get the 3.0-liter supercharged V6 that is found in the S4. No diesel motors have been confirmed for the United States market.
Audi will offer buyers the choice of rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, though it’s likely that we will only be getting the latter. There will also be two transmission choices, a CVT and a seven-speed S-tronic transmission.
The interior of the A7 will get the usual Audi touches. There will be an all-new MMI system that will use a touch pad for various activities. There will also be wireless Internet. The interior is actually quite similar to the A8, which isn’t a bad thing.
Hit the jump to read the full press release.
The 2011 Audi A7 is scheduled to be unveiled tomorrow, but as is the case with the Internet these days, you can always count on something being leaked in advance of the big day.
And so, here we are, a few days before the new A7 Sportback’s official debut and leaked photos of the car are already proliferating the Web. Can’t say we’re surprised. While we weren’t all that surprised with how the new A7 looks like given that it took a few styling cues from the A7 Sportback concept that we all saw at the 2009 North American Auto Show, there are still elements of the car that have been tweaked to give it an original look.
Among the notable features of the car - and something that’s becoming a staple among Audis these days - includes a new and aggressive bumper, unmistakable Audi LED headlights, and a single block grille. Meanwhile, the interior of the 2011 A7 Sportback comes with a pop-up navigation system, wooden trims – including those on the dashboard - posh leather upholstery, redesigned doorpads, and a slightly tweaked center console that gives the A7 an infused look of luxury and comfort.
In any event, the new A7 Sportback will make its official debut tomorrow so people won’t have to wait long to see Audi’s new luxury baby in the flesh.
The 2011 Audi A7 has been a long time coming. And now, the new Sportback is inching closer to its highly anticipated world debut.
According to the Ingolstadt-based manufacturer, the Audi A7 is going to be revealed at a special event on July 26, 2010 at the Pinakothek der Moderne München, a modern art museum located at the heart of Munich, Germany.
The Ingolstadt-based automobile manufacturer did not release any more details on the car, but the wait will only be for few more days so it shouldn’t be all that excruciating. Despite the limited details, it’s been widely expected that the new A7 will bear striking similarities to a previous concept – the 2009 Sportback Concept – that Audi released in the past.
Following its unveiling in Germany next week, the new A7 Sportback is scheduled to make its public debut at the Paris Motor Show in Paris, France in a few month’s time in September.
By launching a snazzy, new website – nevermind that it’s in Dutch – Audi is putting the world on notice. The 2011 Audi A7 Sportback is finally coming at the end of the month and, if you’re one of those that have expressed a remote interest in the new A7, then here’s your chance to register on the site to be able to access more information on both the car and the brand.
From what we know, the 2011 Audi A7 Sportback will come with a number of powertrain variants, including a 3.0-liter direct-injection fuel engine, a turbocharged V8 fuel engine, and a similar V8 that comes with a turbo diesel engine. All three variants will come with a seven-speed dual clutch automatic gearbox and all-wheel drive with an exhaust that comes with dual or quad tailpipes.
While the car will be officially introduced at the end of the month, it’s actual official debut will be at the Auto Salon Moscow in the latter part of August. A few months after that, the new A7 Sportback will hit dealerships, at which point, there should be a mad rush from customers looking to scoop up a unit before anybody else does.
While most people are still waiting to see the official debut of the new Audi A7, others have tired of it and have begun providing renderings of the car. This vehicle wouldn’t exactly be the most difficult rendering ever done considering we already know most of what we need to know about the new model.
The 2012 A7 was previewed by the Sportback concept shown at last year’s Detroit Auto Show and is said to share a similar look with the A8, but oriented more into luxury than functionality. The official debut will be made in September at the Paris Auto Show. On sale in the spring of 2011, the A7 will compete with models like the Mercedes-Benz CLS, the Porsche Panamera, and the Aston Martin Rapide.
Under the hood of the future A7, Audi will use three different direct gasoline injection engines including a 2.8 Liter FSI and 3.0 Liter TFSI V6s as well as a 4.0 Liter TFSI V8. The alternatively fueled diesel options include a 2.7 Liter V6 and both turbocharged and twin-turbocharged versions of the existing 3.0 Liter TDI V6. All engine choices will be mated to a seven speed dual clutch automatic gearbox with all-wheel drive.