M_Bolc
Well-Known Member
Linky:Spy shots of the A7, Audi?s upcoming low-roofline sedan, continue to surface. The A7 is likely to be based on the next-generation A6 architecture, which itself will be a lengthened and modified version of the current A4/A5 platform. Judging from the name, the four-seat A7 should slot into the Audi lineup above the A6 and below the A8 and will likely occupy the $50,000-to-$70,000 price range. The grainy new snaps seen here clearly show the A7?s bulbous rear end, which hides a hatchback configuration, a body style that resembles the recently revealed?and not beautiful?Porsche Panamera.
In the U.S. we?re expecting that base A7s will be powered by the A6?s recently introduced 300-hp, 3.0-liter supercharged V-6; V-8 engines are almost a certainty but we don?t yet know if the V-8 will be the A6?s direct-injection 350-hp, 4.2-liter V-8 or the R8?s 420-hp, 4.2-liter V-8. Transmission choices will be a six-speed automatic, a seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual, and an eight-speed automatic that will likely be reserved for the V-8 model.
After the launch of the regular-grade models, the sportier and more powerful S7 will debut, powered by the S6?s 5.2-liter V-10 with upwards of 435 hp under the hood. An ultra-powerful RS7 is a possibility, although it, like the current RS6 sedan and wagon, may be deemed too expensive and too niche-y for the North American market.
Audi usually shows a thinly disguised concept version before showing the final production car, and we expect such a concept of the A7 to debut at an auto show in early 2009, with the production version appearing perhaps at the Geneva or Frankfurt auto shows.
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews...e/vw_audi_central/2010_audi_a7_spied/(page)/1