All-new Audi A7 set to appear in 2010
The Audi A7 will go head-to-head with the Mercedes CLS
Author: Chris Barker
Published: 05 June 2008
Mere days after reams of Audi’s future model plans found their way onto the net, news of a forthcoming Audi A7 four-door premium coupe has set mouths chattering once more.
As if virtual confirmation of an Audi A1, S4, RS4, A5 and S5 Sportback, A8 and R8 Spyder wasn’t enough to set car fans' teeth on edge at the imminent prospect of, then Audi proffering a genuine contender to the Mercedes-Benz CLS, Volkswagen Passat CC and the future BMW 8-series heavyweight belt will give them lock-jaw.
Said to be looking to launch the A7 toward the end of 2009, Audi will use the A5 coupe's underpinnings – Audi’s existing Modular Long Platform – as a lightweight starting point that distributes the car’s volume across the wheelbase.
Further, the A7 will be equipped with modulated air spring suspension that hints at a subtleness of ride that surpasses Mercedes’ current tribute to grandiose 1940’s motoring, the CLS.
Three direct-injection petrol engines – the 2.8-litre and 3.0-litre FSI V6’s and the audible 4.0-litre TFSI V8 - and the possibility of two diesel alternatives – a 2.7-litre V6 TDI and a re-tuned 3.0-litre turbo-charged V6 TDI – comprise the powerplants.
Six-speed manual transmissions will aid the progression of the A7, with the option of the DSG dual-clutch seven-speeder, or seven-speed fully automatic assemblage, dependant on actual model.
What’s of particular interest is a mooted hybrid A7 taking shape soon afterwards, expected to be equipped with the forthcoming Audi Q5 SUV drive train for good measures of economy and eco-responsibilities.
A battery-powered electric motor can forge a rewarding alliance with either a petrol or oil-burning V6 lump, according to Audi suits.
The A7 will also be run out as an Audi S7 and RS7, with the latter making much haste with a reputed 600bhp 5.2-litre V10 lifted from the current Audi RS6.
As far as we can gather at this juncture, only 40,000 A7’s will see the light of day initially, seeing how it’s received before making long-term plans. Prices and further detailing remain the only secret that Audi can hold onto.
Audi has debuted the new A1 Sportback concept - a five-door plug-in hybrid interpretation of the A1 project quattro car as seen at last year's Tokyo car show and a potential precursor to a production model.
The Audi S3 is now available with a seven-speed S tronic twin-clutch transmission, which makes gearshift quicker and reduces fuel consumption.
Audi has released details and pictures of the new S4 saloon and S4 Avant, prior to the performance models' debuts at next month's Paris Show.
Audi has announced new technology that could allow cars to communicate with other road vehicles and traffic lights, in order to minimise stop-start driving and cut down on fuel consumption.
Audi getting first dibs on purely battery charged and powered version of the new Volkswagen Up! sometime in 2011, eyeing up the Toyota iQ and Fiat Topolino potential electric car market.
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