Audi Sportback Concept: A7 Prelude

Motoring Channel Staff - 12/January/2008

Detroit, America – Crisis meetings are common for many of the world's largest car makers these days, but Audi is one of the few car makers that has managed to dodge much of the current financial toxicity.

The Volkswagen-owned company today launched a large and very sporty new model at one of the world's biggest motor shows in Detroit, the NAIAS.

The German car maker's new model is called the Sportback concept, which is a stylised sneak peek at the Audi A7, intended for launch in 2010.

Measuring 4.95 metres long and 1.93 metres wide, the long 5-door vehicle is larger than the Audi A6 and features a rear hatch.

According to Audi the new concept car displays "systematic refinements to the brand's characteristic design elements" and "offers a glimpse at the Audi's future design vocabulary". 

Engine

Designed to do battle with vehicles such as the Mercedes CLS-Class and the Porsche Panamera, the new coupe-like vehicle is powered by an ultra-efficient twin turbo performance engine that enables a 245km/h top speed.

The 3.0-litre V6 turbo diesel engine belts out more than 500Nm of torque but uses an average of just 5.9 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres travelled.

Audi claims the updated 165 kilowatt (225hp) TDI engine is driven "by the world's cleanest diesel technology" which meets the EU6 standard (and isn't scheduled to legally take effect until 2014).

It's green and mean - it can zoom from zero to 100km/h in under 7.0 seconds says Audi and is connected to a 7-speed tiptronic transmission and features quattro AWD.

Design

All these mechanical aspects hint at what is to come in the A7 model but like any concept car, it's the design that is the most important part.

This Sportback concept represents one of the biggest shifts in Audi's design philosophy, particularly in relation to the front and rear styling.

The Audi trademarks are there, such as the large single-frame grille [albeit with a horizontal motif - Ed], but its the air intakes that flank it and at the front are angled upwards which changes the 'face' of the vehicle substantially.

You may notice the short front overhangs which contribute to the car's sporty image.

The Sportback Concept incorporates some of the front end styling cues seen on the A1 concept car and the curvature of the roof line and rear quarter panels are evocative of the Audi A5 Coupe.

New look brake lights come across as futuristic, packing a big visual punch from their small size and the aggressively flared wheel arches and oversized 21-inch wheels further enhance the performance look.

Of course the overall appearance is very coupe-like and with a 2+2 seat setup it will be marketed as a luxurious sports tourer.

Audi says the "almost fragile-looking side mirrors" were inspired by the upturned tips 'or winglets' seen on the wings of modern jet planes.

The interior of the new A7 is expected to be one Audi's most opulent yet, and is reflected in the interior of the Sportback Concept.

It's a large car to start with, but the glass roof makes the interior seem even more airy and the oak blockboard timber trim is a little overdone but conveys a sense of luxury.

On top of the timber finish, there's acres of leather which covers the dashboard, the, doors, the headlining, the seats and even the 500 litre capacity boot.

Audi claims the interior design "is tidy and downright purist yet elegant at the same time" and features a new driver-oriented cockpit with retracting MMI monitor.

Chassis

The German car maker is expected to incorporate one or two new technologies into the upcoming A7 model, of which the Sportback Concept you see here is a precursor.

Various driving aids will make the cut for the production car, including radar-based cruise control, and possibly even a lane departure warning but the main technological feature being spruiked on this vehicle is the CDC or continuous damping control suspension system. 

Comprised of electromagnetically energized shock absorbers and light weight aluminium suspension components, the Audi Sportback Concept can change its suspension settings on the fly.

This will allow the driver to specify different levels of ride quality to suit conditions and driving styles.

Audi will also offer a Lexus-like automatic parking assistant in the new model.

This system will park the car 'hands-free' and makes use of electromechanical steering which reduces fuel consumption by up to 0.2 litres per 100 kilometres.

According to Audi, the steering system is more efficient because it only uses power when the driver turns the wheel, rather than all the time.

Audi has also specced the new Sportback Concept with exotic ceramic brakes "for effective deceleration even under the most demanding conditions" according to the car maker. 

They can last for up to 300,000 kilometers or about four times longer than standard steel brake rotors and also offer a weight reduction.

Suiting the Audi concept car's sporting pretensions, the brake are big: 380mm front rotors and 356mm rear rotors.

Audi was rumoured to be keen on expanding its Sportback range and this new Sportback Concept confirms this.

The A7 Sportback will be the production version of the luxury lift-back and is expected to be on the road in 2010.

Related Links:
- Audi R8 V10 5.2 FSI (2009)
- Audi A5 Cabriolet (2009)
- Audi A7, A8, R8 Roadster (2010)
- Audi A1 Sportback Concept (2008)
- Audi A5 (Road Test)
- Audi S4 (2009)
- Audi TT Clubsport quattro (2008)
- Audi S3 (Road Test)
- Audi RS 4 (Road Test)
- Audi S8 (Road Test)
- Audi R8 GT3 (2009)
- Audi RS6 Sedan (2009)
- Audi A6 (2009)
- Audi Vehicle Schedule Leak (2010)
- Audi A4 (2008)
- Audi TT Coupe (Road Test)
- Audi Q5 (2009)