- Audi unveiled its new 2011 A7 on the Internet today.
- The new "five-door coupe" starts at $67,000 in Europe.
- Top V6 engine is rated at 295 horsepower.
MUNICH, Germany — Audi on Monday officially unveiled its all-new A7 Sportback, which the company describes as a "five-door coupe." Offering a choice of two gasoline and two turbodiesel V6 engines, the A7 arrives at European dealerships this fall, priced from $67,000.
In comparison, the 2010 Audi A8 is priced in the U.S. from $76,825.
The live unveiling of the A7 was webcast on Audi TV (http://tv.audi.com/) as well as on the company's Facebook page.
Audi did not provide powertrain details, other than to say the base engine would be a 201-horsepower 3.0-liter TDI. Driving the front wheels through a Multitronic continuously variable automatic transmission, the 3.0 TDI returns an average 44 mpg on the European combined cycle.
The top V6 engine — the displacement was not specified — will deliver 295 hp, Audi said. Front-drive A7 models will get the Multitronic while those equipped with Quattro permanent all-wheel drive will be fitted with the S tronic seven-speed automatic. All engines also will come with a stop/start system to enhance fuel economy. A sport differential is an extra-cost option on the A7 Quattro.
Audi said it is "targeting a new market segment" with the A7, which is a relatively large five-passenger model measuring 197.7 inches long — about an inch and a half shorter than Audi's big A8 flagship sedan.
In fact, the A7 is likely to square off against such "quad coupe" competitors as the Mercedes-Benz CLS and the Porsche Panamera.
Among the mechanical features on the A7 are electromechanical steering and LED taillamps (LED headlamps are optional). Buyers can also choose wheels ranging in diameter from 18 to 20 inches, adaptive air suspension with controlled damping, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go function, pre-sense safety system, active lane assist, park assist and a head-up display.
Extra-cost convenience features include ambient lighting, climate-controlled and massaging front seats and a Bang & Olufsen 1,300-watt audio system with 15 speakers.
Inside Line says: When you add up all the optional features and powertrain choices, the A7 will likely brush up against the $90,000 mark. — Paul Lienert, Correspondent
Add A Comment »
truecarfan says:
04:53 AM, 08/06/2010
masterjudge - this car has absolutely nothing to do with the Panamera platform... they share nothing... except that Porsche is borrowing the 3.0T to use with their hybrid.
As far as their recent successes...their diesels are wildly popular. Their profits and sales are at record levels... The U.S. is not their most important market... If/When fuel economy standards are taken more serious here...those small engines will definitely be needed. Don't you see the new 7 Series BMW sells a six cylinder engine again? Signs of the times...
masterjudge says:
03:41 AM, 08/05/2010
TO626N is right! This car might have a chance if it was priced btwn 40-$50k max range.
What they're ateempting to sell here a derivative off the panamera plateform. Why does Audi sell underpowered cars? 201hp? You get more HP than that in a Audi A4 2.OT! Someone @ Audi AG is out to kill there recent successes. They're putting that 2.0T engine in everything! Now, they're probably going to kill all the V8s and slap that 3.0T in everything else! It only works well in the A3 or TT. For everything else its Weak! Nissan, Honda, ofcourse BMW, Mercedes, everyone is upping the HP! IMO this A7 is a piece of crap!
They'd have better luck making an A3 coupe with the same 201hp. An attempt to rival BMW's 1 Series. Ya there's the A2 hatch back concept ....but come on! Who drives hatch backs other than Europeans who are forced to because of gas prices?! Don't get me started on the Nappa leather, that stuff sags and deforms after 5,000 miles. I have a 2009 TT roadster 2.0T and its fun to floor it and zip around! My only issue is with the Nappa leather.
coolb944 says:
09:42 AM, 08/02/2010
Though Audi did not specify the top V6 engine, a close eye on that photo from the revealing event Insideline has advertising the Insideline Twitter page shows a 3.0T badge on the fender, which means it has the same engine as the base motor in the A6/a de-tuned version of the S4's suparcharged mill.
As far as the car, gorgeous! That interior is out-of-control stunning, especially the way the wood flows on the dash and doors. The only somewhat unflattering angle on the car is a straight side-on view IMO. Other than that, very beautiful car, and will probably look even more stunning on the road.
dieseltc says:
10:36 PM, 07/30/2010
Like moths to the flame. That's what the internet is to critics and cynics. Most of these negative comments are laughable. 90's looking shifter?
This car is stunning. When you have a love it or hate it reaction, you know you have a great design. Bland is what yields all the 'nice' reactions. 4 door GT with sharp, athletic lines. Awesome!
sturgl says:
02:18 PM, 07/29/2010
They blew it.
The interior is lovely, as one would expect from Audi. Outside... it's a difficult proposition, creating a car that should never be (a 4-door coupe). IMO, the only manafacturer to get it right has been Aston Martin, with the Rapide. The Panamera is just ugly. Mercedes of course pioneered the segment, and the latest CLS is sure pretty from some angles (as is the A7) - but just goofy, to my eye, from others. As is the A7. The side is just ghastly IMO.
rdollie says:
08:47 AM, 07/29/2010
This particular car segment isn't my cup of tea but I must say this looks A LOT better than BMW's X6, Honda's Crosstour, etc.
krankshafted says:
08:38 AM, 07/29/2010
Stunning.
xorbe says:
10:59 PM, 07/28/2010
Wish I could afford it, and afford to repair it. Nice car.
charlesb says:
09:44 AM, 07/28/2010
I like it.
ns5 says:
08:52 PM, 07/27/2010
It looks like a cockroach, especially in the borwn/tan paint.