Audi has been expanding its model lineup to compete in the popular crossover market. Audi has recently unveiled the all-new 2011 Audi A7 Sportback which blends the luxurious size of the new Audi A8 with a bolder, sportier exterior design. The A7 Sportback will give Audi its first such model in this market and help reach new buyers.
The key design element of the A7 Sportback is the sleek roofline which will likely reduce interior space to position the new model between the A8 and the mid-size Audi A6. With an aggressive look similar to the A5, the exterior design will put the new A7 Sportback right about against other four-door luxury coupes on the market like the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class and the all-new Jaguar XF. Although the A7 Sportback shares many design elements with current Audi models such as the large grill and the LED daytime running lights, it is probably one of the most unique-looking Audi models aside from the Audi R8 supercar.
The Audi A7 Sportback’s roofline and sleek D-pillars help hide the large rear hatchback opening. One surprising aspect is that the A7 still offers plenty of luggage space with a cargo volume of almost 19 cubic feet. The A7 Sportback has a split rear seat that is able to fold to increase cargo volume up to 49 cubic feet.
Like the exterior design, the cabin of the A7 Sportback should help define the sporty nature of the car with a look noticeably different from the A8. Matching the rounder body lines, the interior has a much softer look to it than the A8 especially in regard to the new center console area and the instrument cluster. The most identifiable design cues of the A7 Sportback’s interior is what Audi refers to as a “wave-like” wood accent strip that cuts through the middle of the dash.
One of the coolest elements of the new A8, the roof-mounted LED ambient lighting, will also be an option in the A7 Sportback, but Audi’s latest version of the multimedia interface (MMI) will help improve the driver experience. After making its debut in the new A8, the new MMI will feature the capability to recognize handwriting allowing allows drivers to "write" letters with their fingers on a pad next to the MMI controls instead of scrolling through the letters on the screen using a conventional control knob (although this is also available). Key options will include a 1,300-watt, 15-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system and a new heads up display system that projects information onto the windshield.
Audi says that the A7 Sportback will be available with four engines and the choice of front- or all-wheel drive, but the most likely scenario for U.S.-spec models is the 3.0-liter supercharged V-6 paired with Audi’s quattro permanent all-wheel drive as the only configuration. This engine produces an impressive 333 horsepower, but if Audi decides to offer a sportier S7 Sportback down the road, it could use the high-revving 4.2-liter V-8 shared with the A8.
Although no pricing or a release date is officially set for the all-new 2011 Audi A7 Sportback, expectations are that it will go on sale early next year. Stay in touch with us at Brian Harris Audi in New Orleans, Lafayette, Baton Rouge as we bring you the latest news and developments on the all new Audi A7 Sportback Crossover.
The key design element of the A7 Sportback is the sleek roofline which will likely reduce interior space to position the new model between the A8 and the mid-size Audi A6. With an aggressive look similar to the A5, the exterior design will put the new A7 Sportback right about against other four-door luxury coupes on the market like the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class and the all-new Jaguar XF. Although the A7 Sportback shares many design elements with current Audi models such as the large grill and the LED daytime running lights, it is probably one of the most unique-looking Audi models aside from the Audi R8 supercar.
The Audi A7 Sportback’s roofline and sleek D-pillars help hide the large rear hatchback opening. One surprising aspect is that the A7 still offers plenty of luggage space with a cargo volume of almost 19 cubic feet. The A7 Sportback has a split rear seat that is able to fold to increase cargo volume up to 49 cubic feet.
Like the exterior design, the cabin of the A7 Sportback should help define the sporty nature of the car with a look noticeably different from the A8. Matching the rounder body lines, the interior has a much softer look to it than the A8 especially in regard to the new center console area and the instrument cluster. The most identifiable design cues of the A7 Sportback’s interior is what Audi refers to as a “wave-like” wood accent strip that cuts through the middle of the dash.
One of the coolest elements of the new A8, the roof-mounted LED ambient lighting, will also be an option in the A7 Sportback, but Audi’s latest version of the multimedia interface (MMI) will help improve the driver experience. After making its debut in the new A8, the new MMI will feature the capability to recognize handwriting allowing allows drivers to "write" letters with their fingers on a pad next to the MMI controls instead of scrolling through the letters on the screen using a conventional control knob (although this is also available). Key options will include a 1,300-watt, 15-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system and a new heads up display system that projects information onto the windshield.
Audi says that the A7 Sportback will be available with four engines and the choice of front- or all-wheel drive, but the most likely scenario for U.S.-spec models is the 3.0-liter supercharged V-6 paired with Audi’s quattro permanent all-wheel drive as the only configuration. This engine produces an impressive 333 horsepower, but if Audi decides to offer a sportier S7 Sportback down the road, it could use the high-revving 4.2-liter V-8 shared with the A8.
Although no pricing or a release date is officially set for the all-new 2011 Audi A7 Sportback, expectations are that it will go on sale early next year. Stay in touch with us at Brian Harris Audi in New Orleans, Lafayette, Baton Rouge as we bring you the latest news and developments on the all new Audi A7 Sportback Crossover.
*content and images courtesy of autotropolis.com
