Previewed at the 2009 Detroit auto show in the form of the Audi Sportback Concept -- the coming Audi A7 is the German automaker's stab at the so-called four-door coupe market. Expect the A7 to come in both sportback (read: hatchback) and sedan forms when it hits production sometime after its world debut at September's 2009 Frankfurt auto show.
The Sportback concept, underpinned by the same basic architecture as the new A4/A5, featured the first application of Audi's electromechanical steering system in a longitudinal-engine vehicle. Expect the new steering setup, along with the latest Audi tech updates, such as the reconfigured quattro all-wheel drive, updated MMI interface, and Audi's new eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission, to find their way into the A7. Powertrain choices should include Audi's tried-and-true 3.2L V-6 as well as the automaker's new 3.0L supercharged six. Also a possibility is the 225-hp, 406 lb-ft, 3.0L diesel unit that powers the Q7 TDI. A V-10-powered S7 variant could also be in the cards down the line as well.
While there are several cues on the Sportback that won't make it to production, expect the A7 to look similar to what was shown at Detroit. The concept checks in at just south of two tons (3968 lb) has a reported drag coefficient of 0.30, a top speed of 152 mph, and a 0-to-62 time of just south of seven seconds with the 3.0L TDI engine on board, according to Audi.
Bottom Line: Late to the four-door coupe party, but hatch should help set it apart from the crowd
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