The Sportback Concept employs the same basic architecture as the new A4/A5, with a couple of notable exceptions. For the first time, Audi has employed its electromechanical steering system in a longintudinal engine vehicle, which consumes less energy when steering and saves a bit on fuel consumption. Stopping the Sportback are a set of ceramic brakes at all four wheels, which Audi claims will last more than 180,000 miles. Up front, the six-piston, ventilated units measure 14.96 in., with 14.02 in. floating caliper units residing behind the massive 21-inch rear wheels.
Audi is a big proponent of diesel power, with the soon-to-arrive Q7 TDI and the just announced A3 2.0 TDI coming to the U.S. It comes as no surprise that the Sportback features the same 3.0L diesel unit that powers the Q7. The engine, which produces 225 horses and a healthy 406 lb-ft of torque, is mated to Audi's new eight-speed tiptronic automatic transmission. And of course, quattro all-wheel-drive is standard issue equipment.
The Sportback, which tips the scales at just south of two tons (3968 lbs) has a reported drag coefficient of .30, with 0-62 mph coming in slightly less than seven seconds on to a top speed of 152 mph, according to Audi. While not a stunning number, this one is -- an MPG rating that Audi says reaches an extremely impressive 36.75 mpg in U.S. measurements. Solid performance, exceptional mileage, Audi style...We like we we're seeing so far.
While there are several concept cues on the Sportback that won't make it to production, with its A4/A5 underpinnings, existing powertrain and production-look cabin, the Sportback Concept is a car with the kind of pronounced sportiness we're definitely looking forward to seeing in production trim.