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The sought-after Audi Sportback formula
can now be enjoyed on an even grander scale in the all new A7 Sportback,
which in a similar vein to its A5 namesake discreetly integrates saloon
car versatility and hatchback practicality into an elegant premium coupe
silhouette. By reinterpreting the concept for the larger executive
class, the A7 Sportback will project the Vorsprung durch Technik brand
into yet another new segment when it joins the UK range as its 35th
member in January 2011, priced from £42,925.
As befits its positioning as an
unashamedly luxurious yet also distinctly driver-oriented five-door
performance coupe, the new A7 Sportback will initially offer a choice of
four FSI petrol and TDI engines delivering exhilarating pulling power
with limousine-like polish. The naturally aspirated 204PS 2.8-litre FSI
and supercharged 300PS 3.0-litre TFSI petrol units will be complemented
by two versions of the acclaimed 3.0-litre TDI in 204PS and 245PS forms.
For the first time in Audi models at
this level, these will be combined with the rapid-shifting seven-speed S
tronic twin-clutch sports transmission wherever quattro four-wheel-drive
is installed. The quattro all-wheel-drive system appears in latest
generation form with 40%:60% rear bias and featuring the crown gear
differential first seen in the RS 5, which can vary torque distribution
between the front and rear axles even more widely for even greater
agility.
The Audi drive select adaptive dynamics
system will be fitted as standard to all models, enabling the driver to
fine tune steering weighting, throttle response and transmission shift
points at the touch of a button. The keenest performance enthusiasts
will also be able to specify the optional quattro sport differential
enabling torque transfer between the rear wheels, which has been much
praised in the S4 and RS 5 for the even greater handling adjustability
it brings.
Start-stop for all engines
Drivers with a greater bias towards
economy and long distance comfort will also be well catered for by the
A7 Sportback. The latest direct injection technology puts its engine
range at the forefront of efficiency, and all four units also combine
innovative Audi thermal management, energy recuperation during coasting
and braking and the now familiar engine start-stop function.
With the added benefit of new engine
load-reducing electromechanical power steering, and the fuel-sparing,
torque converter-free Audi multitronic continuously variable automatic
transmission fitted as standard to front-wheel-drive versions, fuel
economy of up to 53.3mpg, and CO2 of as little as 139g/km is
possible if the 3.0 TDI (204PS) is specified.
Economy can also be further optimized
when the standard satellite navigation system is upgraded to MMI
navigation plus, the detailed route data from which can be used to
factor corners into the automatic transmission’s shift strategy and
avoid unnecessary, fuel-sapping gear changes. The optional adaptive
cruise control and adaptive light swivelling cornering light systems are
also influenced by feedback from the navigation unit.
To reduce power usage still further,
and give the A7 Sportback an even more imposing look, customers can also
specify extremely energy efficient all-LED headlights at extra cost.
These units with their incredibly distinctive, almost daylight-like
beams, incorporate special cornering, all-weather and motorway light
configurations.
Audi A1 Forum
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