Audi A7 Sportback Concept - Stunning!

[hks786]

Audi's Sportback concept will make its debut at the Detroit Auto Show which begins in less than a day. These are the first leaked images of the car. The Sportback concept represents the future Audi A7, a four-door 2+2 coupe said to be larger in size than the current A6. As much as it is a concept, Audi's recent design philosophies are all over the Sportback including those LED lights and the smiley grille, though this time it's upside down.

The vehicle's roofline and smaller rear window shows a fastback blueprint which could mean the A7 is a full-on hatch. It will be built on Audi's new modular longitudinal build kit (LBK). This modular setup can be adjusted for length, width and height to suit whatever application it's needed for. Other future large Audis are expected to use the same chassis setup.

The A7 will mark Audi's entry into the four-door Grand Tourer market where at the moment the Mercedes-Benz CLS reigns supreme and Porsche's new Panamera has also entered. Other players like the Aston Martin Rapide and BMW CS concept-based car will soon join the segment. The production car should be seen on many roads by the last quarter of 2009.

[hks786]

Yes it might look a little generic within Audi's design language, but at least it has cohesion and it looks very production-like and that means the real thing should be close to it.

Good points:

- New shaped headlights, not the usual rectangular shape.
- New shaped grille with the "kinks" from A1 concept.
- Wide stance.
- Love the wheels.
- I see some Aston Martin in the rear 3/4, but it looks good.

[Spydeputy]

the car looks sweet, but still just a little to much center grill for me.

[carrabassett786]

X6 wannabe is like doing crystal meth because the wierd new kid in the class does it.
Audi also is doing away with the third pedal across its line. bad, bad trend. epic fail in my book

[hks786]

^^^

To me it doesnt resemble the X6 in any way. Also, the A7 has been in development for a long time. It's not just something they thought of when the X6 was released.

[carrabassett786]

Would you prefer I compare it to a prius? they're all just awkward sedan/coupe/wagon hatchback mutts.

[hks786]

Originally Posted by carrabassett786

Would you prefer I compare it to a prius? they're all just awkward sedan/coupe/wagon hatchback mutts.

Well that is something a lot of people think, some people think they look good though. I just dont think it looks like an X6

[carrabassett786]

it resembles the infinitis too

[rubber_ducky]

Originally Posted by carrabassett786

X6 wannabe is like doing crystal meth because the wierd new kid in the class does it.
Audi also is doing away with the third pedal across its line. bad, bad trend. epic fail in my book

The fully manual transmission will likely go the way of the abacus, not just across the audi brand, but across all of the mid to premium level brands. Take a look at this here forum full of enthusiasts of the 'ultimate driving machine' brand... I bet the autos outnumber the manuals at least 2 to 1. So if people aren't buying them, why produce them to begin with?

[rubber_ducky]

Back on topic... gorgeous car. Make my four door hatch a turbo panamera though.

[Year's_End]

[DougLikesBMW]

Finally they do something that doesn't look like crap lately.

[MidwestBimmerFan]

The back and side profile of this car look great but I really can't stand Audi's front end design theme. The huge nasty grill and their awfull looking headlights (Minus the R8's and S5 they look decent).

[keanu1]

the car looks great! i wish at lis one bmw would look like this!

[ACZakka325i]

Eye Sex. Absolutely beautiful.

[///M PWR 00]

Looks like a lambo from the rear, but still manages to look like shit... that makes absolutely no sense. Im gonna get a cup of coffee.

[just4kickz]

let me guess... sport utility coupe?

[jpsum]

The rear quarter reminds me of the Dodge Charger.

[Year's_End]

?^

[chrisE92]

i like

[hks786]

Originally Posted by Laszlo

Oh, how design is getting lost - only thing that makes this an audi is their insignia... and long nose grill. Everything else is just a mishmash of everything but Audi.

I wouldnt say getting lost, I just think Audi are progressing their design language which is a GREAT thing. Also, it's only a concept. It will look much more Audi-like in production form.

More pics:

[hks786]

I also LOVE the interior. I dont usually like pop-up screens because they can look tacky if not done properly, but Audi made it look very smooth.