The new Audi A7, appearing here in three renderings, will show off new performance standards, elegance and quality in the luxury sedan/coupè segment. At least, this is the stated intention from the Ingolstadt manufacturer.

The model is expected for 2010 and will have its place in Audi’s future plans to broaden the range, which sees 17 new models and ambitious attempts to increase sales by 50 percent in seven years.

the A7 will be in direct competition with the Mercedes CLS in this segment. And to manage this, it will be heavily equipped with some new technology. Stefan Sielaff, head of design at Audi, has confirmed that this four-door coupè will be a new direction for Audi and its range.

The company is aiming to produce about 40,000 units a year, but it especially wants to make of the A7 a “symbolic car” for the brand’s technology, and be an extra push into the US market where this type of vehicle is increasing in popularity.

The car will share the A6’s MLP platform, constructed in alluminium, with the aim of better weight distribution and dynamic driving. While the A6 is likely to keep its coil-sprung suspension, the A7 will equip itself with air springs (with the more powerful versions possibly having magnetic-ride), in line with the CLS.

The launch will already include three petrol and three diesel engines, ranging from the 2.8 V6 TFSI, to the S7’s new V8 4.0 TFSI, and passing to the imminent 3.0 V6 TFSI. The diesels will include a 2.7 TDI and two V6 3.0 turbo and twin turbo. There are three transmissions available: a manual six-speed shift, a new seven-speed automatic and the sporty S-tronic with twin-clutch for the spiced-up versions.

The R and RS sporty versions are also being considered, with the latter including a re-vamped version of the 5.0 V10 TFSI from the RS6, capable of 600 hp of power. Obviously they’ll be equipped with quattro all-wheel drive and the new rear wheel drive sports version, which will debut on the S4.

A hybrid version should also be available in the future, with both petrol and diesel engines combined with electronic lithium ion batteries produced by Sanyo. The release also includes the new MMI system and a voice recognition system, which boss Micheal Dick promises will be revolutionary.

Despite the generous 490cm length, the A7 will maintain an interior designed for four people. A compulsory choice that won’t destroy the A6 or the A8 market, which include more practical and spacious solutions.

Via | Autocar (With thanks to “zebitta”)

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