Words by Ganesh Murthy
Audi has unveiled the second generation of its four door coupe, the A7 Sportback. The A7 takes design cues from the latest A8, features mild hybrid technology for improved efficiency, Audi AI system, an optional all wheel steering for enhanced dynamics and it will be initially available with the 3-litre V6 TFSI motor in international markets.
The A7 gets some refreshed design with the sharp lines, a new single frame grille, and 12 adjacent lighting segments with narrow intervening spaces with the top end variant getting the Matrix LED lights with Audi laser lights. It gets an integrated rear spoiler which automatically deploys at speeds above 120kmph. The headlights and taillights play fast moving animations when locked or unlocked – a visual treat even when standing still.
The interiors of the A7 Sportback take the dashboard digitalization to a new level. With more focus to the driver, the A7 features two separate infotainment displays, ditching the conventional buttons and rotary push button and controls of its predecessor. The upper display is a 10.1-inch unit which is tilted towards the driver and a second one is a smaller 8.6-inch unit giving access to climate control, text inputs and comfort functions. The HUD and voice control are optional features in the A7. The MMI radio is standard but the MMI navigation and navigation plus are offered as options. There are four sound system options, with the top-end variant getting a B&O sound system delivering 3D sound to the rear seats. An air quality package is also offered to improve interior air quality. The Audi AI button activates the remote parking and remote garage pilot, where they automatically maneuver the car in a parking space or garage. The driver can get out of the car by launching it via myAudi app on his/her smartphone, while the car parks itself. Audi says that depending on the equipment level, there can be five radar sensors, five cameras, 12 ultrasonic sensors and a laser scanner and this package will be made available sometime in 2018. Apart from the AI system, the A7 offers 39 driver assistance systems for enhanced driving experience.
The new gen A7 produces 345bhp, a rise of 45bhp compared to the previous gen A7. The 3-litre TFSI engine is mated to a 7-speed S-tronic dual clutch transmission with Quattro AWD. The system is primarily front wheel drive, but it can send drive the rear wheels when needed. A belt alternator starter (BAS) along with a Li-ion battery stores up to 12kW while braking. This allows the car to coast in freewheeling mode at speeds between 55 to 160kmph with engines deactivated. They can be restarted again via the BAS. Working in tandem with the front camera and adaptive cruise control, the engine restarts automatically as soon as the vehicle in front begins to move.
The A7 comes also with optional all-wheel steering, where at low speeds the rear wheels counter steer to increase the agility of the car when parking and reducing turning circle at full lock by 1.1 meters. At speeds more than 60kmph, the rear wheels steer in the same direction as the front to increase straight line stability and aid in lane changes. Audi says many aspects of the front and rear axles have been developed from scratch. The A7 is built on the MLB platform, features the ECP – the electronic chassis program that serves as the central controller for the chassis. The standard progressive steering, the optional all-wheel steering, the optional sport differential, and the adaptive new air suspension are all integrated to the control function of electronic chassis program for maximum accuracy.
Customers can now choose between four suspension setups while buying the cars: you can get conventional steel springs, a Sport suspension which has steel springs that can be lowered, adjustable dampers or even air suspension. An optional sport differential to improve handling is also offered. Audi has yet to say about the launch date in India, but expect it to be launched sometime in 2018.