The Audi Sportback concept unveiled at the North American International Auto Show earlier this week not only represents a preview of Inglostadt’s future design language, but also the A7 – a four-door 2+2 coupé said to be larger than the current A6.
The four-door coupé market is pretty much dominated by Mercedes’ CLS and Maserati Quattroporte right now, but these are soon to be interrupted by the trio of Porsche’s Panamera, Lamborghini’s Estoque and the Aston Martin Rapide.
Standout elements of the Sportback concept include a large rear hatch, with hints of Jaguar XF in the rear three-quarter, 21-inch wheels and an Estoque-aping rear end that probably come as a result of family ties with the raging bull. At 4 950 mm long, 1 930 mm wide and only 1 400 mm high, the Sportback concept already has the dimensions that suit this segment – not to mention that it also models a redesigned Audi “trademark” single-frame grille and LED taillights.
Under the bonnet lies a 3,0-litre V6 TDI engine that produces 165 kW and 550 N.m of torque. This unit already meets EU6 emissions standards that are only scheduled to take effect in 2014, as well as consume a miserly 5,9 litres per 100 km/h. Using a 7-speed tiptronic gearbox that drives power to all four corners via quattro all-wheel drive, the Sportback sprints to 100 km/h from standstill in under seven seconds and is limited to a top speed just shy of 250 km/h.
The Sportback concept boasts a new five-link front suspension set-up, Continuous Damping Control (CDC) shock absorbers with magnetic fluid control, electronic steering (which includes a parking assist function), carbon-ceramic brakes discs and 6-piston brake calipers.
As is the case with many concepts, the Sportback sports an interior that won’t make it to the production line any time soon, but the simple and easy features include a driver-oriented cockpit with panoramic glass roof, retracting MMI interface display, ample seating for four adults and storage space for 500 dm3 of luggage in the boot.