Audi chose the North American International Auto Show in Detroit to unveil its Sportback concept, a thinly-veiled version of the anticipated A7 luxury sedan. Powered by a 3.0-liter TDI diesel V6, the Sportback concept serves as a more emotional, evocative sedan slotted just above the A6, much like the swoopy CLS is positioned above the workaday E-Class in Mercedes-Benz’s lineup.
The A7 Sportback features many styling cues debuted in the A5 coupe, but it is a unique design overall. It rides on 10-spoke, 21-inch alloy wheels (which will probably not make it to the production model) and features LED lights all around (which will probably make it to the production model, on the other hand).
Inside, the Sportback features Audi’s latest MMI interface with a retracting monitor and unique trim surfaces throughout, including a filigree aluminum border and diamond-shaped stitching on the leather seats.
01/11, 5:35 PM
posted by:
AnonymousCoward
Now it looks like a dead cod…
01/11, 5:35 PM
posted by:
MurcieMe
The rear end reminds me of the Lamborghini Estoque. I like the new take on the grille, but am not sold on the angry headlights. Overall this is very interesting, but it’s not as sexy as I was expecting it to be.
01/11, 5:36 PM
posted by:
darx_ider
No comment!!
01/11, 7:01 PM
posted by:
howsmydriving
How much will Audi overcharge for the privilege of driving a fastback 4-door with an ugly grill?
01/11, 7:27 PM
posted by:
Captain Crunch
Cool. Audi, just like M.B & V.W. is copying Oldsmobile & is building they’re every own 1st generation Aurora.
01/11, 7:30 PM
posted by:
Captain Crunch
I mean ………. “their”.
01/11, 7:33 PM
posted by:
Captain Crunch
&……….”very”.
what a way to butcher a post.
01/11, 7:55 PM
posted by:
mazdaman
I much prefer the Passat CC to this. For some reason, Audi has never really impressed me. This car has done nothing to change that.
01/11, 8:21 PM
posted by:
Gundy
HA, dead cow! I totally agree Mazdaman, the Passat CC is much better looking. This is too busy / fussy, and limp, like.. well, like a dead cod.
01/11, 8:22 PM
posted by:
scratchy
it looks…unfinished
01/11, 8:23 PM
posted by:
AnonymousCoward
Apart from the horrible front, it actually looks a lot like an artist impression of the new Saab 9-5 with Aero-X wheels that floated aound the net in 2007…
01/11, 8:46 PM
posted by:
idrinorbarsaku
I actually really like this. the wood pattern looks nice along with the steering wheel. I wish they would show the new a8 already!
01/11, 10:04 PM
posted by:
schnitzel_speed
I hope the wheels, head lights and exhaust pipes make it to production!!!
This cars head lights make it look really futuristic, like nothing else on the road
01/11, 10:05 PM
posted by:
Got Handling?
The rear three quarter view reminds me of the Mustang, and the front is horrendous, what happened to the acknowledged arbiters of restrained design?
01/12, 4:12 AM
posted by:
ubercool
Another Audi designed using tracing paper again! The rear end is terrible…
01/12, 11:39 AM
posted by:
KuroSyn
wow, i’m actually not impressed by the design of this… even if i’m a fan of high-tech-new-age-futuristic-alienated-aggressive lighting that Audi has manage to populate…. but still… what happened here? The overall design to me looks, unrefined, the front grill needs to be trimmed more appropriately to the Audi Styling they have successfully outputted, from the lines… they look… regular, nothing… that makes you say “nice original styling here guys, love it”… the back is crying! look! it’s crying, begging for attention or a very good plastic surgeon to fix it… nice attempt, but please, finish it up a bit, it isn’t OH-SO-HORRIBLE, i wouldn’t mind driving it, but it’s not something I’ll be driving around to exploit that I own one…
01/12, 1:56 PM
posted by:
Need more oil for GM
It’s an Audi. Tow trucks love em.
Check out the new Buick Lacrosse if you want to see a real car. Audis are unreliable crap.
01/12, 3:28 PM
posted by:
A4
they had better make it look more like an A5, and fast.
01/12, 6:51 PM
posted by:
schnitzel_speed
am i the only one who digs the design?!
before you make a judgment, check out the specs:
diesel 3.0L V6 TDI
225hp; 405lb-ft (!)
fuel economy: 39mpg
0-60: “under 7s”
7-speed tiptronic transmission
oil heating system
weight: 3968 lbs
01/12, 7:53 PM
posted by:
zoomzoomer
A4.. you hit it right on the nose. Or maybe a truck did.. because that grille is just wrong. And where’s the swoopy A5/TT/R8 swage line.. isn’t Audi calling this a “coupe” too? That defining side line is even stiffer than the A4’s! Can’t wait to see attempt 2.
01/13, 9:40 AM
posted by:
jonmiles
The concept drawlings had much better proportions and lines than this… it seems like Audi is compramising design for interior space, which they can’t afford to do on a car like this: the whole purpose in buying a 4-door “coupe” is the design…