2011 Audi A7 Features

The 2011 Audi A7 will be based on the redesigned midrange A6 series that's due in 2009 or 2010. Mercedes conjured the CLS from its midrange E-Class in the same way. Both A7 and the next A6 will employ Audi's new "MHB" modular architecture that moves the transmission ahead of the front wheels and the engine further back for better front/rear weight balance and thus sportier handling. The MHB platform gets its first outing with the 2008 A5/S5 coupes. It also underpins Audi's next-generation A4 compact cars and a new Q5 compact crossover SUV, all due in 2009.

Sources say the 2011 Audi A7 will slot between the A6 and the flagship A8/S8 sedans in both size and price. Headline features will include standard Audi Quattro all-wheel drive, multilink rear suspension, an alphabet soup of electronic driving aids, the usual gorgeous Audi interior-with seating for four only-and unique styling with a sweeping fastback roofline and a hunkered-down wheels-at-the-corners stance.

Powertrain choices are less certain at this point. Audi has a wide range of gasoline and diesel engines it could use in the A7. Which of these will be offered depends on what happens in the next few years to gas prices, world politics, the global-warming debate and other factors. Assuming no major game-changing events, a 4.2-liter V-8 with Audi's FSI direct fuel injection will likely be standard for the U.S. Horsepower will be around 400, and probably more. V-6 or V-8 diesel engines should also be available, and there's talk of a 5.0-liter V-10 in normal and supercharged form for high-performance S7 and RS7 models, respectively. The transmission? A seven- or even eight-speed automatic seems a safe bet, but don't rule out an updated edition of the Audi R-Tronic automated manual used in the new mid-engine Audi R8 supercar.

Being near the top of the lineup-and with the dollar likely to remain weak against the Euro-the 2011 Audi A7 will not be inexpensive. But it will come with all the functional and luxury goodies expected of premium European cars, and you can count on a raft of options including jumbo wheels and the inevitable Sports Package handling and appearance upgrades.

A Notable Feature of the 2011 Audi A7

The 2011 Audi A7 may spring an innovation or two, though no one-probably not even Audi-can be sure just now. Nevertheless, A7 options are likely to include several high-tech gadgets already familiar in the premium ranks, such as lane-departure and/or blind-spot warning systems, "active" sports seats that knead various parts of the anatomy, a home-quality infotaintment system with digital hard-drive, and high-efficiency LED lighting front and rear.