Audi A7 exudes style, comfort & performance

With its low roofline and integrated rear doors, the 2012 Audi A7 has a coupe-like silhouette that exudes style and elegance. The Audi signature grille reveals its identity at a glance. An integrated spoiler automatically extends at 80 mph and then retracts at 50 mph. It can also be deployed and retracted manually via the push of a button.
Audi signature LED daytime running lights are standard.

The Audi A7 comes standard with Audi’s xenon plus technology, complete with new all-weather lighting integrated into the headlamp housings. The system replaces traditional fog lamps. Optional full LED lighting, an unmistakable element of Audi design, combines function and style with low energy consumption and an extended service life. In addition to the 18LEDs used for the daytime running lamps and 11 LEDs employed for the turn signals, two powerful LED units comprise the low- and high-beam headlamps on each side. Tail lamps also use LEDs.

Inside the A7, Audi once again sets the standard for automotive interior design and execution. Chrome bezels frame the air vents, while aluminum-look trim accents the optional layered wood veneers and bezels. Optional interior lighting features include lighted handles, LED reading lights, and LED lamps to highlight door pockets, sills and center console, all of which can be configured to suit the owner’s taste.

Front seats are 10-way adjustable and available with four-way lumbar support, three-stage ventilation and three-stage heating. Rear seat passengers enjoy two comfortable, contoured, heated seats with adequate head, arm, and legroom. The two types of available leather, Milano or Valcona, color-coordinate with the four-spoke steering wheel and transmission selector lever.

Fine grain ash wood veneers are standard while dark brown walnut and brushed aluminum trims are optional. The seat coverings are available in black, titanium gray, nougat brown and velvet beige, while the headlining is available in black, lunar silver and silk beige. The quality, fit and finish of all materials are first-class.

The rear hatch is equipped with a height adjustable power-lift system that opens with the touch of a button, revealing an enormous-looking, 24.5 cu ft. luggage compartment. Fold the 60:40 split rear seats forward and the A7 reveals a huge cargo area with a flat floor.
Because of its low profile, entry and exit for the two front passengers is relatively easy with just a little bending required. Rear seat passengers have to do more bending and twisting to get in or out.

The 2012 Audi A7 stretches 195.6 inches in length, has a 114.7 inch wheelbase, 84.2 inch width and 55.9 inch height. With its hybrid aluminum construction that combines lightweight metal with high-end steels of various strengths, the Audi A7 weighs roughly 15 percent less than a comparable all-steel body.

The interior is largely decoupled from the road and engine noises, thanks to hydraulic damping elements on the axles, subframes and bearings. The A7 0.30 coefficient of drag aids fuel economy and reduces wind noise. Microfiber fleeces, acoustically active wheel housing liners and underbody panels partner with a special film on the windshield and complex sealing on the doors and frameless windows to provide an impressively quiet environment for occupants.

The adaptive restraint system is networked with the Audi pre sense safety system, intelligently managing the airbags and belt force limiters based on the height of the driver and front-seat passenger. Standard side airbags in the front seats, optional airbags in the outside rear seats, and curtain airbags keep occupants safe in the event of a side impact, while the integrated Audi head restraint system reduces the risk of whiplash in rear-end collisions.

The latest version of Audi MMI Plus features an eight-inch display that rises from the dashboard when the ignition is switched on. It consolidates audio, navigation and telephone functions into one simple interface, featuring MMI touch that enables the driver to enter navigation or telephone information with the stroke of a finger using handwriting recognition technology. This intuitive system is said to reduce driver distraction and has been rigorously tested for usability and reliability.

Audi connect, is being introduced on the A7. It brings a new level of real-time driver-relevant information into the vehicle such as Google Earth navigation with voice recognition, Google Local search and Wi-Fi connectivity for up to eight devices enabling passengers to surf the internet, download videos or check email.

A five-inch display fits between the tachometer and speedometer to relay everything from music controls to navigation instructions to the driver, while an optional heads-up display projects the most important information onto the windshield. A range of high-end audio options are available, including a 14-speaker BOSE sound system or the range-topping Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System, complete with 15 speakers and 1,300 watts of power.

The Audi philosophy of intelligent downsizing is demonstrated in the A7 with the use of its 3.0 TFSI® V6. Located in the 90-degree V of the cylinder banks is a belt-driven supercharger that compresses intake air to a maximum of 0.8 bar, resulting in the kind of smooth power delivery one might expect in a true sports sedan. A maximum of 310 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque allows the Audi A7 to sprint from 0-60 mph in 5.4 seconds and on to a limited top speed of 130 mph.

All A7 models use a state-of-the-art eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission, balancing quick acceleration with impressive fuel economy. Audi drive select combines information from the automatic transmission, power steering and engine to modify shift points, steering boost and throttle characteristics through four modes: comfort, auto, dynamic and individual.

The Audi A7 features the latest generation quattro permanent all-wheel drive system, featuring enhanced torque vectoring. Depending on grip, speed and axial forces, the system will alter the standard 40:60 front-to-rear torque split. Quattro all-wheel-drive works together with an intelligent brake management system to control under steer by lightly applying the brakes to the inside rear wheel.

The front suspension of the Audi A7 is a five-link arrangement with hollow stabilizer bars, along with a die cast strut brace to increase frontal rigidity. The rear axle follows the track-controlled trapezoidal link principle, with two hollow trapezoidal links and two longitudinal and lateral tubes each. The electromechanical steering varies boost depending on vehicle speed

The all-new A7 features Audi’s 3.0 TFSI V6 with a belt-driven supercharger and direct fuel injection. The supercharged 90-degree V6 produces 310 horsepower and 325 lb-ft. of torque The A7 can sprint from zero to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds and is limited to a top speed of 130 mph.

Audi’s eight-speed Tiptronic® automatic transmission blends efficiency with performance to maximize acceleration and reduce fuel consumption. The Tiptronic system allows the driver to manually select one of eight forward ratios select from four modes that adjust the automatic transmission, power steering and engine to modify shift points, steering boost and throttle characteristics. Four modes are comfort, auto, dynamic and individual.

Audi’s MMI interface integrates audio, navigation and telephone systems into one easy-to-use system by combining a thumb-wheel control with Audi’s new touchpad input. The touchpad operating system allows drivers to “write” the letters of their destination or the digits of a telephone number on the touchpad with a finger, improving interaction while helping to reduce distractions.

On the road, the A7 is a delight to drive. Direct injection, supercharging and the well-spaced transmission ratios make the A7 instantly responsive. Ride and handling are nicely balanced so the car can be driven aggressively and the ride can be as comfortable as you want, even over broken pavement and potholes. The A7 is the kind of car that can be driven on a very long trip with pleasure.

The 2012 Audi A7 price starts at $59,250.

Written by Dave Van Sickle, Torque News automotive reporter.