REPORT: Audi to unveil A7 in Detroit
by Chris Paukert on Dec 22nd 2008 at 10:29AM 
We can debate whether the "four-door coupe" is a genuine segment or merely a bit of marketing piffle, but that isn't stopping the genre from swelling at an impressive rate. The next chapter in the burgeoning niche looks to be written by Audi, as the German automaker has just confirmed that a conceptual version of their new A7 will debut next month at the Detroit Auto Show. As its nomenclature would suggest, it is expected that the A7 will slot in between the A6 and the A8 in both mission and price, likely with running gear derived from the former.
The neither-fish-nor-fowl A7 will take on the soon-to-be-refreshed Mercedes CLS and potentially the denied-but-apparently-still-being-developed BMW CS.
According to Automotive News, Audi hopes to shift about 40,000 units of the slippery A7 worldwide, but it is unclear if this figure is model-range wide (a hardtop convertible is expected), or just the standard A7. In either case, sales are expected to commence in late 2009 or in the first quarter of 2010.
[Source: Automotive News subs req'd]]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Dan 10:54AM (12/22/2008)
I thought 4-door convertibles were impossible in the unibody, plastic-bumper era?
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casey 10:58AM (12/22/2008)
i did this A5 4 door 'coupe' about 6 months ago. scale it up a bit, take away the suicide doors, and you'll probably have the A7, fastback roofline and all.
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c40/artandcolour2006/Photochops/S5_fourdoor_July.jpg
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rsfourever 11:01AM (12/22/2008)
why does it sparkle?
coolremo 12:43PM (12/22/2008)
I'm so excited, and I just can't hide it... this car should look incredible
zack 11:11AM (12/22/2008)
Can they show off the US-based S4 avant instead? Better yet, how about giving the US the RS4 avant... damn AoA!!!
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Auari 11:36AM (12/22/2008)
So.... avant is a cool way of saying wagon? Who the hell wants a fast wagon
skant 11:54AM (12/22/2008)
are you kidding, audi avant's are just sexy!
and if you want to know if we'r ehte minority just go back to the comments on any other avant posts on AutoBlog and you'll see that there is definitely an appetite for this body type.
skant 11:54AM (12/22/2008)
are you kidding, audi avant's are just sexy!
and if you want to know if we'r ehte minority just go back to the comments on any other avant posts on AutoBlog and you'll see that there is definitely an appetite for this body type.
evensteven 5:12PM (12/22/2008)
Who wants a fast wagon?
Audi Avants rock! A great family hauler with sports car like handling (see S4, RS4, S6, and RS6 avant) and all the utility of a mid size SUV. Plus sleeper status when you watch the look of a guy who just got dusted by a "wagon" in his 4.6L mustang
CT A 10:23PM (12/22/2008)
Avants/Station wagons are really popular in Germany. Most Audis/BMWs (Don't know about Mercedes) in Germany are Station wagons.
Dan9-1 11:42AM (12/22/2008)
Unless this car comes with a 6.2L V8... which produces 3000hp and has economy of 150mpg... nuclear and economic crisis protection then it would be the car for me...
Otherwise its a cynical marketing gimmic which will sell massively because its seen as being exclusive
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Jonathan 12:30PM (12/22/2008)
The title of this article is a little misleading. We already knew an A7 concept, and I clicked the link expecting news instead the production version would debut. Anyhow, I'm sure it will be an attractive car.
Am I the only one who thinks the Panamera looks like a station wagon?
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Luce 12:37PM (12/22/2008)
I'm curious how this one will look in person at the show. You can only tell so much from a drawing.
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coolremo 12:42PM (12/22/2008)
not bad.
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P.V. 4:22PM (12/22/2008)
Looks good and sounds good. Bring it!
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Quan 7:34AM (12/23/2008)
Isn't that the sketch of the A8?
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Dale McCormack 11:26AM (12/25/2008)
As a current 103k Allroad owner, I greatly enjoy its' wonderful uniqueness, excellent handling and ownership versatility. I rarely need to wish I'd brought our Odyssey instead when visiting Home Depot w/4 passengers.
There's no sacrifice to performance w/the 2.7 bi-turbo, though I'd prefer their v6 diesel w/six gears. Also, the seat memories for both driver & passenger, heated steering wheel two-color leather seats and photovoltaic sunroof to power the ventilation system are luxuries rarely found elsewhere.
So far 2008-09 has been an Audi Winter in the American midwest and the theme song for Audi advertising should be "Let it Snow". This vehicle brings me a lot of smiles when driving, er, playing behind the wheel. Oh, did I fail to mention those vehicles with similar luxuries usually eat my ice crystals?
If AoA doesn't bring in the new A4 Allroad in an Avant model, they can forget about me as a potential customer.
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Dale from DG 11:35AM (12/25/2008)
Duh, thought I was on the A4 Avant response!