Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[<i>Car and Driver</i> lists 10Best for 2013, same as it ever was]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/05/car-and-driver-lists-10best-for-2013-same-as-it-ever-was/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/05/car-and-driver-lists-10best-for-2013-same-as-it-ever-was/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/05/car-and-driver-lists-10best-for-2013-same-as-it-ever-was/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,



Forgive us for having the distinct feeling of déjà vu, but it certainly feels like we've been here before. By that we are referring Car and Driver and the announcement of its annual 10Best vehicles for 2013. To be sure, it's an impressive selection of cars that combine heart-pounding performance and frugal sensibilities, but it also represents something of a broken record on the part of C/D. We're not so sure that's a flaw, though, as the resulting list is tough to argue with.

Vehicles like the Ford Mustang, Porsche Boxster, and BMW 3 Series have maintained their high-horsepower spots on this list for several years now. Even on the more practical and nimble end, the Honda Accord, Honda Fit and Mazda Miata have not budged. These continued spots are even in light of redesigns for some vehicles such as the Accord, Boxster and 3 Series.

In fact, the only newcomer to the 10Best list this year are the Scion FR-S/Subaru BRZ twins, which knocked out the Cadillac CTS-V. We think it would have been a huge misstep to have excluded the FR-S/BRZ, even in light of the supercharged Caddy's lamentable departure from 10Best.

Without further ado, here are 2012 Car and Driver 10Best winners:

After perusing our gallery of the winners, bounce on over to Car and Driver to check out the full 10Best roundup, along with a collection of videos on each car. Be sure to let us know in Comments what you think of this year's list!

Car and Driver lists 10Best for 2013, same as it ever was originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Dec 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>10 best10best3 seriesa6a7accordaudibmwboxsterbrzcar and drivercar and driver 10 bestfitfocusfocus stfordfr-sgolfgtihondamazdamiatamustangmustang boss 302mx-5 miatas6s7vw golfWed, 05 Dec 2012 13:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20394696/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/05/car-and-driver-lists-10best-for-2013-same-as-it-ever-was/20394696/article-detail.xml 20394696 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/2013-honda-accord-ex-l-sedan-1354717181_thumbnail.jpeg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/2013-honda-accord-ex-l-sedan-1354717181.jpeg <![CDATA[Which is best for enthusiast drivers, Audi's S6 or S7?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/12/which-is-best-for-enthusiast-drivers-audis-s6-or-s7/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/12/which-is-best-for-enthusiast-drivers-audis-s6-or-s7/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/12/which-is-best-for-enthusiast-drivers-audis-s6-or-s7/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

2013 Audi S6 and S7 parked side-by-side

Audi's S6 is a high-performance four-door sedan and the S7 is the automaker's high-performance five-door luxury hatchback. The two are platform-sharing siblings with common 420-horsepower twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engines, seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearboxes and permanent all-wheel drive. No surprise, then, that straight-line performance between each is indistinguishable from one to the other. Based on this information, many casual observers are led to believe that the only discernible difference between the two models is found in bodystyle.

We recently had the opportunity to drive the S6 and S7 back-to-back on our favorite Southern California canyon roads. While it wasn't a track environment, we pushed each pretty hard until distinct personalities and driving dynamics were revealed. We also learned a few other interesting things about the close siblings:
  • On a scale, the S6 (4,398 pounds) is 110 pounds lighter than the S7 (4,508 pounds). The additional weight in the S7 is due to structural reinforcement for the hatchback - possibly meaning there is more weight over its rear axle. (Audi has not released weight distribution figures.)
  • By the tape, the S7 has a slightly wider front track (up 1.1 inches) and rear track (up 1.2 inches), and its body is 1.4 inches wider overall. The S6 sedan is 1.9 inches shorter in length than the S7 hatchback. (Audi has not released center of gravity height.)
  • Despite sharing the identical electromechanical servotronic speed sensitive steering, the system in the S6 delivered a more direct feel and effort felt slightly heavier. The S7 steering felt marginally lighter and less accurate.
  • The S6 felt more balanced in the corners, even though it was the narrower and taller of the two. Mid-corner corrections were more stable in the S6, as the additional weight over the rear of the S7 caused a tiny oscillation as it corrected itself in the same maneuver.
  • The S6 was wearing Pirelli tires, while the S7 was shod in Yokohama rubber. Audi says both tires should perform nearly identically, but we'd beg to differ.
  • Audi's official 0-60 time is 4.5 seconds for each, but using the gearbox's (secret) launch control feature drops each to about 4.0 seconds flat.
The S6 has a base price of $71,900 while the S7 starts at $78,800. Based on our short comparison, if you're not interested in the S7's form factor or trunk space, we recommend the driving enthusiast should save $6,900 and go with the S6.

Which is best for enthusiast drivers, Audi's S6 or S7? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Oct 2012 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 audi s62013 audi s72013+audi+s7+review2013audis7reviewa6a7audiaudi+s7audi+s7+reviewaudis7audis7reviewfeaturedquick spinquickspins6s7s7 vs s7Fri, 12 Oct 2012 11:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20343290/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/12/which-is-best-for-enthusiast-drivers-audis-s6-or-s7/20343290/article-detail.xml 20343290 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/audis6s7628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/audis6s7628.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Audi S7]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/26/2013-audi-s7-first-drive-review-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/26/2013-audi-s7-first-drive-review-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/26/2013-audi-s7-first-drive-review-video/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Performance With Poise

2013 Audi S7

As reaction settles down to news that Audi has scooped up Italian bikemaker Ducati right from under the nose of Mercedes-Benz for a cool billion, we can now get back to the four-wheeled performance Audi does best. And there are few better ways I can think of doing that than throwing body and mind into a fully optioned new Audi S7 and hitting the sunny German countryside.

At least for this scribe-driver, Audi does a much finer job on its S models than it attempts to do on the RS versions. Not that the RS lineup is a bad thing, but its various members often strike me as just souped-up S models - not the true RennSport icons they ought to be. I want mayhem and magic in an RS and never really get it. What I probably really want is rear-wheel drive and about 400 fewer pounds to lug around, but knowing Audi's modern day raison d'être, that'll never be allowed to happen.

But the S cars are genuinely satisfying Sport-driving professionals that happily double as very stylish everyday drivers. The current civilian Audi that expresses best the stylish part of the equation is the sleek A7. It's a funny car in that the initial reaction to the swoopy A7 was a bit hesitant from some quarters. But the enthusiasm has grown over time and now the sportback-style car is a certifiable hit in the United States and elsewhere.

Continue reading 2013 Audi S7

2013 Audi S7 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Apr 2012 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 audi s7a7audiaudi a7audi saudi s7featuredfirst driveFirstDrives7Thu, 26 Apr 2012 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20224355/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/26/2013-audi-s7-first-drive-review-video/20224355/article-detail.xml 20224355 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/2013-audi-s7-fd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/2013-audi-s7-fd.jpg <![CDATA[Audi lights up vampire-laden S7 commercial ahead of Super Bowl]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/26/audi-lights-up-vampire-laden-s7-commercial-ahead-of-super-bowl/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/26/audi-lights-up-vampire-laden-s7-commercial-ahead-of-super-bowl/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/26/audi-lights-up-vampire-laden-s7-commercial-ahead-of-super-bowl/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Audi vampire super bowl ad

Audi apparently couldn't wait until the Super Bowl to show off the ad it will run during the Big Game. The German automaker has released its spot, and sure enough, the quick clip has cashed in on the current vampire craze. The commercial features a clutch of gen x/y/millennial 20-something vamps out for an impromptu fireside party. When their hero arrives in an Audi S7 with an extra cooler of O Negative, disaster ensues. At least the company chose an excellent soundtrack. The whole drama plays out under the silky tones of Echo & The Bunnymen's "Killing Moon."

Audi unveiled the spot mere days after teasing its Super Bowl ad after Facebook fans beat the company's Race The Light game on the social network.

We have to say, we're a little underwhelmed by the spot. Audi is on an undeniable roll right now with products like the TT-RS and A7 littering showrooms across the country, so it's a bit sad that this was the best feature they could muster to highlight in a Super Bowl commercial. Hit the jump to see the spot for yourself.

Continue reading Audi lights up vampire-laden S7 commercial ahead of Super Bowl

Audi lights up vampire-laden S7 commercial ahead of Super Bowl originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Jan 2012 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 audi s7a7advertisingaudiaudi s7audi super bowl commercialcommercialmarketings7super bowlsuper bowl commercialvampirevampiresvideoThu, 26 Jan 2012 13:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20157680/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/26/audi-lights-up-vampire-laden-s7-commercial-ahead-of-super-bowl/20157680/article-detail.xml 20157680 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/audi-vampires_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/audi-vampires.jpg <![CDATA[Audi Super Bowl ad will star S7 and LED lighting]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/18/audi-super-bowl-ad-will-star-s7-and-led-lighting/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/18/audi-super-bowl-ad-will-star-s7-and-led-lighting/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/18/audi-super-bowl-ad-will-star-s7-and-led-lighting/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

2013 Audi S7 Super Bowl ad

Among other things, Audi is known for the brash and bold styling elements of its front fascias. From the giant chiseled trapezoid grille to its highly stylized LED headlamps, there's no mistaking the face of an Audi for anything else on the road.

Audi's LED lighting will be on full display during the upcoming Super Bowl as the German automaker has purchased a 60-second plot of airtime during the first quarter, marking the fifth year in a row that Audi has advertised during the big game.

If those eyes truly are the windows to the soul, the 420-horsepower 4.0-liter TFSI V8 nestled behind the peepers of the 2013 Audi S7 is one soul we're eagerly looking forward to seeing stirred during SB XLVI on February 5th. In the meantime, we'll just have to live with the press release after the break and the image above, which you can enlarge with a click of the mouse.

Continue reading Audi Super Bowl ad will star S7 and LED lighting

Audi Super Bowl ad will star S7 and LED lighting originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Jan 2012 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 super bowl2013 audi s7audiaudi super bowl commercials7super bowlsuper bowl commercialsuper bowl xlviWed, 18 Jan 2012 09:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20150581/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/18/audi-super-bowl-ad-will-star-s7-and-led-lighting/20150581/article-detail.xml 20150581 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/audisuperbowls7andled_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/audisuperbowls7andled.jpg <![CDATA[2012 Audi S7 saunters slyly onto stage, shows sultry shape]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/13/2012-audi-s7-frankfurt-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/13/2012-audi-s7-frankfurt-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/13/2012-audi-s7-frankfurt-2011/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2012 Audi S7

It seems Audi has hit upon a bit of love-it-or-hate-it styling with its new A7 full-size five-door. Regardless of your stance on its aesthetics, we can all agree that the motor does a fine job of hauling the hefty hatchback around. Now, however, Audi has given us our first glimpse at the more powerful S7, and we can't wait to get this shapely German back on U.S. soil.

Under the hood, a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine belches out 420 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. That's enough motivation to propel the four-passenger five-door from 0-62 miles per hour in under five seconds. Despite the power, Audi has managed to eke out a fuel economy average of 25 miles per gallon thanks to its cylinder deactivation system and seven-speed S tronic gearbox.

Should you live your life in the luxurious fast lane, Audi has prepared a few optional goodies to keep you comfortable at speed. An available sport differential varies the the power distribution between the rear wheels while optional carbon ceramic brakes bring the speedo needle back to legal numbers.

There's no word yet on pricing. It's possible to push the price of a loaded A7 above $80,000, so we expect the S7 to start somewhere in that neighborhood.

Continue reading 2012 Audi S7 saunters slyly onto stage, shows sultry shape

2012 Audi S7 saunters slyly onto stage, shows sultry shape originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Sep 2011 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 frankfurt2012 audi s7a7audiaudi s7frankfurtfrankfurt motor shows7Tue, 13 Sep 2011 15:40:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20041617/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/13/2012-audi-s7-frankfurt-2011/20041617/article-detail.xml 20041617 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/2012-audi-a7-frankfurt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/2012-audi-a7-frankfurt.jpg <![CDATA[Audi S6, S7 and S8 revealed ahead of Frankfurt debut]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/31/audi-s6-s7-and-s8-revealed-ahead-of-frankfurt-debut/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/31/audi-s6-s7-and-s8-revealed-ahead-of-frankfurt-debut/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/31/audi-s6-s7-and-s8-revealed-ahead-of-frankfurt-debut/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

2012 Audi S6

When Audi introduces a new S model, enthusiasts sit up straight and listen. Don't even ask what happens when the German automaker rolls out two at a time, let alone three or four. But that's what Ingolstadt has in store for us in Frankfurt this year.

Once the show opens in a couple of weeks from now, we'll have a new S6 (both sedan and Avant wagon), S7 and S8 on our hands. And they're looking pretty sweet so far.

At the top of the heap is the new S8 sedan, which adopts the new twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 that Audi has developed with Bentley, driving all four wheels through a seven-speed dual clutch gearbox. With 520 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque on tap, the big sedan is said to be good for a hugely fast 4.2-second sprint to 62 miles per hour and an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph.

The S6 and S7, meanwhile, get a detuned version of the same turbo eight with 420 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, good for 4.8 and 4.9-second acceleration runs, respectively. Cylinder deactivation and an active noise cancelation system are also part of the package on the entire range, and we're anticipating getting each of these models - minus the S6 Avant - in American showrooms.

There's plenty more to delve into in the press release after the jump, so hop on in, and don't miss the high-resolution image gallery for a closer look.

Continue reading Audi S6, S7 and S8 revealed ahead of Frankfurt debut

Audi S6, S7 and S8 revealed ahead of Frankfurt debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Aug 2011 01:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 frankfurt2012 audi s62012 audi s72012 audi s8audifrankfurtfrankfurt motor shows6s7s8Wed, 31 Aug 2011 01:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20030931/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/08/31/audi-s6-s7-and-s8-revealed-ahead-of-frankfurt-debut/20030931/article-detail.xml 20030931 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/webs6_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/webs6.jpg <![CDATA[Audi S6/RS6, S7, S8 power numbers revealed]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/21/audi-s6-rs6-s7-s8-power-numbers-revealed/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/21/audi-s6-rs6-s7-s8-power-numbers-revealed/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/21/audi-s6-rs6-s7-s8-power-numbers-revealed/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

2012 Audi A7

2012 Audi A7 - Click above for high-res image gallery

German publication Autobild has reportedly acquired some powertrain details about a few upcoming Audi models, including the S6, S7 and S8. Apparently we can expect a twin-turbocharged V8 packing up to 500 horsepower in the S8, while the S6 and S7 will get 440 and 470 horsepower, respectively.

Toward the end of 2012, Audi will unleash the RS6, which will carry a BMW M5-besting, 580-horsepower version of the same twin-turbo mill powering the S6. We still don't know how big the proposed engine is - earlier reports have suggested that a 4.0-liter V8 is in store - but it should get 20 percent better fuel economy than the outgoing naturally aspirated V10.

Audi S6/RS6, S7, S8 power numbers revealed originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Jun 2011 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audirs6s6s7s8Tue, 21 Jun 2011 13:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19970726/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/21/audi-s6-rs6-s7-s8-power-numbers-revealed/19970726/article-detail.xml 19970726 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/2012-audi-a7-lead-1308491420_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/2012-audi-a7-lead-1308491420.jpg <![CDATA[Audi S7 snapped not hiding a thing]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/09/spy-shots-audi-s7-snapped-not-hiding-a-thing/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/09/spy-shots-audi-s7-snapped-not-hiding-a-thing/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/09/spy-shots-audi-s7-snapped-not-hiding-a-thing/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

spy photo audi s7
Audi S7 spy shots - Click above for high-res image gallery

We love the 2012 Audi A7, that's no secret. Still, an Audi that wears the S badge will always be more fun than any A-badged example. Audi is still fine tuning its upcoming S7, and spy photographers managed to capture a helmet-wearing test driver flinging the shapely sedan around the 'Ring.

It appears that the wheelman is making good use of the turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine. Rumor has it, that the powerplant in the S7 will be good for 450 horsepower. We definitely look forward to flogging one when an example finally arrives stateside.

Even when the S7 eventually does land in the United States, our impatient automotive journalist brains will be waiting for the rumored RS7. As nice as a 450-horsepower S7 sounds, the very notion that Audi will unleash a 580-horsepower V10-powered RS7 sedan warms the cockles (and the sub-cockles) of our heart. Word on the street says that uber-sedan will hit the stage at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. We wait for that day to arrive with baited breath.

Audi S7 snapped not hiding a thing originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Jun 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiaudi s7nurburgrings7s7 spy shotsspy photosspy shotsThu, 09 Jun 2011 15:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19962685/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/09/spy-shots-audi-s7-snapped-not-hiding-a-thing/19962685/article-detail.xml 19962685 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/audi-s7-lead_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/audi-s7-lead.jpg <![CDATA[Audi S6 and S7 to offer diesel engines *UPDATE]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/17/audi-s6-and-s7-to-offer-diesel-engines/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/17/audi-s6-and-s7-to-offer-diesel-engines/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/17/audi-s6-and-s7-to-offer-diesel-engines/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

spy photo audi s7
2012 Audi S7 spy shots - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Audi S lineup is not a world filled with many choices. Sure, you can pick your poison in terms of which S vehicle you want, but you do not have a say in which engine is mounted under the hood. However, it seems the upcoming Audi S6 and S7 might be poised to break with that tradition.

Rumor has it that the more athletic versions of the A6 and A7 will be offered with a choice of engines. The standard engine for both cars is slated to be a turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 with around 450 horsepower, but Audi is reportedly going to offer up a diesel, as well, marking the first time such an engine has been offered with an S-branded vehicle. This 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 should be good for 300 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque.

*Update: Apparently, this one is too good to be true - kind of. The cars will be available with the diesel lumps, but the badging will keep the A and not wear an S. Regardless, we're excited to see more sporty diesels arrive stateside.

Audi S6 and S7 to offer diesel engines *UPDATE originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 May 2011 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiaudi dieselaudi s6audi s7diesel s6diesel s7s6s7Tue, 17 May 2011 13:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19941895/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/05/17/audi-s6-and-s7-to-offer-diesel-engines/19941895/article-detail.xml 19941895 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/audi-s7-spy-photo_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/audi-s7-spy-photo.jpg <![CDATA[Spy Shots: 2012 Audi S7 caught, but what's under the hood?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/21/spy-shots-2012-audi-s7-caught-but-whats-under-the-hood/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/21/spy-shots-2012-audi-s7-caught-but-whats-under-the-hood/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/21/spy-shots-2012-audi-s7-caught-but-whats-under-the-hood/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

2012 Audi S7
2012 Audi S7 - Click above for high-res image gallery

When this first batch of spy shots landed in our inbox, we didn't think too much about them. It's an Audi A7 with the optional S Line bodykit. Big whoop. However, the rear view tells a different tale. Specifically, the quad-tipped exhaust system.

What we're looking at is the first Audi S7 prototype which, according to earlier reports, could debut as early as next week at the Paris Motor Show.

If it does, we can expect a slightly lower ride height over the standard A7, upgraded brakes, wheels and tires, and a set of deeply bolstered buckets up front. But what's under the hood?

Initial speculation suggested that the 4.2-liter FSI V8 found in the Audi R8 could be the engine of choice, but the latest intel floating around involves a new twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 outputting upwards of 450 horsepower and a healthy amount of torque.

Hopefully, all will be revealed in just over a week, but before then, scope out the S7 mule in the gallery below.


Gallery: Spy Shots: 2012 Audi S7

Spy Shots: 2012 Audi S7 caught, but what's under the hood? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Sep 2010 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 audi s72012AudiS7audiaudi s7AudiS7parisparis 2010paris motor showparis motor show 2010Paris2010ParisMotorShowParisMotorShow2010s7spy photosspy picsspy shotsSpyPhotosSpyPicsSpyShotsTue, 21 Sep 2010 15:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19642573/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/09/21/spy-shots-2012-audi-s7-caught-but-whats-under-the-hood/19642573/article-detail.xml 19642573 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/04-audi-s7-cp-sept-630op_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/04-audi-s7-cp-sept-630op.jpg <![CDATA[Audi S7 likely headed for Paris, TT RS for U.S. decision imminent]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/10/audi-s7-likely-headed-for-paris-tt-rs-for-u-s-decision-imminen/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/10/audi-s7-likely-headed-for-paris-tt-rs-for-u-s-decision-imminen/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/10/audi-s7-likely-headed-for-paris-tt-rs-for-u-s-decision-imminen/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


2011 Audi A7 Sportback - Click above for high-res image gallery

Autoblog is driving the stunning new Audi A7 Sportback at its international media launch this week in Sardinia, and the scuttlebutt around the hotel bar is that a hotter performance variant, the S7, will make its debut at the Paris Motor Show in the coming weeks.

With garden-variety U.S. A7 five-door powered by the latest evolution of Audi's supercharged 3.0-liter TFSI six-cylinder engine backed by a ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic, it will be interesting to see what the higher-performance S7 brings to the party. As is often the way with such things, Audi representatives here on the Mediterranean island are stopping just short of confirming the debut altogether, and they certainly aren't telling us what will lurk under in the engine bay of the all-wheel drive hatchback.

Like other German automakers, Audi has pledged to back down from the cylinder-count escalation wars that have marked the last decade of its performance products, so we certainly aren't expecting a further derivation of the Lamborghini-sourced 5.2-liter V10 engine found in the current S6. The company has also been veering away from its excellent 4.2-liter FSI engine as seen in the R8 and S5 coupe, so it's possible that this engine won't make it into the S7 as well. Sister brand Bentley has already confirmed that the 2011 Continental GT will be available with a V8 engine for the first time, and it's broadly suspected that the new engine will be a direct-injected 4.0-liter turbo, and an Audi-fied version of that powerplant is expected to filter down throughout the S6/S7/S8 range.

Even though North American A7s will funnel their 296 horsepower exclusively through a paddle-shift eight-speed automatic, the model range is available with a seven-speed S Tronic dual-clutch cogswapper in European markets, and it's likely that Audi would save this more sports-oriented gearbox for the higher-performance S7. A six-speed manual is also a possibility.

Will the sporty S7 slantback make it into our showrooms? Again, Audi of America reps won't confirm it, but they are clearly vying to receive the car, and with only one powertrain confirmed for the A7 bodystyle in our market, it would make sense that a second powertrain package like that of the S7 would join the stable. As the U.S. A7 will carry a 2012 designation and won't be available until late spring, don't look for the S7 to hit U.S. dealers any time soon.

As you'll likely remember, Audi USA has been aggressively lobbying its German counterparts for more performance models as of late, having only recently confirmed the white-hot RS5 coupe for the States. The RS5 won't show until 2012, sadly, but still on the table is the importation of the TT RS, and a decision on that model is likely to be handed down within the next few days. Further, you may recall that Audi of America actually went so far as to create an online petition on its Facebook page asking brand fans to urge for its importation, and it even tempted members of the U.S. media ('Hi!') with local test drives in California.

While we're all waiting for further word on the S7 and TT RS, there's at least a new high-res gallery of the A7 Sportback to keep us entertained. Check it out below.


Gallery: Audi A7

Audi S7 likely headed for Paris, TT RS for U.S. decision imminent originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Sep 2010 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 A7A7A7 sportbackA7SportbackAudibreakingbreaking newsBreakingNewsParis 2010Paris Motor ShowParis Motor Show 2010Paris2010S7S7 sportbackTT RSTT-RSTtRsFri, 10 Sep 2010 21:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19629481/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/09/10/audi-s7-likely-headed-for-paris-tt-rs-for-u-s-decision-imminen/19629481/article-detail.xml 19629481 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/audi-a7_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/audi-a7.jpg <![CDATA[Audi bringing new nav display, optional Touch Pad to 2012 A6 and A7/S7]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/19/audi-bringing-new-nav-display-optional-touch-pad-to-2012-a6-and/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/19/audi-bringing-new-nav-display-optional-touch-pad-to-2012-a6-and/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/19/audi-bringing-new-nav-display-optional-touch-pad-to-2012-a6-and/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

2012 Audi S7 - Click above for high-res image gallery

The 2011 A8 is the harbinger of things to come from Audi's award winning interiors, and the release of an additional spy shot of the S7's insides proves that the new navigation screen found in the automaker's flagship is set to proliferate throughout the Audi line-up.

As you can see in the image above, the seven-inch display that rises from the dash is fitted to the recently spied S7, and will also be included on the standard A7 when it goes on sale next year. The MMI Touch Pad, which also debuted on the all-new A8 and allows user to draw letters and numbers to control the navigation, phone and other systems, is likely to be an option on the A7/S7, along with the new A6. And speaking of the A6...

Audi's mid-sizer has been around since 2004, with an updated model bowing two years later, so it stands to reason that an all-new A6 is coming soon. Judging by the automaker's product cycles, we're expecting the 2012 A6 to bow in Detroit or as early as the Paris Motor Show and go on sale sometime towards the middle of 2011.

Audi bringing new nav display, optional Touch Pad to 2012 A6 and A7/S7 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 May 2010 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20112011 audi a72011AudiA720122012 audi a62012 audi a72012 audi s72012AudiA62012AudiA72012AudiS7a6a7audiaudi a6AudiA6s6s7spy photosspy picsspy shotsSpyPhotosSpyPicsSpyShotsWed, 19 May 2010 15:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19483579/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/05/19/audi-bringing-new-nav-display-optional-touch-pad-to-2012-a6-and/19483579/article-detail.xml 19483579 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/audis7.int.kgp.ed-630op_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/audis7.int.kgp.ed-630op.jpg <![CDATA[Spy Shots: First look at Audi S7]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/18/spy-shots-first-look-at-audi-s7/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/18/spy-shots-first-look-at-audi-s7/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/18/spy-shots-first-look-at-audi-s7/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Audi S7 spy shots - Click above for high-res image gallery

Even though we won't see the production version of the standard Audi A7 until this year's Paris Motor Show, the men and women in Ingolstadt are already prepping a hotted-up version of the swoopy four-door coupe (we still aren't used to typing that), as seen here in this latest set of spy shots. Rumors have stated that a RS7 Sportback might debut alongside the A7 in Paris, complete with a 580-horsepower V10, and it would certainly be show-stopping if Audi could pull off having all three variants of the A7 range on hand.

As for the car spied here, we spot larger air intakes, a more robust wheel/tire package, bigger brakes and quad exhaust pipes, seemingly proving that this A7 will definitely arrive wearing an S badge. However, the camouflaged beast isn't as muscular as Audi's RS models, which leads us to believe that the mid-range S7 is what's under all of the swirly paper. As for what's housed beneath the hood, your guess is as good as ours, but something along the lines of Audi's new supercharged 3.0-liter V6 or the free-breathing 4.2-liter V8 could be in order. Scroll through the gallery below to see the S7 prototype from all angles.


Gallery: Spy Shots: Audi S7


[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: First look at Audi S7 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 May 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 paris motor show2010ParisMotorShowA7A7 SportbackA7SportbackaudiAudi A7Audi A7 Sportbackaudi rs7audi rs7 sportbackaudi s7Audi S7 Sportbackaudi spy shotsAudiA7AudiA7SportbackAudiRs7AudiRs7SportbackAudiS7AudiS7SportbackAudiSpyShotsparis motor showparis motor show 2010ParisMotorShowParisMotorShow2010RS7 sportbackRs7Sportbacks7spy photosspy picsspy shotsSpyPhotosSpyPicsSpyShotsTue, 18 May 2010 13:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19481638/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/05/18/spy-shots-first-look-at-audi-s7/19481638/article-detail.xml 19481638 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/s7-3opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/s7-3opt.jpg <![CDATA[Video: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG spits in the face of physics]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/08/video-mercedes-benz-sls-amg-spits-in-the-face-of-physics/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/08/video-mercedes-benz-sls-amg-spits-in-the-face-of-physics/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/08/video-mercedes-benz-sls-amg-spits-in-the-face-of-physics/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG set to do the impossible - Click above to view the video after the jump

Years ago, when reading about the Saleen S7 supercar, our mental jaws were dropped by one particular info-tidbit. Seems as if the ground effects and aerodynamics on the S7 created so much downforce at speed that you could drive it upside down! Likely? Let's just say no. But a fantastic mental image nonetheless.

But surely no one would be crazy enough to actually, you know, drive a car upside down, right? Mr. skeptic, meet Mercedes-Benz. Or more specifically, meet the SLS AMG gullwing supercar, which does its best Lionel Richie impersonation in the video after the jump.

The obvious question is whether this is real? Internal Autoblog opinion is sharply divided. Some of us feel that sure, given the right conditions plus luck and one hell of a driver you very well could drive this car upside down. Others are screaming, "fake!" Still others are on the phone with in-the-dark Daimler PR folks trying to get a straight yes or no answer. All we know for sure is that, "marbles don't need no downforce." And yes, Top Gear did it first, we know. Videos can be found after the jump.


Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG


Photos by Chris Paukert / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Mercedes-Benz via YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG spits in the face of physics

Video: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG spits in the face of physics originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Jan 2010 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AMGGullwingMercedesMercedes-BenzMercedes-Benz SLS AMGMercedes-benzSlsAmgS7SaleenSaleen S7SaleenS7SLSSLS AMGSLS AMG GullwingSlsAmgSlsAmgGullwingVideoFri, 08 Jan 2010 19:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19309335/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/01/08/video-mercedes-benz-sls-amg-spits-in-the-face-of-physics/19309335/article-detail.xml 19309335 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/01/amg630sls_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/01/amg630sls.jpg <![CDATA[eBay Find of the Day: Chevrolet C5 Corvette-based Saleen S7 replica roadster]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/27/ebay-find-of-the-day-chevrolet-c5-corvette-based-saleen-s7-repl/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/27/ebay-find-of-the-day-chevrolet-c5-corvette-based-saleen-s7-repl/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/27/ebay-find-of-the-day-chevrolet-c5-corvette-based-saleen-s7-repl/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

C5 Corvette based Saleen S7 replica - click above image for hi-res gallery

Steve Saleen's Saleen S7 is a totally bespoke, hand built superduper hypercar that in twin-turbo, 750 horsepower, 700 pound-feet of torque form could go about 250 mph. And it was capable of generating enough downforce to (theoretically) drive upside down. In competition, the S7R has been one of the most dominant vehicles ever fielded, having been "raced in over 264 events, with 218 Top Tens, 166 Podiums, 105 Wins, 86 Poles, 78 Fastest Laps and 9 GT Championships." Price when new was about $600,000, give or take.

Which makes the above car all the more special. Sayeth the seller, "We thought long and hard as to what chassis we would use for our replica. First of all we knew the 80's [sic] Fiero was not an option. its [sic] too old, underpowered, and not a safe frame." Oh man - the replica world has really changed if a Pontiac Fiero chassis is not good enough. But the auctioneer does inadvertently raise a good point, as the S7 is in fact a mid-engined car, and you just got to have that if you're building a replica, don't you? Apparently not.

"So we went with a C5 Corvette chassis. It offers all the driving comforts, with great brakes, Power, and a super strong frame. and we could retail the car for a reasonable price." But not only is it Chevrolet Corvette based, they made it a roadster! See, all those boring old S7s were stuffy mid-engined hardtops - this is the world's first and only front-engined roadster S7. Replica. We've got to say we're a little amazed there are only two bids.

Oh wait, no - we said that wrong. What we meant is that we're a little amazed there are two bids. Currently, the "replica" is sitting at $20,100 and humorously oddly, the reserve has not been met. Did we mention that it's an automatic? Also, dude, your check engine light is on. Videos after the jump. Happy bidding!


Gallery: C5 Corvette based Saleen S7 replica


[Source: eBay Motors]

Continue reading eBay Find of the Day: Chevrolet C5 Corvette-based Saleen S7 replica roadster

eBay Find of the Day: Chevrolet C5 Corvette-based Saleen S7 replica roadster originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>C5C5 CorvetteC5CorvetteCorvetteexotic carExoticCarkit carKitCarreplicareplicarS7S7 ReplicaS7 Replica RoadsterS7 RoadsterS7RS7ReplicaS7ReplicaRoadsterS7RoadsterSaleenSaleen S7Saleen S7 ReplicaSaleen S7 Replica RoadsterSaleenS7SaleenS7ReplicaSaleenS7ReplicaRoadstersteve saleenSteveSaleensupercarTue, 27 Oct 2009 14:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19211358/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/10/27/ebay-find-of-the-day-chevrolet-c5-corvette-based-saleen-s7-repl/19211358/article-detail.xml 19211358 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/10/fakes7lead_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/10/fakes7lead.jpg <![CDATA[Saleen S7 Competition makes quick impression]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/18/saleen-s7-competition-makes-quick-impression/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/18/saleen-s7-competition-makes-quick-impression/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/18/saleen-s7-competition-makes-quick-impression/#commentsFiled under:


UPDATE: Pics and account of damaged Saleen S7 Competition removed at request of photographer and owner.


Bugatti made a splash by offering the world a full 1,000 hp in its Veyron production car. Turned out to be DIN instead of SAE so the actual number was a tad shy of the half-ton mark, 987 to be exact. Around that time, American specialty maker Saleen had just decided to turbocharge its 550-hp racecar-for-the-street S7 to bring the rating up to a more supercar worthy 750. But they also had something even more ferocious in the wings, the competition package.

The competition package is a new option from Saleen that adds an additional 33% to the already incredible 750-hp S7 twin-turbo model introduced in 2005, which gives the S7 Competition a total of 1,000 horsepower. Besides the extra boost, the competition package also includes changes to the suspension and bodywork, with a revised nose and rear diffuser. Also available, and shown on the photo car, is the optional aerodynamic package that includes the huge carbon fiber rear wing and front splitter. This makes an already quick S7 tt perform better than just about anything available for street use. Read the whole story and see the full gallery at Fast-Autos.net. More details and photos of this particular ill-fated S7 that would soon fall off a transport truck after the jump.

[Source: Fast-Auos.net]

Saleen S7 Competition makes quick impression originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Sep 2006 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accidentcompetitiondamageS7SaleenMon, 18 Sep 2006 17:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/671013/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2006/09/18/saleen-s7-competition-makes-quick-impression/671013/article-detail.xml 671013 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2006/09/34203.jpg_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2006/09/34203.jpg.jpg -1 2