Spy Shots: Audi A7 caught testing in the cold

It's been over a year since the Audi Sportback concept debuted at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show, and based on these spy shots, it won't be much longer until the production version debuts – we're guessing that it could show up as early as next month's Geneva Motor Show. Dubbed A7, this four-door sedan sports a coupe-like profile and will slot between the A6 and A8 in Audi's lineup. Think of it as a more stylish alternative to the A8 like the Volkswagen CC is to the Passat. Whether or not the market can bear the weight of yet another schizophrenic sedan remains to be seen, as they can already choose between the segment's creator, the Mercedes-Benz CLS, and cars like the Jaguar XF and aforementioned Volkswagen CC.

Engine options should run the typical Audi gamut, at least in Europe. They'll likely start with V6 and V8 offerings like the A8 above it, and there will surely be a TDI application or two, if not some manner of hybrid eventually. For the States, however, we can probably expect an eight-cylinder only approach. Audi's Quattro all-wheel-drive system will of course be included, and we can only surmise it will look stunning when finally takes to the stage.

As to pricing, Audi USA head Johan de Nysschen has already told us that the A7 will slot in "a little bit below" the A8 in terms of pricing, so we're ballparking an average price of around $80k.

[Images: CarPix]