The Appeal of "Coupe + Sedan + Wagon ÷ 3"

This model was born as a five-door coupe positioned between the A8 and A6. It is a large, five-door model that combines the sportiness and elegance of a coupe, the comfort of a sedan, and the functionality of a wagon into one vehicle.

The body dimensions are 4,970mm in length, 1,910mm in width, and 1,420mm in height. Compared to the A5 Sportback, which is popular in Japan, it is 260mm longer, 55mm wider, and 30mm taller.

The exterior design features a long nose and short overhangs, creating a stylish coupe-like form, enhanced by the visual effect of a gently arcing roofline. Despite this, the luggage space offers a capacity of 535 liters with the rear seats in use, expanding to 1,390 liters when folded.

Debuts at This September's Paris Salon

The interior exudes an elegant atmosphere while conveying a sense of craftsmanship, a testament to Audi's pursuit of quality. Furthermore, Audi's MMI navigation system features cutting-edge capabilities, including a touchpad and compatibility with Google Earth.

Four V6 engines are planned for deployment: two gasoline and two diesel. The gasoline "3.0 TFSI" is equipped with a direct-injection 3.0-liter V6 supercharger, boasting a maximum output of 300 ps at 5,250-6,500 rpm and a peak torque of 44.9 kgm at 2,900-4,500 rpm. Additionally, there will be a "2.8 FSI" (204 ps, 28.6 kg-m) gasoline engine, and two "3.0 TDI" diesel variants with 204 ps and 245 ps outputs.

The transmission adopted for European models includes the 7-speed "S tronic" for the "3.0 TFSI." The drivetrain is the full-time 4WD "quattro," and this combination delivers performance figures of 0-100 km/h in 5.6 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (electronically limited). The front-wheel-drive models will utilize a CVT.

Following its debut at the Paris Motor Show in September, the new A7 Sportback is scheduled to go on sale in Europe starting this autumn. Pricing is announced to start from 51,600 euros (approximately 5.8 million yen).

BRAND HISTORY
Audi's emblem is the "Four Rings." As you may know, each ring represents one of the automotive manufacturers: Audi, DKW, Horch, and Wanderer. All were based in Saxony and were pioneers of the German automotive industry in the early 20th century. However, the four companies, hit hard by the Great Depression following World War I, formed Auto Union in 1932 to survive. DKW specialized in motorcycles and small cars, Wanderer in mid-size cars, Audi in premium mid-size cars, and Horch in luxury cars.

However, after World War II, Saxony in East Germany fell under Soviet occupation, and Auto Union ceased to exist. Anticipating this, the new Auto Union was established in Ingolstadt, Bavaria, in West Germany.BMWandMercedes-Benzunlike, Auto Union faced a challenging start with no existing factories, but gradually gained strength through the production of vehicles like the DKW delivery van.

In late 1964, Auto Union came under the umbrella of Volkswagen and soon introduced new models bearing the Audi name. In 1969, it merged with NSU (known for its development of the Wankel engine), based in Neckarsulm, becoming Audi NSU Auto Union. From 1985 onwards, it has continued as Audi to the present day. Technology such as quattro, dynamic performance backed by motorsport activities, elegant design, and high-quality finishes are driving Audi's popularity.