The stunningly beautiful and popular Audi A7 is receiving a facelift for the 2015 model year, with a host of new technological and cosmetic features. With increased emphasis on sustainable performance stemming from offerings such as the BMW i8, Audi has aimed for the perfect balance between efficiency and performance with the newest sportback A7.
The most significant change to the A7 lineup is the availability of revised powertrain options–the “ultra” 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 unit, producing approximately 215 horsepower in a front-wheel drive configuration, is predicted to deliver a maximum of 60.1 mpg. In addition, two more diesel options are available, with a revised version of the “ultra” TDI unit producing around 270 horsepower and a bi-turbo version producing 315 horsepower. A7s equipped with the 3.0-liter bi-turbo unit use an 8-speed shiftable tiptronic transmission, while all other engine options (including the S7’s 4.0-liter TFSI unit) receive the familiar 7-speed S-tronic unit. In addition, to further the A7’s efficiency, Audi uses an electromechanical steering rack, though it compromises steering feel.
The A7’s upgrades don’t stop there, however — available now are the much talked-about Matrix LEDs headlamps, which will be brighter and crisper than other LEDs without blinding oncoming drivers. Comfort, too, is a priority for A7 designers, as ventilation and massage functions are available for the driver and passenger in the leather-wrapped cabin, which can be upgraded to the luxurious Valcona leather trim option. Standard comes the user-friendly MMI system, but customers can upgrade to the “radio plus” MMI interface to receive a head-up display.
The new A7’s technology is impressive–the MMI systems provide 4G LTE connectivity, and some A7s are equipped with the “phone box” option. “Phone box” allows passengers to connect their mobile phones to the car’s diversity antenna for better reception by simply leaving their phones in a designated box. The technology continues to the A7’s safety features, where adaptive cruise control (with stop and go capability), a night vision camera system, active lane keeping assist, and pre-sense collision avoidance are all available and cutting-edge.
The newest A7 sportback will hit UK shores during the latter half of 2014, with models coming to the US during early 2015. Stay tuned on TFLcar.com for more A7 production details.
Please enjoy this TFLcar.com video review of the 2013 Audi S7.
Frank Kosarek
Frank caught automotive fever early in life. Hailing from a long line of car fanatics, Frank was able to recite the year and model of every car that passed him by age five. His passion and love for the automobile have only grown since then. When not thinking about cars, he is reading, writing, learning, or dreaming about them. His area of expertise comes in the realm of German and Italian cars, of which Porsche is a favorite. Frank currently resides in the heart of NASCAR country in Charlotte, North Carolina, with his family. He thoroughly enjoys driving exotic cars in the beautiful Carolina weather.
