More details about the new Audi A7

AutoWeek revealed more details about the future Audi A7, a model that "will stand for performance, elegance and quality in the fast-emerging luxury "four-door coupe" market when it is launched in June 2010".

The future A7 will be placed between the A6 and the A8 and will compete with models like Mercedes-Benz CLS, the BMW 8-series.

Audi is also planning a hardtop A7 and a soft-top convertible. S7 and RS7 versions are also under consideration. The RS7 will be powered by the RS6’s twin-turbocharged 5.2-liter V10 engine delivering 600 hp to quattro all-wheel drive and a new torque-vectoring system.

Under the hood Audi will put two direct-injection gasoline V6 engines for the A7: a 204-hp naturally aspirated 2.8-liter and a 300-hp supercharged 3.0-liter. Above them will be a 394-hp turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 in the S7 and the aforementioned V10 powering the RS7. The S7 is due in November 2010, followed by the RS7 in June 2012. Gearbox options will include a standard six-speed manual, a seven-speed double-clutch unit and a new eight-speed automatic.

All-wheel drive will be standard for U.S. models, using the quattro system boasting a 40/60 torque split in combination with a new torque-vectoring system to appear in the S4 that is due in October.