2012 Audi A7 Sportback

2012 Audi A7 Sportback

2012 Audi A7 Sportback

2012 Audi A7 Sportback

2012 Audi A7 Sportback

The 2012 A7 follows the pattern set by the Mercedes-Benz CLS, the Porsche Panamera and the BMW 5-series Gran Turismo. It is a four-door, but with its swooping roofline and hatchback rear end, its shape resembles a coupe more than sedan.

While European buyers will get the choice of gasoline or diesel V6 engines, Americans will be offered only the 3.0-liter, twin-cam gasoline V6 with a Lysholm-screw, positive-displacement supercharger nestled in the vee.

It’s a lovely device, with double overhead camshafts driven by cam chains set at the back of the block and in front of the flywheel, and ancillary belt drives at the front. Cam timing is variably adjusted to increase low-end torque. It produces 296 hp at 5250 rpm and 325 lb-ft of torque at 2900 rpm, which is enough to achieve an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph, zero-to-60 mph acceleration in 5.5 seconds and a combined mileage rating of 28 mpg.

The Audi A7 is a formidable device, capable of generating enough lateral grip to make your head swim, but little steering feedback. No matter. Opt for the S-line package with lower ride height and 19-inch rims, and there’s a newfound positivity to the handling. Even better is the 20-inch rim option, with Yokohama Advan tires. I race an old Aston Martin on these tires and can vouch for their outrageous grip and sensitivity. Exactly how those tires and the increased wheel size conspire to benefit the ride is difficult to pinpoint, but we can say that with the S-line option, 20-inch wheels and Yokohamas, the A7 transforms from a supreme road burner into a serious performance machine. The electronic steering should take some credit for this newfound agility, and Audi is proud of the strides it has made in this area.

The U.S. market will get the A7 in late Spring. Prices have yet to be finalized, but the base MSRP is expected to be just under $70,000. Definitely worth waiting for.