2012 Audi A7 3.0 TFSI Quattro

2012 Audi A7 3.0 TFSI Quattro

2012 Audi A7 3.0 TFSI Quattro

2012 Audi A7 3.0 TFSI Quattro

2012 Audi A7 3.0 TFSI Quattro

This particular model we tested was equipped with the prestige package, which includes the S-line exterior that stands for sexy, sleek, sporty, sensuous, solid, and every good word that starts with “S”. And even though celebrity starts with “C”, we’ll add that as a word to describe the A7 because it turned heads everywhere we went. My favorite part of the exterior is the hexagon design in the bumper that gives it a distinctive look. Adding even more to the sporty style of the A7 is the spoiler that can go up or down with the touch of a button.

came with the 20” ten-parallel-spoke wheels with summer performance tires, but the standard is the 18” alloy wheels with all-season tires or you can get the optional 19” five-double-spoke wheels.The prestige package includes the adaptive headlights which make it easier to see at night when making turns around corners, plus you get front and rear parking sensors with a rearview camera.

Once you sit in this car, you’ll never want to get out. Who would want to when you have plush leather seating, Sirius satellite radio (3 month complimentary subscription) with BOSE surround sound, Audi Connect which turns the car into a Wifi hotspot for up to 8 devices (6 month complimentary subscription), and the ability to make phone calls via a bluetooth connection to your mobile phone. It’s heaven for the technology-inclined.

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.