Audi Sportback
The Audi Sportback Concept may be a production car in 2010. While
a number of auto manufacturers have seen fit to downplay their
presence at the car shows-or to sit them out altogether-Audi went
against the tide by unveiling a number of innovative new vehicles.
Already causing quite a bit of a buzz
with the recent announcement of the impending 2010
Audi R8 Supercar, the company is set to make even more
waves with the upcoming four-door A7 model. |
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The model is part of a new concept by Audi called the 'Sportback',
and it is a clear indication of the direction the company is going
with the A7, as well as with future models.
It is also interesting to note that the company has broken new
ground by deviating from its usual compact design for the Audi
Sportback. The profile is decidedly sleek with a sizeable rear
hatch to boot, landing the generously sized vehicle squarely in
the premium coupe-sedan category.
In line with current global efforts to limit engine emissions,
the company has also seen fit to power the Audi Sportback with
a 3.0L V6 TDI engine that employs what is reportedly the cleanest
diesel engine technology available. The engine design results
in virtually zero nitrogen oxide emissions, and it has already
passed the muster of regulatory boards in the U.S., with a E.U.
nod forthcoming.
The engine was also designed with fuel economy in mind, and it
is expected to go 39.87mpg. As with the Audi Q7 and the upcoming
Touareg V6 TDI, the Sportback puts out 225hp and up to 405.66lb-ft
of torque. This model is a four-wheel drive design powered by
a 7-speed gearbox and AWD. All this gives the Audi Sportback a
very respectable top speed of 152mph, and it can go from 0 to
62mph in less than seven seconds.
As for looks, the Audi Sportback should provide a pleasant enough
experience in that department as well. The number of lines has
been greatly reduced, and the roof and shoulders have been streamlined
noticeably. The shoulder itself is decidedly horizontal, and the
flatter LED taillights and single-frame grille give it a much
sleeker look.
Inside, Audi chose to retain the simple and elegant styling of
the exterior. A sizeable glass roof is provided over the redesigned
cockpit, and there is even a retractable MMI monitor. Turn the
ignition and the monitor automatically glides into an easy to
read position. The interior is also nice and roomy, with enough
legroom for four adults, on top of the 500L storage space in the
rear.
Of course the Sportback also comes with the expected amenities
such as five-link front suspension, CDC shock absorbers, electronic
steering, and carbon-ceramic brake discs.
The Audi Sportback isn't expected to hit the market until late
2010. This early on however, it already has the automotive industry
abuzz with anticipation and conjecture. It has yet to be seen
whether or not the Audi Sportback will meet all expectations,
but judging from Audi's past efforts, it promises to be something
worth waiting for.
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