MONT TREMBLANT, Quebec – Chances are, the most arduous duty the new Audi A7 Sportback will face is the occasional slippery on-ramp. The majority of its well-heeled drivers, gliding home through tree-lined boulevards, will be blissfully unaware of the technology underpinning its sleek frame.
Although the A7 Sportback represents sumptuous luxury at its best – it’s also the culmination of 30 years of engineering. Audi presented its first permanent all-wheel-drive vehicle at the Geneva Motor Show in 1980. Today, that technology is available on every model from the A1 on up.
Audi recently held a “Fascination of Quattro” event at the Mecaglisse Testing facility near Mont Tremblant, showcasing a lineup of the latest models to feature its quattro all-wheel drive system. Participants drove a winding test track that resembled a rally stage; thanks to cold temperatures and little snow cover, the surface was a glistening icy ribbon of changing elevations and treacherous turns.
We were treated to a thrilling display of Quattro prowess, riding along with three-time North American Rally Cup Champion Frank Sprongl in his Group B Audi Quattro before heading onto the track under our own steam.
Crisp, clean, with flowing lines and beautiful proportions, the A7 makes a pleasing first impression. The sloping top line ends in a sharply truncated rear end and the sheet metal is sensuously sculpted.
Slotted between the A6 sedan and the range-topping A8, the A7 borrows much of its architecture from the A6 . There’s less costly aluminum used in its structure than the A8 , and more steel.
Under my tester’s long hood is a 245 hp, 3.0 L V6 TDI, that with any luck, will make it into the Canadian lineup. Other engine choices include the 300 hp TFSI found in the A6 and A4 – and a 4.0 litre turbo-charged V8 in the upcoming S7.
The cabin is a beautiful combination of opulence and simple good taste. The seats are butter-soft leather. Particularly striking is the use of real oak trim – subtly finished with an interesting grain, it adds a sense of timeless, hand crafted luxury.
Although the A7 Sportback represents sumptuous luxury at its best – it’s also the culmination of 30 years of engineering. Audi presented its first permanent all-wheel-drive vehicle at the Geneva Motor Show in 1980. Today, that technology is available on every model from the A1 on up.
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| Although the A7 Sportback represents sumptuous luxury at its best – it’s also the culmination of 30 years of engineering. (Photo: Audi) |
Audi recently held a “Fascination of Quattro” event at the Mecaglisse Testing facility near Mont Tremblant, showcasing a lineup of the latest models to feature its quattro all-wheel drive system. Participants drove a winding test track that resembled a rally stage; thanks to cold temperatures and little snow cover, the surface was a glistening icy ribbon of changing elevations and treacherous turns.
We were treated to a thrilling display of Quattro prowess, riding along with three-time North American Rally Cup Champion Frank Sprongl in his Group B Audi Quattro before heading onto the track under our own steam.
Crisp, clean, with flowing lines and beautiful proportions, the A7 makes a pleasing first impression. The sloping top line ends in a sharply truncated rear end and the sheet metal is sensuously sculpted.
Slotted between the A6 sedan and the range-topping A8, the A7 borrows much of its architecture from the A6 . There’s less costly aluminum used in its structure than the A8 , and more steel.
Under my tester’s long hood is a 245 hp, 3.0 L V6 TDI, that with any luck, will make it into the Canadian lineup. Other engine choices include the 300 hp TFSI found in the A6 and A4 – and a 4.0 litre turbo-charged V8 in the upcoming S7.
The cabin is a beautiful combination of opulence and simple good taste. The seats are butter-soft leather. Particularly striking is the use of real oak trim – subtly finished with an interesting grain, it adds a sense of timeless, hand crafted luxury.
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| The cabin is a beautiful combination of opulence and simple good taste. The seats are butter-soft leather. (Photo: Audi) |