Contemporary power.
In the summer of 2010 Audi joined the ranks of Mercedes-Benz, Aston Martin, and others with the new A7 Sportback five-door coupe. The car was promising, offering practicality, sleek styling, and driver focused dynamics. Fast forward a year and the German automaker is prepping the new 2012 Audi S7 V8 for a worldwide unveiling in Frankfurt at the 2011 IAA.
The 2012 Audi S7 is powered by the newest, state-of-the-art 4.0 TFSI V-8 engine. The twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 is the same unit as the one used in the new Audi S6 and Audi S8, and provides a significant boost in power over the A7’s 3.0T. In the S7, the 4.0 TFSI produces a whopping 420 horsepower and 405.66 lb-ft. of torque. This power, along with the standard seven-speed S tronic transmission, helps the Audi S7 accelerate to 62 mph in only 4.9 seconds. Unfortunately, the S7 is also electronically limited to 155 mph along with most of the high-performance models from German automakers. The 4.0 TFSI also comes standard with Audi’s “Cylinder on Demand” system that shuts down four cylinders for increased fuel economy, resulting in an average of 24.25 US mpg.
Contributing to the greater overall performance of the 2012 Audi S7 V8 is its lightweight construction. The hybrid aluminum construction makes it approximately 15 percent lighter than its competition. The Quattro permanent all-wheel drive system features a self-locking center differential along with torque vectoring, adjustable air suspension, and Audi Drive Select to help the S7 tackle corners. Customers can option the Audi S7 with a rear sport differential to better distribute power. Standard on the performance five-door coupe are 19-inch wheels and internally ventilated brake discs with matte black calipers and the “S7” logo at the front. Optionally, customers can choose to fit carbon fiber ceramic brakes, 19- or 20-inch wheels, and dynamic steering with adjustable ratios.
Even though the 2012 Audi S7 is a new model, it still features the same design cues from the rest of the S-car lineup. The front features a single frame grille with aluminum accents and horizontal double chrome bars. Each side boasts signature “V8T” badges, new side sills, and brushed aluminum mirrors. At the rear, Audi has fitted a new spoiler, rear bumper with integrated diffuser, and quad oval tailpipes. Nine different colors are available, with Estoril Blue crystal effect and Prism Silver crystal effect being the most exclusive.
Audi continues to stay at the top of the automotive industry with the interior of the new S7. Pearl Nappa leather and Alcantara with quilted seat inserts is the standard upholstery on the height adjustable sport seats, with soft Milano Valcona material as an option. The “S” badges are worn throughout the interior, decorating the instrument panel, illuminated door sill trims, gearshifter, paddle shifters, MMI welcome display, and start stop button. Both the footrest and pedals are made from stainless steel, while the MMI soft keys wear an aluminum-look covering. Customers can choose from the standard brushed aluminum, carbon fiber, or natural fine grain ash wood trims, and Black, Lunar Silver, or Goa Beige for the seat upholstery colors.
The new 2012 Audi S7 V8 Sportback will make its debut at the 2011 Frankfurt International Motor Show along with the 4.0 TFSI engine. The new 2012 Audi S7 will arrive in dealerships in the spring of 2012. Pricing has not been released.
2012 Audi S7 V8 Sportback Specifications
Engine:
Type: 4.0 TFSI
Displacement: 4.0 liters
Number of Cylinders: V-8
Aspiration: Twin-turbocharged
Maximum Horsepower: 420 HP (309 kW)
Maximum Torque: 405.66 lb-ft (550 Nm) from 1,400 to 5,300 RPM
Transmission:
Type: Seven-speed S tronic
Drive: Quattro all-wheel
Standard Features: Self-locking center differential, torque vectoring
Optional: Rear sport differential
Performance:
Acceleration 0-62 mph: 4.9 seconds
Top Speed: 155.34 mph (250 km/h)
Wheels, Suspension, and Brakes:
Wheels: 19-inch five double-spoke
Optional: 19- and 20-inch sizes
Suspension: Air suspension with variable damping
Brakes: Front and rear internally ventilated disc
Optional Brakes: Carbon fiber ceramic
Exterior:
-Single-frame grille with chrome horizontal double lines
-Front aluminum look spoiler
-Side sills
-V8T fender badging
-Brushed aluminum side mirrors
-Rear bumper with integrated spoiler and quad exhaust tips
-Rear spoiler
2012 Audi S7 V8 Sportback Video
httpv://youtu.be/TqZm8UJnDdY
2012 Audi S7 V8 Sportback Gallery
[Source: Audi]
What do you think of the 4.0 TFSI and the Audi S7 Sportback? Leave a comment and let us know!
