Audi introduced the new A7

Formally, the model is positioned below the flagship A8, but the two cars have a common platform and almost all electronics.

The new A-week is very similar to its older brother, the A8. The similarity of design is noticeable both in the huge grille and headlights, and in the LED brake light strip across the entire width of the body.

Audi stylists have managed to keep all the characteristic features of the previous model. The sloping roof silhouette, short overhangs, long hood and extended rear fenders are retained.

The dimensions haven't changed much either. The car has a length of 4969 mm (-5 mm), a width of 1908 mm (-3 mm) and a height of 1422 mm (+2 mm) with a wheelbase of 2926 mm (+12 mm). Legroom for rear passengers has increased by 21 millimeters.

The new A7 is built on the MLB Evo platform with a double wishbone front suspension and a five-link rear suspension. Buyers can choose between four options - standard with steel springs, sporty with 10mm less ride height, pneumatic with auto-levelling, and the same but with adaptive dampers. The rear differential is active.

Adaptive Wave Reduction Steering is also available as standard. A system with four rudders can be ordered at an additional cost. This allows the rear to turn back towards the front by up to 5 degrees and reduces the turning radius by 1.1 meters. After 60 km/h, both axles turn in the same direction, which improves stability.

The second generation of the model debuted with only one engine. A three-liter petrol V6 TFSI develops 340 hp. and 500 Nm. It is combined with a seven-speed S tronic preselective gearbox, with which the hatchback accelerates to 100 km/h in 5.3 seconds. In some markets, a 2.0-liter turbo version with 245 horses will be offered.

All modifications of the new A7 Sportback will be the so-called. mild hybrids (MHEV) with starter-alternator, 48-volt electrical installation and compact lithium-ion battery. At speeds between 55 and 160 km/h, the internal combustion engine will be able to turn off and the car will coast, saving 0.7 liters of fuel per 100 km. Another novelty is the “smart” start-stop system, which will start the engine as soon as the car in front starts up.

The interior of the new hatchback is not an exact copy of the A8, but similarities are noticeable here. There are two touch screens on the center console. The lower one gives control of climate control and settings, and the upper one is turned towards the driver and is responsible for the multimedia system.

The instrument panel is fully digital, with a diagonal of 12.3 inches. You can order a projection display and a touch-sensitive lighting control unit. Like the A8, the new Seven recognizes free-form voice commands. The electronics will recognize more abstract phrases like "Warm up a little" and raise the temperature.

Autopilot also evokes analogies with the A8. The A7 has the same AI button that should activate autonomous driving at speeds up to 60 km/h, but this is now universally prohibited by law. Some states plan to legalize such autonomous systems as early as next year or in 2019.

However, at first, the new A-seven will only be able to use some of its skills, such as self-parking and maneuvering after being commanded via a smartphone app. To make it all work, the car is equipped with five radars, the same number of cameras, 12 ultrasonic sensors and a laser scanner.

The second generation of the A7 Sportback will be built at Audi's Neckarsulm plant. Sales will start at the end of February 2018, and the basic version will cost €67,800.

http://www.audimanual.ru/en/A8/D2 - Guide for the overhaul of cars Audi A8 first generation.