Next generation Audi A7 Sportback chassis testing mule spied

2017 Audi A7 Sportback spy photo

Next generation Audi A7 Sportback chassis testing mule spied

Our spies have sent us a few images with Audi's second generation A7 Sportback spotted as a chassis testing mule.
It’s futile to talk about the car’s design as it was wearing the body of the outgoing model, but from a previous report we found out the distinctive rear end will be dropped in favor of a more conventional look as a consequence of complaints received by Audi from customers who are not too happy with the droopy back of the current version.
Expect the next generation A7 to be a little bit wider than today’s model and also lower to create a design that will “combine subtle elegance with extroverted sportiness”, according to Automobile Magazine. The styling will be heavily influenced by the Prologue concept and apparently Audi’s March Lichte chief designer will implement more bulged fenders and a fresh take on the single frame front grille. It’s also getting sharper headlight clusters and will likely grow in size to accommodate a more spacious interior.
Speaking of which, the cabin will eschew some of the physical buttons and knobs as Audi will integrate some of the controls in the infotainment system which will likely come with a bigger touchscreen display while the Audi Virtual Cockpit fully digital instrument cluster will obviously be offered.
Riding on the MLB Evo platform shared with the next-gen A6, Audi’s overhauled Sportback model will go through an extensive weight loss program and is rumored to get an inline four 2.0-liter gasoline engine benefiting from e-turbo tech that will enable a 326 bhp (243 kW) output. The engineers from Ingolstadt are also working on two hybrid versions, one with a four-cylinder engine and the other with a larger V6.
Audi will introduce the all-new A7 Sportback in the second half of 2017, following the market launch of the next generation A8 and A6. March Lichte said that out of the three, the A7 will have the most radical styling and promised the three models will have a more differentiated design.

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