2009 Audi A7 Cabriolet

Audi is determined to eclipse its main rivals in the sales race and will be releasing an onslaught of all-new models in an effort to become top dog. The carmaker has already revealed its new A5 and S5 coupes, and just around the corner is the new Q5 soft-roader and the next A4, but the big-ticket item is the new A7 model that will go head-to-head with the stylish CLS from Mercedes Benz. The Audi A7 will initially be offered as a four-door coupe that’s scheduled to go on sale in early 2009, but a cabriolet variant is expected to join the lineup towards the end of that same year.

These latest renderings compiled from sources close to Audi reveal that the new cabriolet will likely feature a conventional soft-top roof in order to preserve the car’s sleek profile and save trunk space. Some unique styling features that could be implemented include hidden rear door handles, LED lighting and a pillar-less glasshouse. Apart from Audi, other manufacturers including BMW, Jaguar and Volkswagen will be releasing their own sedans with coupe-like styling.

The A7 will be positioned above the A6 sedan and will be based on the new extended platform that will be used for the A8 limo. The large car wheelbase will ensure that rear passengers have adequate space, and should provide levels of comfort and dynamics similar to the more premium A8. The flexible architecture is the same design used for the new A5 coupe, and it will eventually spawn several key models for Audi including the next generation A4, A6, A8 and Q5 line of cars. This means that the A7 will also benefit from the relocated engine and transmission positioned close to the firewall to improve weight distribution and balance.

The expected engine offerings will include several gasoline and TDI powerplants, kicking off with a 3.2L gasoline V6 and moving up to the Lamborghini-derived V10 unit reserved for a potent S7 model. The range topping sports version should also pick up the new magnetic-ride suspension and quattro AWD as standard. Follow the jump to see the rendering in full.

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EvoAudi - 6/2/2007 3:52:06 PM

+3 Boost

like the rendering

GermanNut - 6/2/2007 3:52:42 PM

+4 Boost

Remember also all these new models are confirmed for production.

The A5 and S5 have already been released. We know that an RS6 is coming thanks to the spyshots and even horsepower figure leaks. The RS5 will be coming out and Audi has also confirmed the Q5 and A7 which will be X3 and CLS competitors respectively.

None of this is speculation...it is confirmed and oh yeah, the Audi R8 will be released in cabriolet form and a more powerful engine likely in V10 guise will make its way into the R8 as well.

crazypetrolhead - 6/3/2007 3:49:12 AM

+3 Boost

this kinda reminders always make me happy =]

EnnNorak - 6/2/2007 6:51:20 PM

+1 Boost

Finally, a good reason for me to start saving my pennies and prepare myself mentally to relive my youth again. Oops, I just remembered that I gave up on convertibles decades ago because I frequently Ieft the car parked on a sunny day with the top down only to have it soaked by an unexpected rain storm. I hope this vehicle gets an aluminum body a la A8. Audi's new 500 h.p. V12 diesel would be nice too.

jt716 - 6/2/2007 7:27:26 PM

+2 Boost

So why didnt u just put the top up when u parked it? Leather and hot sun don't mix ne way

S4cabriofoxone - 6/3/2007 11:07:58 AM

+2 Boost

BMW now has "reflective" leather seating on the new 3 Series convertible, something all brands should adopt. It (in theory) lowers seat surface temperature up to 30º F under direct heat. Which would make that a moot point on this car.

EnnNorak - 6/4/2007 4:32:22 PM

+1 Boost

jt716: I did not just put the top up because I did not expect to stay long where I was visiting. The problem is that sometimes one gets delayed for a very good reason , time passes, and more time passes, and the next thing you know the convertible interior gets soaked.

S4cabriofoxone - 6/2/2007 9:39:38 PM

+2 Boost

Why the hell would Audi make a four-door convertible? That's so Cadillac. These A7 rumors just don't add up- will it be a "four-door coupe," or a real two-door coupe? I don't mind either.

Larry - 6/3/2007 12:27:33 AM

-5 Boost

nice passat droptop

S4cabriofoxone - 6/3/2007 12:58:02 AM

+4 Boost

Wow. Funny, creative and intelligent, all in one remark. Truly.

IamEvilHomer - 6/3/2007 1:10:40 AM

+4 Boost

larry- get a life

the enzo is more like a passat then this car

EL34 - 6/3/2007 4:06:44 PM

+3 Boost

Yeah Larry, buy an Audi and get a life!

Bighead255 - 6/3/2007 2:15:37 PM

+3 Boost

LOL

EL34 - 6/3/2007 3:33:21 PM

+3 Boost

Now, isn't that a nice Audi!

bmwdrvr - 6/3/2007 10:41:27 PM

+1 Boost

im not an audi person at all if you cant tell by my post, i would love to see this car, the 4 door convertible is a good idea, and if it looks like the rendering it should be good looking

Rupert - 6/3/2007 7:44:26 PM

+1 Boost

So will it be 4 door coupe and a 2 door convertible? Sort of combining the 6 series and CLS into one car?
You know what's funny? This size coupe didn't exist 5 years ago. There was a huge jump from CLK to SL with nothing in between.
That has just made me thing about how many more models every one has...Merc used to be 190E, E class, S class, CL, G wagon and SL, BMW 3, 5, 6 and 7 series...look at them now. As well as Estate offerings of 3, C, E and 5, there are sport coupes versions (C plus old 3 series compact), new smaller cars (1, A, B), SUVs (ML, GL, X3, X5), AWD versions of many cars, so many engine choices (10 in the 3 series, more than 10 in E class, I think 12), more sports cars (Z4, SLK, CLK, 6 series, CLS), even minivans (R), so many variants of the same car (Z4 with roof/without, 3 series with which engine, gearbox, driven wheels, body style)...it's bizzare. So much choice, everyone has to offer everything.
Porsche made an SUV, Mercedes an MPV, Land Rover a sporty SUV...Mercedes gives you 4 SUVs, 2 small cars, 3 saloons, 2 estates, 2 folding hardtop roadsters, one 4 door coupe, 1 coupe and 1 soft top, 1 supercar...
it's crazy.