As Audi aims to fulfill its goal of expanding its fleet to a total of 40 units from the today’s 23 cars, new sedans, coups, and soft-roaders are being introduced to the market. Following the 2008 release of the A5 cabrio, the S5, and the Audi Q5 SUV in North America, Audi is planning to release the A7 coupe with four doors by late 2010.
The new A7 4-door coupe will be rolling of stores as a 2011 model. Audi is beefing up its Neckarsulm factoriy by spending millions of Euros to produce the A7. The production of the new member of the brood will start late next year, so American consumers will most likely enjoy the new car by 2011.
According to an insider, the A7 will get a variety of engines under its hood. There are buzzes that a V10 capable of producing about 600hp will be fitted in. Hybrid versions using the combo of diesel and electric engines are also said to be on the works.
The ordinary A7 is expected to have a V6 engine. The base model may get a 2.8L V6 engine capable of giving out 204hp. A notch higher will be a 3.0L powerplant that gives 300hp to the car. The S7 variant of the car will be equipped with V8 4.0L engine that adds another 94hp to the equation. The RS7 will be the ultimate setup with 600hp.
The high end models will have their engines coupled with a dual clutch system while the lower end models will be coupled with either an automatic eight speed or a six speed manual gearbox.