73 Votes

Stud Or Dud? Will Audi's Upcoming A7 Score a Direct Hit On The CLS?

Agent009 submitted on 6/20/2008 Official Bell & Ross Timestamp: 11:16:12 AM

79 user comments | Category: New Cars | Source: | SOURCE: www.autoexpress.co.uk

Bosses at Audi won’t rest until every possible niche has been filled – and now, the four-door coupé market is in their sights.

These exclusive images provide the best look yet at the new A7. It’s Audi’s challenger to the Mercedes CLS, as well as the forthcoming BMW 8-Series, and promises a strong combination of luxury, style and performance.

The A7 will showcase a raft of technology, including the second-generation of Audi’s MMI cabin control system. And according to insiders at the Ingolstadt company, it will raise the bar even higher in terms of interior quality.

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Stud Or Dud? Will Audi's Upcoming A7 Score a Direct Hit On The CLS?

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User Comments

From these computer enhanced images (ie guesswork), I'd say DUD. The design looks too forced and the rear ends too abruptly. This has nothing on the CLS.
— HSCenterconsole (View Profile)

Posted on 6/20/2008 11:25:24 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -24

this kraut boy must be jealous like hell, because all he can afford is a Honda Civic.
— MercedesBenz00Z (View Profile)

Posted on 6/20/2008 2:44:02 PM | | Votes: 9

total stud.

looks like an exotic.
— enthusiastx11 (View Profile)

Posted on 6/20/2008 11:27:48 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 7

STUD. Rear-end could use some work tho
— henbmw (View Profile)

Posted on 6/20/2008 11:33:22 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 9

looks alot like the Taurus concept from ford

just saying
— DROOPYSAKK (View Profile)

Posted on 6/20/2008 11:33:36 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -15

Awesome. The car the Panamera should have been.
— 993Turbo (View Profile)

Posted on 6/20/2008 11:34:22 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 8

cool.
— Brembo (View Profile)

Posted on 6/20/2008 11:35:17 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

Now, that's one great looking car. STUD!!!
— Star (View Profile)

Posted on 6/20/2008 11:35:48 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

STUD!!!!
— AlexTx (View Profile)

Posted on 6/20/2008 11:37:27 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

Hell Yeah!! If it looks exactly like the pic with the fenders I'd love to have it!!!! This thing is stunning! and I'm a BMW guy but I have always loved audis designs like the A8, and now this Beautiful!! Too bad it won't look like that. It's a shame how automakers always tone cars down. Like the Saturn Aura, nowhere near as nice and sporty as the first photos with the flared fenders etc.
— 85bmw745i (View Profile)

Posted on 6/20/2008 4:31:44 PM | | Votes: 2

I still like the CLS better, though I do find this car to have some attractive elements
— kpaxx (View Profile)

Posted on 6/20/2008 11:37:52 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -4

Stud, but I will wait for the BMW 8 series.
— devitocoke (View Profile)

Posted on 6/20/2008 11:42:44 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

Pretty sweet. Though the wheel arches are a little too pronounced for me. I am not sure about all the chrome around the grill either. Whats up with the roof lines?
— Vantage (View Profile)

Posted on 6/20/2008 11:55:12 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

looks awesome except for those huge fog lights
— Peyton18 (View Profile)

Posted on 6/20/2008 11:58:59 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

I'm really thinking about getting this.......Gotta lot of saving to do....I think the price is going to be around $65,000, since thay stated it's going to be price above the A6 and below the A8....
— silver1 (View Profile)

Posted on 6/20/2008 12:00:33 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -3

That would put the price in the $70k area.
— ym73 (View Profile)

Posted on 6/21/2008 10:31:31 AM | | Votes: 1

That is merely a photoshop of the Jaguar C-XF Concept. I don't see an Audi design here...except for the grill, but you can put that on a ford explorer and say it's an Audi.
— Ab311 (View Profile)

Posted on 6/20/2008 12:07:31 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -18

passat cc + malibu rear= nice try!
— gsh23 (View Profile)

Posted on 6/20/2008 12:10:17 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -14

Personally, I Find This More Aesthetically Pleasing Than The CLS, and Far More Masculine/Powerful Looking As Well...

Note: Though I Know That This Is Only A Rendering, It Sure Looks Like They're Hinting At A 4-Door Retractable Hardtop With All Those 'Strategically Placed' Break-Lines In The Roof Structure... Hmm?
— DaHarder (View Profile)

Posted on 6/20/2008 12:25:38 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 6

Great observation! it does look like a folding roof - BTW - TOTAL STUD!
— Nostradamus (View Profile)

Posted on 6/20/2008 12:27:31 PM | | Votes: 3

Thats what I was going to say. It would be nice to be able to seat 4 comfortably and still have the roof down.
— 85bmw745i (View Profile)

Posted on 6/20/2008 4:35:54 PM | | Votes: 2

Agreed and good eyes...

But I really hope they don't make this a sedan/droptop. A panorama roof would do just fine without destroying driving dynamics and trunk space.
— henbmw (View Profile)

Posted on 6/23/2008 3:03:11 PM | | Votes: 2

I think it looks very promising!
— tecnopolis (View Profile)

Posted on 6/20/2008 12:25:49 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

It looks very good, probably the second best offering from Audi, with the R8 coming first. I must say though, that this styling may be too aggressive for some people looking at buying a CLS. The CLS is definitely more elegant and refined, while the A7 looks like a super car.
— SDswtc44 (View Profile)

Posted on 6/20/2008 12:31:41 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

Isn't that kinda the idea of trying to make it look coupe-like? I mean when i think "four door coupe" I'm think a more aggressive and sporty looking sedan with a slopped roof-line. It's great that it looks more aggressive and I think that mercedes will probably go in a more aggressive direction with the next generation CLS based on this photoshop and the concept CS having such aggressive styles.
— LUXCAR32 (View Profile)

Posted on 6/20/2008 4:50:26 PM | | Votes: 2

"Supercar" styling is not a bad thing if it still seats 4 adults comfortably and drives well. I love the front styling, the fogs lights, as some have mentioned, I think are smaller than they appear, the chrome surrounds make it look like a large light assembly when it is not. The rear is very nice but its not as awesome looking as the front.
The CLS now looks old styling to me, the BMW 8-series concept looks like an overdesigned and overstyled car. BMW is trying waaay too hard to be different. Calling their cars PAVs or SAVs or POSs makes no different to the savvy buyer, an SUV is an SUV, period.
The A7 is a STUD.
— MeanVulcan (View Profile)

Posted on 6/25/2008 8:26:01 AM | | Votes: 1

good, looks very muscular.

Is this render from Audi or just some fans?
— monkeyrun (View Profile)

Posted on 6/20/2008 12:44:55 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

STUD !

But I still doubt it'll look sexier than CLS.
— Milton (View Profile)

Posted on 6/20/2008 12:50:05 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

Good God!

If that thing actually releases looking like that, Audi will have yet another stud on its hands.

As cool as the pics are, imagine a black one. Friggin awesome!
— answer (View Profile)

Posted on 6/20/2008 12:50:41 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

I'd say definite STUD!

But it does have a large Mitsu Evo look to it that makes it look real badass.
— dumpsty (View Profile)

Posted on 6/20/2008 12:55:48 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

Looks like the trunk will accommodate a pair of hats.

Hate the monstrous wheel arches ala S-class/PT Cruiser.
— sector (View Profile)

Posted on 6/20/2008 12:56:33 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -6

Prefer mine in silver...

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/front_website/gallery.php?id=230274
— Mugwump00 (View Profile)

Posted on 6/20/2008 1:18:50 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2

Very sleek. Very beautiful. But will my head clear the ceiling?
— Audiphile (View Profile)

Posted on 6/20/2008 1:20:49 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

HOT! STUD! The back kinda looks like a civic, but other then that, this car is HOT!
— 0to60 (View Profile)

Posted on 6/20/2008 1:41:39 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

I hope it looks like this because this is beautiful.
— _43LE (View Profile)

Posted on 6/20/2008 1:56:26 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

Looks beautiful.
— EL44 (View Profile)

Posted on 6/20/2008 2:05:53 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

Although this is a good looking car aimed directly at the Mercedes CLS, the question I would as is if that is the right car to target. The CLS is yesterdays news, the equivalent of buying milk that is already expired.

I think Audi should answer the question What Next, and design that car. If Audi defined a segment, instead of filling a segment, to me that would truly be a car worth driving.
— Agent00J (View Profile)

Posted on 6/20/2008 2:24:38 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

This will make it tomorrows news also!!!
— 0to60 (View Profile)

Posted on 6/20/2008 4:09:33 PM | | Votes: 0

I'm not liking it. The CLS was very sexy and sleek looking but ever since the Volkswagen Passat CC came along I've been in love with that design. The CLS is still a lovely car, though.
— Willis (View Profile)

Posted on 6/20/2008 2:25:31 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -4

I like it- stud
— xlr8 (View Profile)

Posted on 6/20/2008 2:39:55 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

Stud.
— CLK63BlackSeries (View Profile)

Posted on 6/20/2008 2:51:22 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

that thing looks awful....that grill is garrish and rediculous, it looks like a abad version of a CC like the desighn they decided to throw out...thats bad it looks so tacky and uncohesive
— bmwdrvr (View Profile)

Posted on 6/20/2008 2:54:15 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -7

Like the overall profile and front headlights. But the big grille which is as usual ugly and now even made fat/thick. Rear end also looks like a bad copy of XF. Not a good rendition.

JUGNU
— JUGNU (View Profile)

Posted on 6/20/2008 2:58:00 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

front looks amazing, the rear looks like a bad photoshop but i bet will also look sweet
— Audi4Life (View Profile)

Posted on 6/20/2008 3:16:41 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

STUD - but the headlights almost similar to Mitsu Lancer
— mwrmmg (View Profile)

Posted on 6/20/2008 3:21:40 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

stud
but i think cls is still the best in this segment. until the 8-SERIES.

besides isnt this a passat cc.
— eric452 (View Profile)

Posted on 6/20/2008 3:24:50 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -4

How is this a Passat CC? Here we go again. How is the A7 going to be related to the Passat? A bit of stupid comment.
— VISO (View Profile)

Posted on 6/20/2008 3:58:18 PM | | Votes: 2

That's kind of like comparing an M6 to a Mini Cooper.

Whatever
— daytonaviolet (View Profile)

Posted on 6/20/2008 8:48:01 PM | | Votes: 3

well not actually the Mini cooper doesnt share major components with any BMW, while Audi, Bentley, Lamborghini, VW....uh yeah they do share ALOT, maybe the passat and A6 dont share as much as others, but it is a safe assumption that it does, hell it even looks like a bad version of the CC
— bmwdrvr (View Profile)

Posted on 6/21/2008 10:06:04 AM | | Votes: -2

Bmwdriver: Hmm mactually... no.
This car won't share anything with VW. Different chassis, different electronics, different engines andengine position, even the interior will have nothin in common with VW.
None of the current Audis share any interior components with VW, even the A3 which is the only one that has the most in common with the VW gti.
— AlexTx (View Profile)

Posted on 6/21/2008 11:24:36 AM | | Votes: 3

Stud.

If it has this much presence . . . stud. It actually out-CLS's the CLS.
— Maverick2020 (View Profile)

Posted on 6/20/2008 4:11:50 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

bmwdr - you are clueless. The A6 has nothing to do with the Passat. The Passat is below the A4. How do you moron compare it to an A6? They are not remotely related chasis, components or otherwise. Educate yourself already before you post flat out lies.
— VISO (View Profile)

Posted on 6/22/2008 12:04:11 AM | | Votes: 2

STUDD, Great aggressive stance. Headlights look great! very sporty in relationship to the grill. only criticisms are the back which will most likely not look that flat and ugly anyway and the fact that even though i really like the front, for some reason it reminds me too much of the TT. I don't know what it is about it, but if that characteristic is more prominent in the actual model that could cause sale problems and make it look a little cheaper. I dont think Audi will make that mistake though. Its a pretty sexy car no doubt.
— LUXCAR32 (View Profile)

Posted on 6/20/2008 4:56:35 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

Great looking car.Audi has always made great looking cars.
— autopro (View Profile)

Posted on 6/20/2008 5:29:27 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

Great design. Audi impresses me again. BMW GT/8 series better be good.
— Dr550 (View Profile)

Posted on 6/20/2008 5:52:03 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

STUD, offer it with a 4.2 TDi
— 07mcs (View Profile)

Posted on 6/20/2008 6:13:28 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

This car will be a STUD no doubt! Audi is doing its homework and they have been looking better and better, very tailored looking, very clean lines, and this one will be sporty no doubt. Needs a diesel as well as a full array of techno-wizardry. This sketch does let one's mind race as to what the production version will be like. Can't wait!
— atomicbri (View Profile)

Posted on 6/20/2008 6:40:17 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

The Gods of Audi are creating some wonderful machines.
— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 6/20/2008 6:44:21 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

It's a rendition of what may be the A7. It is what it is. It looks cool. Something new for us to hype about. Until I see actual photos or test-mules I won't say much about it.
— Agent63 (View Profile)

Posted on 6/20/2008 8:08:46 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

AUDI is a dud, the whole company, nothing they do is a direct hit on Mercedes. A rebadged VW to compete with a mercedes?? Please, Agent 009 AUDI sucks and so does this A7 rebadged Passat.
— Larry (View Profile)

Posted on 6/20/2008 8:17:12 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -5

I wouldn't be that harsh. You do know this so called DUD company owns Bugatti, Bentley, and Lamborghini right? Are those companies duds?
— Agent63 (View Profile)

Posted on 6/20/2008 9:25:27 PM | | Votes: 2

Do you know ANY Mercedes that consistantly gets 50k over sticker (a la Audi R8)??? I didn't think so...
— CLK63BlackSeries (View Profile)

Posted on 6/21/2008 3:04:13 AM | | Votes: 2

Moron number two. Again, you have no clue. If you are an actual automotive enthusiast why don't you actually learn a thing or two. With all your knowledge as you claim to know regarding Audi, please explain in DETAIL (engineering, etc.) how the A7 and the Passat are related. Explain to us the chasis layout, the body configuration, the actual modular chasis used, engine similarity, etc. to prove your point.

"The crickets are cirping"......very quite here.....

I didn't think you could because your are an ignorant fool that posts fanboy bullshit who still hasn't graduated from his Big Wheel!
— VISO (View Profile)

Posted on 6/22/2008 12:10:33 AM | | Votes: 2

Looks like someone came in and deboosted everyone that said something good about this car. Last time I checked those people had +3-5 boosts.
— CLK63BlackSeries (View Profile)

Posted on 6/20/2008 10:59:26 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

Yeah i saw that... stupid... so i deboosted people that had bad thing to say about the car to level the field! :)
— AlexTx (View Profile)

Posted on 6/21/2008 11:27:01 AM | | Votes: 2

A beatiful design, definitly will kick the CLS ass.
— Designer1 (View Profile)

Posted on 6/21/2008 2:55:22 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

I like to overall, but I don't like the grill. The way they made this photoshop, you would have zero visability from the rear window.
— ym73 (View Profile)

Posted on 6/21/2008 10:41:43 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

That isn't it. That picture is a photoshoped image that has nothing to do with Audi's actual design. The headlights and inner front grill design was lifted from an EVO X picture.

Here's another chop:

http://allcarsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/10/13792.jpg

— LexSucks (View Profile)

Posted on 6/21/2008 5:58:10 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

Its alright. I would consider it if I went to buy the CLS. But that doesn't mean I consider buying the CLS.
— motor1 (View Profile)

Posted on 6/21/2008 10:13:14 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

Very buff looking.....STUD!!
— lakerfan213 (View Profile)

Posted on 6/22/2008 2:47:49 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

That's not the real car people!
— LexSucks (View Profile)

Posted on 6/22/2008 7:16:43 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

STUD.
this car has already beaten the CLS and any other BMW. but the sides could use a little smoothing out though.

Larry is a dumb ass! Audi is way better than Benz or BMW
— big_rims (View Profile)

Posted on 7/1/2008 9:38:08 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

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Stud Or Dud? Will Audi's Upcoming A7 Score a Direct Hit On The CLS?

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