Gran Turismo for a new era

In the automotive world, the term Gran Turismo evokes a balancing act between sportiness and convenience, reliable technology and innovation. Traditionally, cars with this honorary title are capable of carrying their occupants swiftly and comfortably over long distances. So what happens when these hallmarks of a time-honored motoring culture are combined with cutting-edge design, extensive networking and an all-digital operating system? For answers, look no further than the new Audi A7 Sportback.

The Audi A7 Sportback has always been regarded as a little marvel of design. When it first arrived at dealerships in 2010, it astonished both the trained and untrained eye with its fusion of the best elements from all body categories. And now the second generation, which was unveiled in October and is slated to reach the market at the end of February 2018, once again boasts coupé styling with the spaciousness of a sedan and flexibility of an Avant. Compared with the previous model, the interior has increased by 21 millimeters in length, resulting in greater knee room in the back. Rear passengers also enjoy more head room. Now measuring 1,050 millimeters, the loading width represents a further gain on its predecessor.

The added extra in terms of space and seating comfort is surprising because it seems antithetical to the even more athletic exterior styling of the new Audi A7 Sportback. Whatever angle the car is viewed from, it oozes sporty dynamism—from the sharp edges and taut lines coupled with a wider and lower Singleframe grille than the one on the new Audi A8 to the flat front end and a roofline that drops abruptly toward the rear. These characteristics are further accentuated by the car’s muscular, sculpted silhouette—its long engine hood, long wheelbase and short overhangs. Prominent contours emphasize the wheels, which are optionally available in sizes up to 21 inches in diameter. Striking lighting design rounds out the large coupé’s looks. This design highlight is compellingly showcased when the doors are locked and unlocked. HD Matrix LED headlights with Audi laser light are the top version available.

The sporty aesthetic segues seamlessly into the interior of the Gran Turismo. A minimal, clean design idiom evoked by the horizontal lines and slender instrument panel creates a balance between suspense and subtle coolness. The Audi virtual cockpit display is optionally available as part of the MMI navigation plus equipment package. This, combined with two large touchscreens that come as standard with the MMI touch response operating system and the sophisticated interior materials, colors, decorative trim and optional lighting package, creates a futuristic lounge atmosphere. This impression is rounded out by the end-to-end infotainment and connectivity offerings.

But it’s not just the visible technologies that contribute to occupants’ safety and comfort—the ones behind the scenes also play their part. The optional dynamic-all-wheel steering, the new electronic chassis program (ECP)—the central controller for the chassis—and the updated air suspension add comfort while also making the car even more agile and nimble. These innovations, too, help to make the Audi A7 Sportback a truly great Gran Turismo—dynamic and agile on winding country roads yet comfortable on long stretches of highway.

What defines the Audi A7 Sportback as the harbinger of a new era above all else is the latest-generation, high-performance Audi assistance systems based on digital technology. Buyers opting for all three assistance packages on offer—parking (expected introduction mid-2018), City assist and Tour assist—will benefit from a total of 39 systems to make life on the road easier as well as increase safety and comfort on board. As the super processor behind the four rings’ digital technologies, the central driver assistance controller (zFAS) merges the data from numerous sensors to continually compute an image of the surroundings. Depending on the equipment level, five radar sensors, five cameras, 12 ultrasonic sensors and one laser scanner deliver streams of relevant data. What’s more, car-to-x services harness the swarm intelligence of the Audi fleet to add key information to the overall picture.