Audi 2012 S4

Audi 2012 S4

Test driving the new Audi A7 through the ancient streets of Sardinia is apparently a surreal experience. But like the island, which has kept up with the times to keep the tourists, Audi has kept on top of technology and customer demands to create a vehicle that will appeal to even some of those millionaire vacationers in Sardinia.The 2012 Audi A7 is launching in Europe now and will come stateside next spring. The five-door coupe is as impressive as it is unusual. Let's face it, most Reston, VA Audi A6 buyers don't think of a hatchback as being a car they would want to own. The Audi A7 is challenging that stereotype.Audi dealers in Fairfax have no qualms about bringing the A7 to the showroom - they have no doubt customers will love it. And upgraded version of the A6 and with the chassis of the A4, S4, A5 and S5, it does have a wheelbase that's slightly longer and a wider track.The A7 is not what would be termed a crossover, but that hatchback may take some getting used to. Lightweight for a vehicle of this size, the A7 will handle nicely. With the Audi Drive Select menu, several suspension settings are available for the optimal ride.The U.S. version will only come with the 3.0-liter V6, which is not turbocharged, but does pull about 295 horsepower. It also will feature eight-speed automatic transmission, which may be a disappointment to some who would like a shot at the seven-speed S tronic. The A7 will be have quattro all-wheel drive standard.Other technology American A7 buyers won‘t get will be the Start-Stop system. "With start-stop, there are several implications on the comfort side for the customer, and it's something we thought U.S. customers would not be too thrilled about," said Sebastian Mackensen, head of sales and marketing for Audi Americas. "On a car with a stylish design and a lifestyle orientation, we didn't think it was the right time to launch this."Reston, VA Audi A6 buyers will enjoy the A7's navigation system which calls up Google Earth images and the MMI Touch interface pad which allows you to write letters with your finger to spell out the destination or phone number.The A7 also has the capability to use your SIM card and become a WiFi provider, assuming you have a data plan that covers it. Despite all the added technology, users will have no trouble with simple tasks like hooking up an iPod or setting the climate control. The options can be dizzying, but what fun to choose from! My wife will be opting for the one that allows the car to park itself.Visit your Audi dealer Fairfax to find out more specifics on the A7 before it arrives in January. The lines might be longer then.  

 Audi 2012 S4

 Audi 2012 S4

 Audi 2012 S4

Audi 2012 S4

 Audi 2012 S4

 Audi 2012 S4