GM says is really nothing in common between Chevrolet Sonic and Aveo

There’s a lot to say about the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic but what the automaker wants to emphasize is that it isn’t anything like the Aveo, the brand's previous subcompact. Margaret Brooks, Chevrolet product marketing director, said that Sonic is an all-new car with an “all-new architecture, all-new powertrain, all-new name.” Chevrolet said that the Sonic is described in one key word: Refinement. Chevrolet developed a stiff body structure using high-strength and ultra-high-strength steels. Joaquin Nuno-Whelan, vehicle line director and chief engineer, said that the company set it to have the “right stiffness” so that the driver will have a “solid, quiet feel” as the car goes down the street.

Chevrolet took some cues from Buick to lessen or cut certain noises from the passenger compartment, according to Autonews. Noise and vibration are minimized with the use of hydraulic engine mounts. Nuno-Whelan said that an acoustic dash mat together with an acoustic package under the carpeting and over the headliner is part of its strategy to lead the segment when it comes to achieving quiet. He said that triple door seals are used where needed. In addition, liquid-applied sound deadener is used in the wheel wells and other locations. The Sonic also has thicker windshield and window glass. The Sonic is built on the global subcompact vehicle platform developed by General Motors.

The U.S. model range features a four-door sedan and a five-door hatchback. When it comes to design, the Sonic comes with dual front grille openings – a styling element expected in Chevrolet's cars. Another distinctive design element is the exposed, round headlamps. They don’t have a lens cover and they obviously took inspiration from the lighting found on motorcycles. The interior has a motorcycle theme carried by the instrument cluster. A round analog speedometer is set within an asymmetrical LCD readout with a big digital display.[via : 4wheelsnews]

Photo : 2012 Chevrolet Sonic

2012 Bmw M5 Active Sound Design: engine sound reproduced via the audio system

As you may know already, Bmw recently launched the all-new 2012 M5. The ‘beast’ is powered by a high-revving 4.4-litre V8 engine with M TwinPower Turbo package and delivers 560 hp at 6,000 – 7,000 rpm as well as a maximum torque of 680 Newton metres (502 lb-ft) from 1,500 rpm. With these numbers, the new Bmw M5 is able to hit 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 4.4 seconds, 200 km/h (124 mph) in 13.0 seconds and has a top speed electronically limited to 250 km/h or 155 mph. If you want more, Bmw offers the M Driver’s Package which increases the top speed to an impressive 305 km/h or 190 mph.

Now comes the interesting part: the Bmw M5 drivers will be given an even more direct reminder of their car’s performance capability by technology that brings the distinctive sound of the high-performance V8 into the cabin of the car. Dubbed Active Sound Design, this technology was developed in order to deliver an accurate reproduction of the engine’s sound through the car’s audio system.

According to Bmw, “A stamp on the accelerator, meanwhile, prompts an immediate audible response to match the instantaneous – and typically M – burst of power from beneath the bonnet.” These are good news even for the Smart ForTwo owners, because it doesn’t matter if your car is powered by small engine as long as you have an audio system that can bring the sound of a V8. Still, you have to be careful and not to push the acceleration pedal too much in a crowded city.[via : 4wheelsnews]

photo : 2012 Bmw M5

New Subaru WRX, STI could arrive second half 2013

The new Subaru WRX and STI sports models will emerge from Japan around 18 months after the launch of the all-new Subaru Impreza.

The new WRX and STI will be completely separate from the Impreza range, in much the same way the upcoming Subaru XV will break away from the Impreza model line-up.

Like the XV, however, the Subaru WRX and STI are expected to share their basic underpinnings with the standard Impreza.

With the new Subaru Impreza sedan and hatch due in Australia in the first quarter of 2012, you probably shouldn’t get your hopes up for a new WRX/STI before the second half of 2013.

Subaru Australia’s David Rowley said the timing of the performance variants was still to be finalised, but suggested they could arrive in less than two years’ time.

Mr Rowley confirmed the current Impreza WRX and Impreza WRX STI would be sold alongside the new Impreza range until the all-new models arrived. He described the performance vehicles as “pivotal models” to the local line-up.

The current Subaru Impreza WRX range starts at $39,990 for the manual hatch and sedan, and top outs at $65,990 for the Impreza WRX STI spec.R.[via : Caradvice]

2012 Volkswagen Amarok to get eight-speed auto

The 2012 Volkswagen Amarok will come with a new eight-speed automatic transmission. This will be the first and only ute equipped with an optional eight-speed auto when it goes on sale in Australia next year.

Volkswagen only just launched the Volkswagen Amarok ute in Australia earlier this year, but a model update is already being planned for 2012. The updated model will arrive with the introduction of a new flagship variant, called the Amarok TDI420.

The TDI420 will come with a new 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine producing 132kW of power and 420Nm of torque. It’s this flagship that will also introduce an eight-speed automatic transmission option.

The transmission will be the same ZF item used in Volkswagen’s largest vehicle, the Volkswagen Touareg SUV. Volkswagen says the transmission will provide improved fuel consumption and make better use of available torque. The company recently said,

“Thanks to this greater spread the TDI engine works even more effectively in every rev range, and it is more fuel-efficient and agile. Moreover, 8th gear was configured as a fuel-saving overdrive gear that operates at reduced engine speed. The first gear is configured for pulling away in off-road use or when towing.”

Volkswagen Australia is yet to finalise official timing for the 2012 Volkswagen Amarok launch, but says it will take place some time next year.[via : Caradvice]

Hyundai ramps up car build

Demand for Hyundai's new cars such as the Hyundai i30 has prompted the manufacturer to increase the rate of production at its manufacturing plant in the Czech Republic.

Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Czech (HMMC) originally planned to move from a two-shift to a three-shift pattern at the start of October, but in light of constantly increasing demand, the company decided to introduce the increased work rate on Monday (19 September) instead.

The 200-hectare plant has reacted to surge in demand for the ix35 and is also preparing for production of the new-generation i30 model, which will go on sale early next year.

HMMC, which has moved from one shift to three in less than three years, has hired 800 new employees to work on the new shift. Hyundai's suppliers are also ramping up production. The manufacturer produces cars to a 'just-in-time' strategy, based on fluent supply of components from suppliers to keep storage space to a minimum.

In total, Hyundai and its suppliers employ 10 thousand people in the Nošovice area of the Czech Republic where the plant is based.[via : Autocar]

2012 Bmw 6-Series xDrive now available in the United States

BMW is responding to competition by going for all-wheel drive now after having focused on smaller turbocharged engines. Both Audi and Subaru have taken an interest in rear-wheel drive. According to the US model overview for the new BMW 6-Series, the coupe and convertible could be fitted with the Bavarian xDrive all-wheel drive.

This means that the 650i xDrive Convertible and 650i xDrive Coupe could be selected from the website of BMW USA.

The convertible is priced at $93,500, and has an output of 400hp, while the coupe version is priced from $86,000. With the M6 getting a 4.4-liter turbocharged engine, there leaves no doubt that BMW is set to take on its rivals.[via : 4wheelsnews]

Photo : 2012 Bmw 6-Series Coupe

Bmw unveils new performance packages for the 135i Coupe and 335i models

BMW North America is presenting two performance packages for the 135i Coupe and 335i vehicles. The brand’s slogan “power to the people!” refers to the two power levels that it is offering. The stage 1 Power Kit comes with an ECU remap that boosts power by 20 hp to 320 hp and raises the torque from 300 (406 Nm) to 332 lb-ft (450 Nm) for the auto transmission models. Meanwhile, the manual or DCT gearbox versions will have their torque raised to 317 lb-ft (429 Nm).

This kit is available as well for the X6 built until April 2010. BMW asserts that the 335i could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph faster by 0.2 seconds and cut its 50 (80 km/h) to 75 (120 km/h) mph sprint time by half a second. It also results to a more visceral exhaust note during engine overrun. What the stage 2 Power Kit offers are improved engine cooling due to an extra water cooler and a new radiator fan that are only available on the 135i and 335i.

These two kits have lower launch prices until the end of 2011. The stage 1 Power Kit is priced at $599 and stage 2 Power Kit is available for $1,199 (excluding installation costs). The kits are offered with h BMW North America’s limited warranty and may be retrofitted with the use of the Port Installation Program or at BMW centers.[via : 4wheelsnews]

Lexus preparing LFA Tokyo Edition, Supra replacement in the works

Lexus’ LFA Tokyo Motor Show Edition will be displayed at the 2011 Japanese show this autumn, together with other new Toyota/Lexus performance cars such as the Supra replacement. The Lexus LFA Tokyo edition features an M3-esque exposed carbon roof and carbon rear spoiler, which is still hydraulically adjustable. This means that the weave is exposed since the LFA is built from carbonfibre already. It’s expected that the LFA Tokyo would be priced about €40,000 higher than a 'regular' Lexus LFA.

The automaker is planning a spider roadster that with its carbonfibre construction would mean that the open-top LFA is almost as rigid as the coupe, says CarMagazine. But then, sources in Japan said that this project to build a roadster LFA has been scrapped due to the economic uncertainty. There are reports that Toyota and Lexus are working on new performance cars. It’s believed that Toyota is developing two other performance cars aside from the FT-86 and LFA projects.

Sources say that one is a front-wheel drive car (which is likely to be faster than a CT200h) while the other one will probably succeed the Supra. Lexus has denied that there will be a Supra replacement. Nonetheless, there are reports that an unofficial project is ongoing for the replacement of the RWD coupe. Sources forecast that this will be launched in 2014. It seems like upcoming fast Toyota/Lexus models will have a change from high-revving naturally aspirated engines like the LFA, ISF and FT-86 to smaller, turbocharged engines.[via : 4wheelsnews]

Photo : Lexus LFA Nürburgring Package

Official: Mercedes-Benz confirms the SLS AMG Black Series

Mercedes-Benz will produce a SLS AMG Black Series. This move was confirmed by Tobias Moers, the Director of Vehicle Development at Mercedes-AMG. According a report, this vehicle is a sure thing. No official details have been give but it’s speculated that its 6.2-liter V8 engine would be modified to offer about 610 hp and 499 lb-ft (677 Nm) of torque.

In addition, Mercedes is working on another version of the SLS, the road-going version of its GT3 racing model, says MotorTrend. But unfortunately, a source said that this vehicle won’t be offered in the U.S. The car will be released in Europe for homologation, but since it doesn’t race in the U.S., there’s virtually no reason for it to be brought to the U.S.

Mercedes believes that only a very small volume would be sold and so it has decided not to bring it there. In addition, Moers said that the SLS E-Cell, the electric version of the car, will arrive in Europe in 2012 or 2013. It’s also likely not to be available in the U.S.[via : 4wheelsnews]

CPP to build new Jensen Interceptor

An all-new version of the Jensen Interceptor will be unveiled late next year – and it will be engineered, developed and built by British specialist automotive group CPP.

Healey Sports Cars Switzerland, which owns the Jensen brand, has appointed CPP Global Holdings to develop a modern-day version of the Italian-styled, West Bromwich-built Interceptor grand tourer, which was built between 1966 and 1976.

The car will be a four-seat GT, like the original version. It will be based on an all-new aluminium chassis and handcrafted aluminium body.

Work on the design is said to be at an advanced stage. A team of Coventry-based design consultants employed by HSCS has completed the design. CPP will finalise the new Interceptor’s development in Coventry and manufacture it at a new production facility on Browns Lane from 2014. Last month CPP announced plans to build its new base at Browns Lane, which was the site of Jaguar production for several decades.

After the Interceptor has been revealed to the public in late 2012, deliveries to customers will begin in 2014. The car is intended to be "ultra-exclusive", so expect limited production numbers and a considerable pricetag.

Brendan O'Toole, founder and co-owner of CPP, said: "The Jensen design team has respected and honoured the great heritage and attributes of the original Interceptor, while injecting a contemporary edge and advanced technologies that will ensure it appeals to the passionate, discerning motoring enthusiast of today."

Liam Cardiff, director of Healey Sports Cars Switzerland, said: "CPP is the perfect partner to revive the iconic Jensen Interceptor. With the Jensen design team integrated into an organisation with much greater resources and broader expertise, our dream of seeing the Jensen and Interceptor badges once again adorning the bonnets of beautiful, modern, British-built GT cars has come closer to reality."[via :Autocar]

2012 Civic expected to double Honda sales

 The main selling point for the new Honda Civic isn’t just the design, according to CEO Takanobu Ito. He claims that the new Civic is more advanced than any of its rivals. However, industry observers think that one disadvantage is that it doesn’t have turbocharging in the petrol range. Its blocks are also not appealing considering that the trend now is for downsizing. Honda has set a target to sell 100,000 units on average each year. This is more than double this year of what’s expected this year.

He said that since this model has a drastically different performance and fuel efficiency, it’s expecting a high volume, says Ward's Auto. The five-door Civic will be competing against the Ford Focus, which comes with a new generation of smaller EcoBoost engines. The Civic will also go up against the VW Golf. Ito said that the new Civic is available with a choice of two petrols and one turbodiesel. The base 1.4-liter generates 100hp and has a fuel economy rating of 5.4 liters per 100 km, while emitting just 129 grams of CO2 per kilometer.

Meanwhile, the 1.8-liter petrol delivers 142hp and may come with an automatic gearbox. It has a fuel consumption rating of 5.8 liters for the manual and 6.3 for the automatic. The 2.2-liter i-DTEC diesel with an output of 150hp uses up just 4.2 liter of fuel per 100 km. Essentially, they’re still the old engines but they have been modified to be more fuel-economic and have less emissions.[via : 4wheelsnews]

photo : 2012 Honda Civic Euro-spec

Volvo Trucks deliveries increased by 59% in August compared with the previous year

Deliveries of Volvo Trucks increased by 59% in August, compared with the previous year. Figures increased in all of the major markets. In Europe, deliveries rose by 54% to 1,787 trucks, compared to the previous year. Because of the holiday season in Europe, deliveries are expected to be lower in August. Truck deliveries in Eastern Europe increased by 100%. The strength of the Russian market didn’t waver. In August, its deliveries increased by 186% to 272 trucks, compared with August of the prior year.

Russia’s deliveries grew by 214% year-to-date compared with last year. The demand persisted in South America and Brazil, leading to a record high in August. Volvo FH, Volvo FM and Volvo VM all had delivery increases. In addition, Volvo Trucks’ top market position in the heavy segment in Brazil was unfazed in August.

In South America, Volvo delivered 2,471 trucks, a 65% increase compared to the previous year. August deliveries in North America increased by 74% to 2,105 vehicles, even with the parts shortages. A total of 170 trucks were delivered in South Africa in August. The service-and dealer network of Volvo Trucks in the region had major improvements recently.[via : 4wheelsnews]

2012 Acura TSX sports sedan and Sport Wagon get a price bump

Acura’s TSX Special Edition has an MSRP of $30,810 (inclusive of the $885 destination charge) – costing $1000 higher than the base model 2012 TSX. The other Acura TSX models are priced $200 higher. Acura said that the TSX Special Edition took its inspiration from the “fun-to-drive four-cylinder Acuras of the past.” The borrowed elements include the distinctive cosmetic touches for its interior and exterior, such as a body kit, a set of 17-inch wheels with gray accents, and SE badging. For the interior, its seats have been given perforated suede accents with red backing.

Red is seen as well on the contrast stitching and ambient lighting. In addition, the Special Edition model would be the only 2012 TSX offered with the six-speed manual transmission. Acura offers the five-speed automatic as an option but at no added cost. The TSX SE is available in sedan form and with the 2.4-liter, 201-hp, four-cylinder engine.

The SE will not have the Technology Package, which features navigation, Acura’s ELS audio system, and voice command. The entry-level TSX sedan with the four cylinder engine and five-speed automatic is priced at $30,695 while the top-of-the-line TSX V-6 sedan with Technology Package has a price tag of $39,335. For the 2012 model, the underfloor storage is increased in the cargo area of the Sport Wagon. This was achieved by replacing the spare tire with a compact repair kit. All these models are now available, except for the Special Edition, which will get to showrooms by the end of September.[via : 4wheelsnews]

Kia GT Concept production confirmed for 2013

Kia’s V6-powered GT concept car was unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show this month. Kia said that production of the new Kia GT Concept will begin in 2013 and that it is working on a high-performance version of the Kia cee’d. The automaker said that this model will start production after its lineup of six mass-market models had all been overhauled. According to Paul Philpott, the chief operating officer of Kia Europe, a halo car such as a Kia GT offers “greater sporting credentials” that would encompass the entire range.

Philpott said that the company will come up with sporting versions for more models and it will start with the new c’eed. He explained that Kia wants to be famous for sport and design and so these cars are “critical.” Philpott implied that other sporting models may be possible. He said that Kia will examine the niches between a hot hatch and rear drive coupe.

There were reports earlier that a V8 unit would power the concept version of the Kia GT but actually, it would be equipped with a 3.3-litre turbocharged petrol V6 engine. This has an output of 390bhp and 394lb ft of torque. Its drive could be transferred through the rear wheels through its eight-speed automatic gearbox. This concept, which was built in Kia’s Frankfurt design studio, is indicative of what Kia plans for its expansion. This concept also provides the blueprint for Kia’s new design direction as led by chief designer Peter Schreyer.[via : 4wheelsnews]

photo : Kia GT Concept

Volvo to replace 5- and 6-cylinder engines with three- and four-cylinder gasoline and diesel engines

For Volvo to be able to comply with the stricter emissions regulations in Europe, the U.S. and China, it will halt its production of its lineup’s biggest engines within the next decade. Automotive News Europe had a chat with Volvo r&d boss Peter Mertens, who said that before the decade ends, all Volvo models “will have engines with no more than four cylinders." Beginning in 2013, this new range of three- and four-cylinder gasoline and diesel engines will replace Volvo’s five- and six-cylinder gasoline engines as well as its five-cylinder diesel.

It’s likely that the VEA (Volvo Environmental Architecture) engine will first be used in one of Volvo's current models, says Autonews. The VEA family will offer four engines, including the 1.5-liter three-cylinder gasoline direct-injection and diesel engines and the 2.0-liter four-cylinder GDI and diesel engines. These will all be based on a 500cc cylinder displacement. Mertens said that Volvo’s four-cylinder engines will offer better performance than the existing six-cylinder units.

They will also offer lower fuel consumption than the current four-cylinder lineup. Volvo said that the new engines will weigh 90kg lighter than the existing units. The fuel economy of the new powerplants will also be improved by as much as 35%. The new VEA engines are seen as a significant strategy in Volvo's goal that by 2020, its annual sales will more than double to 800,000 cars. Volvo will invest $11 billion to be spent in the next five-year period to tap demand in markets such as China.[via : 4wheelsnews]

photo : Volvo Concept You

Frankfurt show: electric Artega SE

German manufacturer Artega displayed a 126mph electric version of its mid-engined sports car, the Artega SE, at the Frankfurt motor show this week.

The Artega SE – which stands for ‘sports electric’ – is powered by two electric motors, which will produce 280kw (375bhp).

The two engines operate independently, with each driving one of the rear wheels. The car, which was first unveiled at Geneva motor show earlier this year, accelerates from 0-62mph in 3.9secs and has a top speed of 126.5mph.

The Artega SE features 16 battery modules – 12 in the rear of the vehicle and four in the front – with lithium ion polymer cells. Each of these modules contains 12 battery cells. The depleted batteries can be fully recharged in 90 minutes.

The batteries give a claimed range of 125 miles and make the car just ten per cent heavier than the conventional 3.6-litre V6-powered Artega GT. That means the electric version weighs 1400kg, but the weight distribution is identical to the standard car – 57 per cent to the rear and 43 per cent to the front.

The Artega SE will be produced in Delbrück, Germany, and is expected to cost about 150,000 euros (£132,000) when it goes into production next year.[via : Autocar]

Frankfurt: Mercedes SLS AMG E-Cell

Mercedes-Benz showed off the lightweight design and technology that will underpin its future sports cars at this week’s Frankfurt motor show.

The Stuttgart marque displayed the body shell from its high-performance, battery-powered SLS AMG E-Cell, the four-wheel-drive concept car first seen in the middle of last year.

The key element of the body shell is a transmission tunnel made out of lightweight carbonfibre composite material (CFRP), which is structurally integrated into the aluminium shell itself.

The stiff, high-strength CFRP component helps to reduce weight, while also serving as a monocoque housing for the battery modules. The carbonfibre battery monocoque in the SLS AMG E-Cell forms an integral part of the body shell and acts as the vehicle's ‘spine’, as well as creating a zero-intrusion cell that protects the batteries from damage in the event of an accident.

The use of carbonfibre means the SLS AMG E-Cell's transmission tunnel is about 30 per cent lighter than the transmission tunnel in a standard SLS, which helps to offset the extra weight of the batteries.

CFRP components play an important role in Mercedes-Benz and AMG's lightweight design strategy for the future. The German manufacturer is planning to reduce the body weight of all its vehicles by 10 per cent by making increased use of high-strength steels, aluminium and carbonfibre-reinforced plastics.

The SLS AMG E-Cell prototype can get from 0-62mph in a claimed 4.0sec. Its lithium polymer batteries are split between a box behind the cockpit and the centre tunnel.[via : Autocar]

Photo : Mercedes SLS AMG E-Cell

2012 Bmw 3-Series (F30) gets rendered 2012 Bmw 3-Series (F30) gets rendered

A rendering of the BMW 3-Series from Bimmerpost has recently come out. An undisguised F30 3 Series was previously spotted and the new 3er’s rendering was made based on those images. A BMW insider, who is known only as Scott26 and has seen the car’s design, has also aided in this rendering. The most significant visual feature is its angel eye headlamps that have been attached to the kidney grilles.

This move had previously only been used on concept cars. The source said that the new 3-Series will be introduced by the end of 2011.

With regards to the market entry dates, this car is expected to arrive next spring in the U.S. It’s also set to debut in Europe at the 2012 Geneva Auto Show.[via : 4wheelsnews]

2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG gets the Ride Control sport suspension

The 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG comes with several new features that are nothing short of excellent. These include the tiny details like the rims, exterior colors and trimming. This supercar can now be equipped with AMG’s new Ride Control suspension. It will get adaptive dampers and its suspension isn’t just electronically adapted to the road as the driver could select from three modes: Comfort, Sport and Sport Plus.

The setting dubbed “Comfort" is recommended for cruising at moderate speeds such as in urban traffic or on motorway sections with speed limits. However, a good number of SLS AMG drivers still want to use the “Comfort” mode even on poor, bumpy road surfaces due to its softer damper setup. The “Sport” mode offers the best compromise between satisfactory suspension comfort, low body movements and high agility. The “Sport” mode is applicable to most driving situations.

Meanwhile, “Sport plus" is recommended for quick lap times on a race circuit. This mode has higher damping forces and has special control algorithms configured for a distinctly sporty driving style on road surfaces that are uneven. One of the most anticipated new technical features is a new shock absorber in the AMG drive unit, which is positioned on the center console. This optional extra costs EUR2,320 (about $3,200).[via : 4wheelsnews]

Photo : 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

2012 Audi S7 Sportback: full details, specs and photos

The Audi S7 Sportback is powered by the new 4.0 TFSI, which is the engine used on the S6 and S6 Avant. It delivers 309 kW (420 hp) and 550 Nm (405.66 lb-ft) of torque on the S7 Sportback. The five-door coupe is powered by the twin-turbo V8, enabling it to accelerate from a standstill to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 4.9 seconds and to reach a limited top speed of 250 km/h (155.34 mph). With a fuel consumption rating of 9.7 liters per 100 km (24.25 US mpg), this cultivated eight-cylinder uses Audi's "cylinder on demand" technology under part load. This impressive efficiency is mostly due to its lightweight body of hybrid aluminum construction. Its weight is about 15% lower than one with an all-steel body.

One of its lightweight parts is the long rear hatch that opens and closes electrically as standard. Under it is a luggage compartment with a volume of 535 liters (18.89 cu ft). When the rear seat backs are folded down, the space increases to 1,390 liters (49.09 cu ft). The Audi S7 Sportback’s power transmission comes from the dynamic seven-speed S tronic and the quattro permanent all-wheel drive system that has a self-locking center differential and torque vectoring. Audi’s optional sport differential distributes the power in different proportions between the rear wheels. The S7 Sportback is available as standard with the adaptive air suspension sport and the Audi drive select dynamics system.

At the back of the 19-inch wheels, we see huge, internally ventilated disc brakes front and rear. Their matt black calipers feature S7 logos up front. Offered as an option are carbon fiber-ceramic discs. The other chassis options include 19- and 20-inch wheels and dynamic steering, which varies its ratio as a function of speed. The Audi S7 Sportback has a seamless design. Ideal proportions are the result of its long engine hood, long wheelbase and short overhangs. The five-door model has the coupe’s character with the addition of the low, dynamically tensioned roof line. To enhance stability, a rear spoiler extends from the rear hatch at highway speeds. Even the interior shows off just how sporty the S7 Sportback is, from the S badges, the red ring on the start-stop button, the S7 logo in the illuminated door sill trims, the aluminum strip on the S tronic selector lever and the aluminum shift paddles. Stainless steel is used for the footrest and the pedals. The soft keys of the MMI operating system come with an aluminum-look finish.[via : 4wheelsnews]


photo : 2012 Audi S7 Sportback