2012 Audi A7 (photos)
Audi's new A7 model blurs the line between sedan and coupe, and boasts a hatchback, similar to the Porsche Panamera. Its boundary-pushing cabin tech features a new Google Earth-based navigation system with satellite imagery.
Wayne Cunningham
Wayne Cunningham reviews cars and writes about automotive technology for CNET's Roadshow. Prior to the automotive beat, he covered spyware, Web building technologies, and computer hardware. He began covering technology and the Web in 1994 as an editor of The Net magazine.
Audi's new A7 model uses both hatchback and sedan features. This model slots in between the A6 and A8 in Audi's lineup.
The A7 sports new design features first seen on the A8, such as the more-prominent bars across the grille.
Audi settled for a smaller engine in the A7, a 3-liter V-6. But direct injection and supercharging ensure that it has enough power to move the A7.
Unlike the Porsche Panamera, which has a similar body style, the A7's look is less controversial.
Quattro comes standard with the A7, but Audi does not offer its adaptive suspension technology.
Although the A7 is a hatchback, rear deck panels hide the cargo area, making for a conventional-looking trunk.
With Audi's voice command system you can not only dial by name, but even request music by artist or album name, although only for tracks stored on the car's hard drive.
The display in the center of the instrument cluster shows all major vehicle infotainment functions.
When the car cannot get an Internet connection, the Google Earth maps revert to this greenish blur.
The car offers quite a few data sources through its Internet connection, making it one of the most connected cars available.
One of the most intriguing features is this listing of entries from Wikipedia based on the car's location.
The standard Bose audio system is good, but not up to the level of the optional Bang & Olufsen audio system.
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