Stunning Ralph Lauren car collection on display

A stunning array of automotive icons have gone on display in Paris.

Famed fashion designer Ralph Lauren's car collection is considered one of the finest privately-owned collections around and features some of the most valuable and rarest vehicles.

Website JustLux said four of the vehicles - a 1964 Ferrari 250 LM; a 1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta Scaglietti; a 1956/1958 Jaguar XKSS; and a 1931 Alfa Romeo Monza 8C 2300 - have never been seen in public before.

The exhibition, called The Art of the Automobile: Masterpieces from the Ralph Lauren Collection features many other classics including a 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO and a 1938 Bugatti 57 SC Atlantic Coupe valued at over NZ$50 million each.-stuff.co.nz

Classic cars at SM&NC auto show

 

As World War II raged on throughout Europe and the Pacific, the automobile industry, like much of the American economy, was geared toward one thing -- the war effort.

It wasn't until after the war that the industry began producing passenger automobiles again and when they did, manufacturers were out to dazzle.

Longer, lower and wider was the trend. Large, high-horsepower engines were developed. And exterior styling resembled that of jets and rockets.

"In 1948, the Cadillac stunned the world when it brought out a car with tailfins," said Ed Greenberg, a Stamford car collector and Cadillac enthusiast. "It was patterned after a jet fighter."

Car lovers will have the chance to bask in the beauty of the post-war innovation, along with dozens of other four-wheeled treasures, when the Stamford Museum and Nature Center hosts the eighth-annual Model Ts to Mustangs Antique and Classic Car Show on Saturday, May 7.

The special section at this year's show will focus onGeneral Motors' Cadillac, a storied American brand known for its stylish opulence and high-quality engineering. A testament to its superiority, the car carried the slogan "The Standard of the World."

"If you wanted to buy the . . . best car on the road, that was it," said Greenberg, who will display his 1947 Cadillac 62 two-door convertible, one of the last post-war Cadillacs made without tailfins. "It shows that you had attained a certain status in life. Those cars, together with Oldsmobiles, were some of the most innovative the country had ever seen."

According to Rosa Portell, the center's curator of collections, the post-war Cadillac "reflected a certain optimism" about that period in American history.

"After the experience of the Great Depression and the war, you'd think that car manufacturers would be a little more timid," she said. "But they were bold, hiring designers to make aesthetically beautiful automobiles."

Co-curator Dave Greenberg, Ed Greenberg's son, added: "Cadillacs were the mark of excellence. Now, all marketers and manufacturers refer to their product as `the Cadillac' of whatever they're selling."

Cadillacs slated to appear include a 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham, owned by Malcolm S. Pray Jr. of Greenwich; a 1959 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible, owned by George and Toni Huseof Danbury; and a 1949 Cadillac two-door Sedanette, owned by Andrew Benenson of Darien.

"The Cadillac is the benchmark of automobiles made in America," Benenson said. "It represents, especially in the post war-era, our success and excess."

There will also be an array of famous imports and other American classics, including Corvettes, Mustangs, Ferraris, Jaguars and Austin-Healeys. Prizes will be awarded in a number of categories.

According to Dave Greenberg, automobiles will be organized by mark and chronology. That way, "you can walk along the rows of cars and follow their progression."

But perhaps no other automobile evokes the same sense of historical significance and wonderment as the Cadillac.

When Ed Greenberg found out more than 20 years ago that his cousin in San Fransico was selling his 1947 belden blue Cadillac, it didn't take much deliberation before he snatched it up and shipped it out to his home in Stamford.

In fact, he didn't even have to get a look at it before he bought it.

"It was sight unseen," Greenberg said. "But it turned out to be a good buy."-ctpost.com

SKODA FABIA SCOUT SCOOPED TESTING IN INDIA!

The 2011 Skoda Fabia Scout has been scooped testing in and around Pune by the folks at CarIndia, who also happen to be carrying images of the Fabia Scout in their latest print issue. Ever since the murmurs of Skoda India launching this car in India surfaced a while ago, this spotting probably represents the first time that someone has caught the Fabia Scout testing in India.

This crossover hatchback could be what Skoda India has come up to join the likes of the Mahindra Xylo Mini MPV and the Premier Rio, both of which are targeted at the Mini SUV segment. Mini SUVs make a bunch of sense in India where many roads still are potholed and in bad shape, where these cars with their higher ground clearances and beefier suspension can easily skim across potholes rather than crashing through them.

2011 Skoda Fabia Scout

Also on the Indian highways, maintaining higher average speeds would be possible as braking for every small road imperfection fearing suspension or under body damage would be a thing of the past.  It is exactly this factor that the Skoda Fabia Scout, riding on taller 16-17 incher wheels and increased ground clearance would bring to the table.

And, if Skoda India manages to shoehorn a good diesel engine under the bonnet and price it competitively, the Scout would certainly find plenty of eager buyers. While Skoda India does have the 1.2 liter TDI diesel engine in it’s line up, the 1.6 TDI diesel engine producing about 105 Bhp would be better suited to the Scout as the smaller diesel engine feels a tad underpowered on the highways.

2011 Skoda Fabia Scout

Also, the Scout is available with the 1.6 TDI engine in markets abroad and hence, Skoda India shoehorning the engine onto the Scout seems more likely. All said, pricing, which remains unknown at the moment is key and even though the Skoda Fabia Scout may not be as spacious for five adults as say the Mahindra Xylo MPV given the smaller rear seat that is at best fit for two, the Skoda Fabia Scout may find willing takers for those who are willing to shell out that extra bit of money for good handling, great interiors and solid build quality.-indiancarsbikes.in

Hyundai i40 sedan teaser released

Hyundai has released an early teaser image of the new Hyundai i40 sedan it plans to unveil at the Barcelona Motor Show next week. The rendered image shows what the sedan version of the i40 will look like, after having already unveiled the wagon version at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year.

Hyundai will be pitching the new sedan up against European rivals like the Ford Mondeo, Honda Accord Euro and the Volkswagen Passat. The sedan is likely to feature similar driveline packages as the i40 wagon, including two different 1.7-litre diesel engines (85kW and 100kW), a 1.6-litre GDI with 103kW and the 2.0-litre, Theta II unit producing 130kW.

With the i40 wagon already on the market in some international showrooms, the sedan version is expected to go on sale some time towards the end of this year. The car has been developed at the company’s facilities in Rüsselsheim, Germany, like the wagon.

The Hyundai i40 wagon has been confirmed for the Australian market, and will present a wagon layout to i45 buyers. Offering more practicality and rear storage space, the i40 wagon will also showcase a European-esque, premium interior which will include technology “unseen in previous Hyundai models”.-caradvice.com.au

Jaguar To Build Million Dollar Hybrid-Electric Car

 The first million dollar hybrid is coming.  Jaguar confirming that it’s going to build a production version of the C-X75 “supercar” that it’s been showing on the auto show circuit.

“People expect Jaguar to be innovators – that is when Jaguar is at its best,” said Adrian Hallmark, Jaguar Brand Director, in a statement released by the company. “The C-X75 received an incredible reception as a concept car. We’ve been building on that momentum and there is a clear business case for this exclusive halo model. No other vehicle will better signify Jaguar’s renewed confidence and excellence in technological innovation than this.”

While the point of most hybrid vehicles is to impove fuel economy, and save the owner money on gasoline, a vehicle like this is about adding an electric motor to boost performance, while still being enviornmentally sensitive.

WWJ AutoBeat Reporter Jeff Gilbert says the C-X75 concept car turned head when it made its world debut at the Paris Auto Show, and made its North American premiere at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

The production version of the C-X75 will not have the energy producing mico-turbines of the concept car. A press release from Jaguar listed some of the vehicle’s attributes:

• Mixes internal combustion power with electric motors to achieve supercar performance and less than 99g/km CO2 emissions
  Downsized highly boosted petrol engine with two powerful electric motors and four-wheel-drive
  0-60mph in less than 3 seconds — 0-100mph in less than 6 seconds
  Top speed in excess of 200mph
  All-electric running range in excess of 50km
  True-to-concept, lightweight, all carbon-fiber chassis
  Groundbreaking association with Williams F1 – built in the UK
  Direct technology transfer from top-level motorsport
  Prices from £700,000 depending on local market and taxes
  Exclusive limited volume hybrid supercar – only 250 will be built

Translating that price tag into dollars puts the vehicle’s sticker price in the $1.2 to $1.5 million range.

Jaguar will be building the C-X75 in association with Williams F-1, to implement racing technology in the production vehicle, which may carry a different name. The concept car was built to commemorate Jaguar’s 75th anniversary.

Jaguar not saying how many of the vehicles will be sold in the U.S. The goal of the vehicle is to show the technological capabilities of all Jaguar’s.

“Confirmation of this project today signposts Jaguar Land Rover’s continued determination to embrace new technologies,” said Jaguar Land Rover CEO, Dr. Ralf Speth. “A supercar like the C-X75 is the logical choice to showcase cutting-edge design, intelligent use of new environmental technologies and motorsport-inspired performance.”-detroit.cbslocal.com

Opel announces production version of stunning GTC Paris Concept

These first images of the new generation Opel Astra GTC may show it in a virtual landscape, but as it races down an imaginary road, real test cars are now running final validation drives: The Astra GTC is officially a production reality.

And on June 7 Opel will reveal full details about the Astra GTC to coincide with its order books opening. Pricing, technology, equipment and powertrains will be laid bare, giving customers the chance to specify their ideal model and place an order early. The first production version of the new Opel Astra GTC will then receive its world premiere at the Frankfurt Motor Show, on September 15, 2011.

Based on last year’s Opel GTC Paris concept car presented early October 2010 at the Mondial de l’Automobile, the production Astra GTC will be a 5-seater, 3-door sporty compact car with dramatic proportions. It will feature the very best of Opel’s latest technology, as well as unique chassis features.-offalyexpress.ie

Volkswagen to Build Factory in Indonesia

Volkswagen, Europe’s biggest automaker, plans to build a factory in Indonesia by the end of this year at the latest, Industry Minister M.S. Hidayat said. 

“I had a talk with them [Volkswagen] about their plan. They already have a blueprint for the project,” Hidayat said after attending the Asean-European Union business summit at the Jakarta Convention Center on Thursday. 

Volkswagen has explored the possibility of setting up a production facility in Indonesia for the past three years, and the minister said it now hoped to realize those plans later this year. However, he did not reveal how much investment Volkswagen planned to put into Indonesia. 

Muhammad Lutfi, the previous chief of Indonesia’s Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM), was quoted by Bloomberg as saying Volkswagen planned to spend $140 million to build its first factory in Indonesia. The plan was to build a factory that could produce 50,000 Touran multipurpose vehicles per year, but the plan has laid dormant since. 

“This is good news for the domestic automotive industry because the European automotive industry has no base yet in Indonesia, where the market has so far been dominated by Japanese and Korean brands,” Hidayat said. 

Volkswagen’s intention to expand its business in Indonesia was in line with Germany’s plan to increase its investment in the country, especially in the automotive sector, which is believed to possess huge potential. 

Germany’s foreign direct investment in Indonesia was $157.6 million in 2010, representing 5.6 percent of the European Union’s $2.78 billion in total investment in Indonesia last year. 

Local media reports quoted Julian Wilson, the European Union ambassador to Indonesia and Brunei, as saying in March that there were 700 European companies investing in Indonesia. Their investment represents 1.6 percent of the total EU Investment in Asia. 

Indonesia, the chair of Asean, hosted the business conference ahead of the 18th Asean Summit, which is scheduled to take place this weekend, also at the Jakarta Convention Center. 

The business summit hosted by Indonesia, the Asean Chair this year, was held ahead of this weekend’s 18th Asean-EU Summit. Hundreds of top company executives from both economies, economic ministers and Karel de Gucht, the EU commissioner for trade, are expected to take part in the summit.-thejakartaglobe.com

Volkswagen Returns To Rallying in 2013 With Polo R WRC

Although several automakers have withdrawn from the World Rally Championship over the past few years, Volkswagen is doing the opposite. The automaker announced this week it plans on fielding the new Polo R WRC shown here beginning in 2013.

From what we can tell, the Polo R WRC is effectively a leaner, meaner take on the fifth-generation Polo hatchback, which debuted at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show. The wide flared bodywork is typical rally fare, but lends the small Polo an incredibly aggressive stance.

From what we can tell, the Polo R WRC may pack a punch that matches its appearance. At this point, VW isn’t releasing precise specifications on the car, but notes it will sport both all-wheel-drive and a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine that produces “near 300 horsepower.” Impressed? You should be — that’s Golf R-like power packed into a car that will be at least 400-500 pounds lighter.

VW hints in its official announcement that the 300-hp motor may well be an evolution of the 105-hp, 1.6-liter I-4, which is presently used in stock Polo hatchbacks. According to Volkswagen, the latest WRC rules — which specify a displacement of 1600 cc and allow both turbocharging and direct injection — provided motivation to return to the series.

“The new technical regulations of the WRC are an ideal fit for Volkswagen’s philosophy with respect to the development of production vehicles,” Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, VW’s board member in charge of development, said in a prepared release. “Downsizing, high efficiency, and reliability are top priorities for our customers. The timing of the WRC debut is optimal for Volkswagen. The big task of engineering a vehicle that is competitive and capable of winning at a large number of challenges holds great appeal to us.”

Officially, Volkswagen has pledged to field a factory-backed team in the WRC from 2013 through 2015. That said, the company has mentioned it intends on running Skoda Fabia Super 2000 cars as a “test run” in 2012 to help prepare drivers, crew, and support staff for the real thing.-rumors.automobilemag.com

Busted Grills: The Ugliest Cars At The New York Auto Show

Car shows are a lot like high school proms: Everyone puts on their Sunday best to impress the popular crowd. They spend a couple of wild nights living it up before they face the hard realities of the real world. Both end with hangovers so vile and painful that they make waterboarding feel like a weekend at a Sandals resort.

The New York International Auto Show held their own debutante ball last week to show off their new beauties before they face the harsh real world of shallow judgments, known as the friendly neighborhood car dealership. But some of this year's "beauties," we're using the term loosely, may have had a harder time than others finding a partner for a slow dance when the DJ started spinning "Time After Time." Yes, we're talking about the cars with the kind of grill only a mother could love.-clutch.mtv.com

After the jump, check out photos of the ugliest cars at the New York Auto Show.

Volkswagen Bulli

Hyundai Curb

Nissan Leaf NISMO RC

Lexus LF-Gh

Mitsubishi i-MiEV

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Spyshots: BMW's New 3 Series Takes a Little More Off

Our dedicated team of spy photographers has managed to catch the new BMW 3-Series while it was testing its metal before the official debut. The tactical commando team secured a set of photos showing the car’s stylish new design using only their wits and a... camera, before the Bavarian supermodel retreated to its lair to check its makeup.

Silly jokes aside, this is the most complete look at that car that is the backbone of BMW’s image and every middle-management employee’s wheels of choice. We can clearly see the rear fascia and bumper and we can also spot the LED taillights as well. They look very similar to what BMW chose for the 5-Series, but it’s not like we are complaining.

The overall proportions remain largely unchanged, which is actually a good thing, as the 3-Series is already one of the most sporty-looking cars in its segment. However, the overall impression we got is a svelte, more toned design. The front sports a larger kidney grille with shapely lights completing the look well.

The coupe and convertible versions of the car will no doubt look different, but it’s definitely a good start to the car that is expected to arrive next year. The front and rear appearance will separate from the sedan with unique shaped lighting units and design sculpture.

BMW will also enable the next 3-Series to feature the very latest in Efficient Dynamics technologies. There will probably also be an active hybrid model using a range extended three-cylinder engine connected to an electric motor as well as lightweight resistance tires, aerodynamically designed alloy wheels, BMW’s active aerodynamics, brake energy regeneration, stop-start and pre-heating technology for the engine, gearbox and differential. Oh, and let’s not forget the new four-pot turbocharged engines that the Bavarians seem to love more and more.-autoevolution.com

2012 Audi S5 Sportback Spy Shots

Facelifts, revamps, mid-cycle updates--call them what you will, they usually bring minor tweaks and mild upgrades. These spy shots of the upcoming Audi A5Sportback update hint that larger changes may be afoot, particularly for the S5 variant.

With a face that looks decidedly more A6-like and a similarly-updated LED rear light layout, the car spied here wears heavier camouflage than the typical air-dam-and-side-skirts tape you find on most facelifts.

New fog lights and reshaped front air inlets also appear to feature under the disguise. Though the profile is similar to a smaller A7, some design cues found on the new, larger four-door coupe don't appear to have made the translation, including the 100 Coupe S-inspired kick at the rear window line. While it's hard to tell with the swirly vinyl coating, the side panels may have received some of the A7's slimming surface undulations, however.

We'll keep digging on more details and info, as well as the latest spy shots, as development of the car continues. For now, look for a debut of the car at next year's Geneva Motor Show, about six months after the facelifted standard A5 is expected in Frankfurt. You can also find a preview of the sportier end of the A5 line's updates with our 2012 Audi S5 spy shots.-motorauthority.com

Sneak peek: Cannondale SuperSix Evo 2012

Our man Mat is out in Italy right now looking at some shiny new kit from Cannondale ahead of the Giro on Staurday. And he's sent us back some spy shots of the new Supersix Evo road bike, which in the Ultimate build pictured above weighs in at – wait for it – 4.95kg.

The Supersix has been around since 2006 but this new incarnation is the culmination of a two-and-a-half year development project. You won't be surprised to know that Cannondale have been going after the usual goals: strength, stiffness, weight, compliance and reduction in drag. In the rarefified world of super-lioght framesets it's always good to be the lightest, so no surprise that Cannondale have aimed just below the Cervelo R5CA; 1g below in fact at 695g. They did have a 630g frame in development but apparently it was too expensive to produce...

Interestingly Cannondale have moved back from a 1.5" crown race to a 1.25" one, in order to reduce the frontal area of the bike and reduce drag. Aero performance is on the list but weight is the top priority here, so the tubes are mostly round section which saves weight over more convoluted designs. You won't find many curves either.

The frame is made in three sections. The head tube, top tube and down tube are fabricated together, as are the seat tube and bottom bracket. These slot into the chainstay section, which unusually are created as a monocoque. There's no metal insert so the stays are hollow right to the clamping surfaces, which apparently saves 34g. There's a double thickness of Carbon where the BB plugs into the chainstays which helps to stabilise the frame. The top tube starts out wide up by the head tube, slims in the middle section, then widens at seat tube junction. So there's better knee clearance in the middle of the tube and good torsional stiffness too.

Down tube is almost round all the way - for excellent torsional strength, good lateral strength and good aerodynamics (compared to rectangular tubes). Cannondale currently have a fixation with comparing their Supersix to one with rectangular tubes, it seems: wonder which bike they mean?

The frame is made from an underlying structure of BallisTec carbon (the stuff they use for MTBs and CX bikes). It's intermediate modulus; They could have got lighter and stiffer with high mod, but there's the risk of it snapping in a crash, Intermediate mod elongates more so it's more likely to survive a crash. Over the top of that structure they add high mod layers in certain areas. They use a very complex layup to add stiffness to the bottom bracket area. Fibres loop right around the BB shell, a technique they've borrowed from helicopter rotors.

A section of the seat tube - just below the end of the seat post – is made with the carbon fibres going at 70° and 45° rather than straight up and down. This allows some fore and aft movement in the seat tube, adding a bit more vertical compliance. The chainstays are squashed vertically to aid rear-end comfort whilst keeping everything nice and stiff. The main thing, though, is that the manufacturing process means they're 30%-40% lighter than before. One thing they talked about loads in the presentation is that this 'Micro suspension' – that's the new term for vertical compliance, fact fans – isn't mainly for comfort (although that's handy): it keeps the wheel in contact with the ground better, so it's faster. It's a performance feature: a compliant bike is an efficient bike.

Spec-wise, the sub-5kg Ultimate sports SRAM Red, Cannondale Hollowgram SL BB30 chainset, Zero G Gravitas brakes, DT Swiss RRC425F, RRC525R Carbon tubular wheels, USE Alien post and a Fizik saddle. There will also be a SuperSix EVO Team with SRAM Red shifters, mechs and brakes, and Mavic Cosmic Carbone SLR wheels. That one will weigh in at 6.4kg so presumably it comes with a free UCI-friendly lead weight to nudge it over the minimum weight limit. A Di2 build with Kysrium SLR wheels will also be available, as will a Dura-Ace model with Ksyrium SLs.

We don't have any info on pricing yet, but it's a 2012 model so don't expect to see one down your bike shop until the end of the year. The Liquigas team have got their sticky mitts on some though, and they'll be riding them in the Giro.-road.cc

2012 Audi A7 Sportback first drive

I recall being at the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. One of the highlights of the show was the Audi Sportback concept. The sleek sedan was being billed as the future A7, Audi’s entrant into a growing field of coupe-styled sedans.

The 4 door coupe was born due to a perceived lack of styling on most sedans. Some may argue that Audi’s sedan were amongst the most sleek and stylish, which may explain why they did not feel the need to be an early adopter of the concept.

In what seems like record time, the A7 was brought to market and journalists were given the opportunity to experience the latest Audi vehicle during a short trip to the Mediterranean paradise of Sardinia.
Landing at the airport in Olbia, a fleet of A7s waited in a secluded parking lot, glittering in the Sun. The initial press briefing at the airport included a quick rundown of some of the technical features of the vehicle and we were each given Apple iPads to accompany us on the ride around the island. Apparently the Apple tablet devices were preloaded with routes around the island as well as information about the vehicle.
The A7 was designed on an all-new platform to be shared with the upcoming A6 replacement. The vehicle slots in, as the nomenclature would indicate, between the size of the current A6 and range topping A8. The chassis expands on Audi’s pioneering use of lightweight steel and weight saving aluminum.
The hood, roof fender and trunk lid are all aluminum. The overall chassis architecture has resulted in a vehicle that not only weighs 300 kgs less than a current A6 but boasts an extremely rigid platform.
The A7 footprint is 3 inches shorter, 2 inches wider and it sits 2 inches lower than a current A8 sedan. Overall the vehicle appears to flow organically from the large centre stack radiator grille back around the raked windshield and over the slopping rear glass window. The vehicle is sleek enough in fact to register a drag coefficient of .28 CD, or in other words, the same as a 2010 Porsche 911 Carrera.
Stepping inside the cabin, it became apparent that the sleek coupe styling was more than an exterior treatment. Starting with the front seats, the drivers and passenger sit lower than what you would expect from a sedan. With arms and legs extended, we grip the steering wheel and look our over the low slung dashboard that extends around the front seat occupants and runs onto the front door panels.
As eye-catching as the vehicle is on the outside, stepping inside reveals beauty is more than skin deep. Already known for some of the best executed cabins in the industry, Audi’s designers have raised the bar once again. Top shelf materials, like a laminated strip Beaufort Oak veneer and Alcantra leather, constantly remind passengers that this is premium motoring. Rear seat leg and head room is also surprising ample, given the sloping roof line. Technology is omnipresent with optional items such as; an informative heads up display, night vision camera, onboard wifi system and radar assisted braking system. The Google maps based NAV system is likely the finest on the market today.
The Euro-spec vehicles we drove were powered by the same super-charged 3.0L TFSI V6 found in the A6 and S4. The engine’s 300HP is channeled through a 7 speed S-Tronic dual clutch transmission to the standard Quattro all wheel drive system. 0-100 kms/hr can be knocked off in a sprite 5.5 seconds, the A7 is no slouch. Canadian A7’s are equipped with the smoother shifting 8 speed Tiptronic automatic gearbox. This generation of the Quattro system uses a new sport differential and computer governance to allocate engine torque to either the front or rear axle when needed. It will also apply slight braking to an inside wheel when it senses a load change thus allowing more torque to the outside wheel. Even without the optional Drive Select system, the A7 will carve through twisty mountain roads without cause for concern. Braking is equally responsive.
The automatic-start-stop engine feature is added as standard equipment to European models to increase fuel-efficiency. Audi staff likened its operation to similar systems found on Hybrid vehicles. However, I found its operation interfered with an otherwise refined power train and was perhaps the only concern on the power train.
According to Audi, the Sportback concept, with its rear lift-gate, can offer wagon like utility while still enjoying the styling of a 4 door coupe. 535L of storage with the rear seat backs up expands to 1390L once folded down. A static display of 2 large suitcases and 2 large carry-on bags resting in the cargo area confirmed the practical utility of the design. An optional park assist system helped to steer vehicles both backing up and moving out of parallel parking and regular spots. This system is only available on the A7 at present as it is only compatible with the Electro-Mechanical steering introduced on this model.
At first glance many may have wondered what future the A7 had in the North American market. Lets be honest, not many full-sized or premium vehicles that count 5 doors amongst their list of features, have been sales successes. The reality is the design of the A7 has been so artfully executed that the rear treatment appears more as a short trunk lid than lift-back. Furthermore the rest of the stunning sheet metal will attract enough buyers that I suspect Audi will sell as many as they can build, just on looks alone. The fact that it is a solid performer with excellent road manners and a healthy dose of performance, is just icing on the cake.-autoreviewsonline.com