Sports Cars Pictures

2012 Audi A7 Sportback

Audi claims that one small strip (1.2 inches wide, 0.08 inch thick) of the high-strength, lightweight, hot-shaped steel used in much of the new A7 Sportback's body is so strong that it could suspend five A7s, each one roughly 4000 pounds. That's one strong bookmark. Arguably more noteworthy than the super steel is the fact that feathery aluminum makes up nearly 20 percent of the Sportback's bod, including the hood, hatch, doors, and front fenders, resulting in a relatively light curb weight. A BMW 535i xDrive GT, in comparison, tips the scales with about 700 extra pounds.
But what really makes Audi's new blend of coupe, sedan, and wagon so special? Ah, that would be its elegant and sporty sheetmetal, a dead ringer for the drop-dead-gorgeous Sportback concept unveiled at the 2009 Detroit auto show. Full LED headlamps are available (Xenon plus lamps are standard), while the taillamps are made up entirely of LEDs, sans the reverse light. Moreover, the side-view mirrors sport LED indicators, and the CHMSL is a thin LED strip that extends above the back window across the width of the hatch. At the base of the rear deck resides an integrated spoiler that subtly sleeps until 80 mph, when it extends upwards for increased down force. Back to those side mirrors: They're mounted on the doors, a la the R8, to give the A7 a more sports-car feel. Another subtle but significant design cue is the small, rear window incorporated into the sweeping C-pillar that harks back to that of the 1969 100 Coupe S.