The 2016 Audi A7 shown in Euro-spec.
Audi’s popular A6 and A7 models will both be getting mid-cycle upgrades, and the German luxury maker is offering a sneak peek at what’s to come when the 2016 models make their formal debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show next week.
We got a first glimpse at the Paris show, a month back, but the L.A. introduction will focus on the U.S.-spec models which will, among other things, bring to the States Audi’s new 2.0-liter TFSI inline-four engine. The S-models will get increased performance, and both the A6 and A7 will feature what Audi calls a more “athletic, taut design.”
There’ll also be more technology coming, including standard LED headlights on the 2016 Audi A7, an optional night vision system, and the new Secondary Collision Assist technology which, Audi explains, “can automatically apply the brakes to help avoid secondary collisions.”
The US-spec 2016 Audi A6.
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“The 2016 A6 and A7 model lines will continue to drive our momentum in the upper-premium market by elevating the standard for vehicle technology,” said Scott Keogh, President, Audi of America. “These cars represent the perfect balance of beautiful design, efficiency and performance.”
From a visual standpoint, the basic shapes carry over for both the 2016 Audi A6 sedan and Audi A7 coupe-like sedan. But the Singleframe grille is a little more dynamic in appearance. In the rear, the two models both feature LED taillights and adopt new trapezoidal tailpipes. The S6 and S7 can be ordered with black oval sport exhausts.
Both interiors now offer optional ventilated massaging seats and carbon fiber inserts are available on the sporty S6 and S7 models.
Audi will offer the new 2.0-liter TFSI engine only on the FWD version of the 2016 A6.
The bigger changes focus on Audi’s upgraded suite of technologies. Connectivity is bumped up with the addition of 4G LTE which makes available an in-car WiFi hot spot. The Modular Infotainment Platform goes with new NVIDIA display technology which, Audi says, can be upgraded, much like a desktop computer, as more advanced hardware comes along.
(Click Here for a first look at the Cadillac ATS-V coming to the LA Auto Show next week.)
Other safety features include Active Lane Assist and Audi Side Assist, as well as an optional Head-Up Display.
Under the hood, Audi will now offer the TFSI engine on the front-wheel-drive version of the A6. Paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch S tronic gearbox it makes 252 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. The base 2.0T engine, making 220-hp and 258 lb-ft, will remain in the line-up, and the TDI package will carry over unchanged. But the 3.0T sees its pony count jump by 23, to 333 horsepower.
The S6 and S7, meanwhile, gain 30 hp, jumping to 450 horsepower and 406 lb-ft. And the RS7 will punch out 560-hp and 516 lb. ft. of torque through the signature Audi Quattro all-wheel-drive system.
(Click Here to check out the three new models Porsche plans to reveal at this year’s LA Auto Show.)