Do you like the look of the diesel Audi A7, but think it isn't quick enough? Audi may just have the car for you. The A7 Sportback 3.0 TDI competition is a more powerful version of the standard A7 3.0 TDI, with special styling cues to celebrate 25 years of Audi's TDI technology.
Under the A7 competiton's hood is an uprated version of the A7's 3.0-liter twin-turbo diesel engine. Changes to the V6's camshafts and charging give the vehicle an extra 6 hp (5 kW), bumping the A7's power output up to 326 hp (240 kW). The 650 Nm (480 lb.ft) torque stays the same, and is available between 1,400 and 2,800 RPM. Despite the extra power, the engine still meets Euro 6 emissions standards.
On top of the power upgrade, Audi has fitted the A7 competition with an overboost function that briefly gives drivers an extra 20 hp (15 kW) of power under full acceleration. The extra power, combined with overboost, allows the A7 3.0 TDI competition to accelerate from 0-62 mph (100 km/h) in 5.1 seconds, compared to the standard 3.0 TDI's 5.3 second sprint time.
The engine is coupled to Audi's 8-speed tiptronic gearbox, which can be manually controlled via paddles on the steering wheel.
To show the world that you're not driving a normal A7, Audi has fitted competition cars with its "S" package. The car sits 20 mm (0.8 in) lower than the standard A7, and is fitted with black 20-inch wheels wrapped in tires measuring 265/35. The unique wheels hide red brake calipers, that clamp down on 17-inch front discs.
Black is a theme that runs throughout the A7's exterior, the competition model has gloss black exhaust tips and black exterior mirror caps.
Inside, the A7's leather seats can be trimmed in silver or black, and come standard with Audi's "S" line embossing. If you crave a bit more individuality, you can also opt for contrast stitching in red or gray. The competition's dash and door trims are finished in black "Beaufort" wood and aluminum.
Up front, the A7 competition is fitted with the same LED headlights as all other A7 models, but can come with the option of Audi's LED Matrix headlights that were previewed on the Nanuk Concept. It is also available with Audi's night vision assist system.
The special edition A7 can be had in Audi's Nardo and Daytona shades of gray, as well as red and blue. Order books are open from the start of August, with deliveries set to begin in the Northern Hemisphere's Fall. Prices start from US$96,900 (€72,000).
Source: Audi
