The first official images of the all new Audi A7 Sportback are making the internet rounds today ahead of the sport saloon's debut on Monday. These photos, which were sent our way by Carscoop reader Enrico, prove that the production car has stayed remarkably true to the 2009 Detroit Show concept's appearance.

Most differences concern practical details such as the shape and size of the exterior mirrors, and the air-inlets on the front bumper. The car also keeps the show car's five-door body style with a practical rear hatch.

In a similar fashion, the styling of the interior is almost identical to the concept, sans the colors and the decorative trim. From what we know, the just-under 5-meters long A7 Sportback will be strictly for four passengers.

Mechanically, the A5 Sportback's big brother is heavily based on the next generation of the A6 and according to our sources, at launch it will be offered with both diesel and gasoline V6 engines including the new 3.0-liter TSI unit with some 290-horsepower. It goes without saying that the A7 Sportback will be available with Audi's Quattro all-wheel drive system and S-tronic dual clutch transmissions.

Expect to see performance-oriented S7 and RS7 variants, as well as a hybrid model being added to the range within the next year or so.

The A7 Sportback will slot between the A6 and A8 executive saloons with its main competitors being the new Mercedes-Benz CLS and the BMW 5-Series GT (at least until BMW unveils the production version of the Gran Coupe).



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