Audi's A7 Sportback in Dubai

Even though the Audi A7 seems to have come out on top after duking it out with the sand dunes in Dubai, we know there's a lot more to that type of driving than just a capable all-wheel drive system.

To be fair, the desert is no place for any type of premium four door coupe, unless you count the Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe and BMW X6 in that category. But those are SUVs, no matter what the marketing people would have you believe.

We weren't expecting to see an Audi A7 Sportback kicking up sand in the desert, but we're not surprised either. At first you'd think that you would need above average ground clearance in order to even attempt to go sand dune skiing, but that's not necessarily the case.

Believe it or not, except for the all-wheel drive system (and Audi's Quattro does a great job), the most important element in such an endeavor is the driver himself. Knowing how to drive on sand can make up for anything the car might not have going for it.

For example, you can start by lowering your tire pressure in order to increase the size of your "footprint". This improves traction not just on sand but also in snowy conditions. Remember when Jeremy Clarkson did it in one of his Top Gear winter specials?

After that, try to follow a set of already-made tire tracks - which seems to be the case in this video with most of the footage. No reason to assume that the A7 was responsible for all the tracks, right?

Last but not least, when stationary, don't accelerate hard but rather go for a smooth "take off". You can apply the same philosophy to accelerating or braking. Try to be as smooth as possible in order to avoid sand build-up in front of your tires.

Maintaining speed is more important than ground clearance, so never step on the gas like you just stole the car, even if you feel like you're starting to lose traction and coming to a halt. Trust in the all wheel drive system and trust your right foot when it comes to gradually building up speed and keeping it steady.

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2017 Audi A7 Sportback

Marc Lichte joined Audi from VW earlier this year and has already completed the design work on the second-generation A7 Sportback model, expected to arrive in 2017.

Lichte spoke with Autocar magazine and confirmed that the new A7 will feature design elements that have already been seen in the recent Prologue concept at the Los Angeles Motor Show. However, the Prologue previews not just the 2017 A7 Sportback but also the 2016 A8 as well as the 2017 A6 - with all three designs having been already signed off for.

Out of the three models, the A7 will feature the most radical styling, according to Lichte, which is music to our ears since the A7 Sportback is already a very sleek looking car.

The 2017 Audi A7 Sportback will be based on the second-generation MLB platform, while its engine range will probably be hand picked from underneath the 2016 A8's hood.

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2012 Audi S7 Sportback with 420HP Bi-Turbo V8

The force-fed eight-cylinder motor generates an output of 420-horsepower and a peak torque of 550 Nm (405.7 lb-ft), allowing the S7 to complete the 0-100km/h (62mph) sprint in 4.9 seconds and reach an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h (155mph).


The V8, which uses the German firm's “cylinder on demand” technology under part load, consumes on average an estimated 9.7 liters of fuel per 100 km (equal to 24.3mpg US).


A seven-speed S tronic dual clutch transmission and Audi's quattro permanent all-wheel drive system with a self-locking center differential and torque vectoring, transfer power to the ground.
There's also an optional sport differential that distributes the power in variable proportions between the rear wheels.


The S7 Sportback features an adaptive air suspension sport and the Audi drive select dynamics system, while braking is provided by large, internally ventilated disc brakes front and rear. Those willing to dig deep into their pockets can opt for the carbon fiber-ceramic discs.


The exterior changes are fairly subtle and include bespoke front grille and bumper designs, side sills, a different rear bumper that houses a diffuser and quad tail pipes plus 19-inch or optionally, 20-inch wheels.


As for the cabin, the S7 is fitted with sport seats dressed in combination of Pearl Nappa leather and Alcantara (a full leather treatment is optional), a three spoke steering wheel and unique decorative trim.


Audi said first deliveries of the S7 Sportback are scheduled to begin in spring of 2012.

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