It seems that Audi really wants to be one of the best makers ever. And with the new Audi R8 just launched and with all the new models set to come it has all the chances to make it true. The last rumors arround are about the A7 Coupe and Convertible, which start arriving in 2009. The A7 is a direct competitor for the Mercedes CLS four-door coupe.

The new A7 is based on Audi’s upcoming mid-sized Q5 platform and powered by a range of six feisty petrol and diesel engines with paddle-shift S tronic (nee DSG) transmissions as standard. Both four-seater coupe and convertible will sit on a modular new platform architecture with all-wheel drive quattro drivetrains that have a strong rear-end bias for driver-oriented handling.

The A7 will be powered by the Audi’s top-end petrol and diesel engines. Expect the range to kick off with the 260bhp 3.2-litre V6 and 350bhp 4.2-litre V8 FSI direct injection petrols and 235bhp 3.0-litre V6 and 325bhp 4.2-litre V8 TDI units. No four-cylinder engines are planned and even Audi’s miracle engineers admit they can’t squeeze in the mighty W12 under the A7’s bonnet. The engine range will be further bolstered by the later arrival of the R8-sourced 450bhp 5.2-litre V10.