Audi coupe four-door out for Benz CLS?

Audi doesn't exactly have the exclusive franchise on good-looking cars, but this voluptuous sedan snapped recently by the chaps at Carparazzi shows its next target is the gorgeous, much-admired Mercedes-Benz CLS sedan-coupe -- as well as the road-going version of the BMW Concept CS show car that is expected to be dubbed 8 Series when it arrives, reportedly, some time in 2010.

With the likelihood it will be dubbed A7, the deliberately low-slung, slinky Audi sedan is said to be scheduled for a 2010 release and will be based on the same platform as the next generation A6. It will be aimed, like the CLS Benz, a step above "regular" models.

The sloping rear roofline of this test mule photographed through a long lens suggests the A7, unlike the CLS Benz, could be in line for a hatchback tail.

The buzz is that the A7 would embrace Audi 4WD mechanicals across the range, although there has been speculation that a front-drive "entry" version may go on offer.

Audi has a formidable array of powerplants available for the A7 but, given the upmarket nature of this Mercedes CLS rival, it's likely that working-class engines will be avoided and the range will start at least with the 245kW supercharged TFSI  V6 that will be seen in the next S4.

Audi's 309kW 4.2-litre V8 -- from the R8 -- and the S8's 5.2-litre V10 that develops as much as 331kW, could also be considered contenders -- as would be the 240kW 4.1-litre turbodiesel V8 from the current A8.

The transmission choices are vast -- Audi is particularly prolific here in its list of possibilities -- and could range from six-speed manual to seven-speed dual-clutch S tronic DSG, to six-speed Tiptronic auto. An eight-speed Audi dual-clutch transmission is also on the way, according to industry sources.

The Carparazzi team believes Audi will not use the complex and thirsty W12 engine in the A7.

To comment on this article click here