By SEMA News Editors
Audi A7 Hybrid Prototype Spotted in Germany
New spy shots from Germany have revealed a prototype of the new Audi A7 hybrid sedan undergoing testing, according to SEMA News sources.
For those not ready to fully embrace electric charging just yet, the future Audi A7 family will still feature traditional gasoline engines. These engines will be based on an updated version of Audi's Premium Platform Combustion (PPC) platform, which will run alongside the electric PPE platform.
Future models are expected to include mild hybrids or plug-in hybrids, sources said, featuring larger batteries capable of delivering up to 62 miles of pure electric range. The A7 is expected to prioritize four-cylinder engines, making the future of the eight-cylinder RS6 uncertain. However, high-performance S and RS models may still utilize a plug-in hybrid system with six cylinders, according to insiders.
While the combustion and electric models will differ in terms of technology, they will look similar in design. The new A7 bears a resemblance to the A6 e-tron Concept shown in 2021, with both featuring sleek single-frame grilles, flared fenders nodding to Audi's quattro heritage and slim LED headlights and taillights.
Inside, expect similarities in cockpit design and user interface between the Audi A6 e-tron and the future A7. The options for touchscreen, steering wheel and voice controls will remain, but the cockpit's widescreen will feature adaptive layouts that tailor the display to specific driving conditions, showing only the information needed at any given time.
Genesis GV60 Getting Refresh, Increased Range
Genesis is giving the GV60 a refresh with updates to its appearance and improved range.
Visual tweaks to the front and rear include redesigned bumpers and a new light signature. The black camo reveals a few details, such as the sensor island and a honeycomb grille in the lower section of the front bumper. The front bumper's side air intakes will adopt a more conventional look.
The headlights remain mostly unchanged, but the upper and lower sections now have six and seven modules instead of five. Slight tweaks are also visible at the rear, with the rear spoiler incorporating a modified light strip.
Mid-life updates usually include finer materials and upgraded equipment, so expect these as well, insiders said. The GV60 has already been launched with the new cockpit standard in modern Hyundai, Kia and Genesis vehicles, so significant changes here are unlikely. The facelifted models should adopt Hyundai's next-generation infotainment system called the Connected Car Navigation Cockpit. This system includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and supports over-the-air software updates.
The Genesis GV60 will likely feature a larger 84-kWh battery pack, up from the current 77.4-kWh pack, improving the range beyond the current estimate of 292 miles for the RWD model. The GV60 will also incorporate the Active Air Skirt system, sources said, which consists of two slats that extend in front of the wheels to improve aerodynamic efficiency. The slats deploy at speeds above 50 mph and retract when the speed drops below 43 mph. Tests have shown that the AAS can reduce drag by up to 2.8% on a Genesis GV60 test vehicle.