Audi is the winner of 2011 AUTO BILD design award

Juror James Kelly, head of the Transportation Design department at Pforzheim University in Germany, said, “The design of the Audi A7 Sportback was the best in the group by far. The low tail section is especially impressive! I’d buy it immediately.”

Juror Othmar Wickenheiser, professor of Transportation Design at the Munich University of Applied Sciences, added, “An absolutely harmonious design concept. Unembellished flanks, sinewy shoulders, streamlined sides – perfect.”

Well-known architect and design critic Hans-Ulrich von Mende and Prof. Paolo Tumminelli of the International School of Design in Cologne selected the Audi A7 Sportback as winner based on proportions, styling, innovation, haptics and quality.

Haptics refers to the way technology interacts with humans through the sense of touch.

“We are extremely pleased with this achievement – to be selected by a jury of such experts in the field of design,” said Stefan Sielaff, Head of Audi Design. “The award confirms the outstanding position of the Audi A7 Sportback within the competitive field, and the excellent response from our customers confirms the appeal of this car.”

A7 Sportback comes with one of four V6 engines – two gasoline-powered and two diesel-powered. They have outputs between 204 hp and 300 hp that set a standard for this class of vehicle.

The new 3.0 TDI generating 204 hp, which will be available for order soon, coupled to a multitronic transmission will get an average of 44.4 mpg with a remarkably low level of CO2 emissions.

All these engines utilize a recuperation system, thermal management and a start-stop system.

The German manufacturer continues to make inroads into American hearts, driveways and garages.