2017 Audi A7 spied testing

A test mule for the second-generation Audi A7 has been spotted testing. It's expected to get a lighter chassis and styling from the Prologue concept car

A chassis mule for the second generation 2017 Audi A7 has been spotted testing, ahead of an expected launch in 2017.

The next version of the A7 is due to use a new second-generation MLB chassis, which is expected to be lighter than that underneath the current car that first went on sale in 2010.

The look of the new model was previewed by the Prologue concept car, which made its international debut at the 2014 LA motor show. According to company insiders, the Prologue’s looks were created after the A7’s design was signed off. It also previews the look of the next A8 and the forthcoming Audi A9, which is set to be a rival for the Mercedes S-Class Coupe. However, Audi has said that each has its own look, and the A7 is set to be the most radical of the three.

The Prologue concept featured an aluminium and high-strength steel body, and was 126mm longer and 30mm lower than the current A7, with official figures of 5100mm and 1390mm respectively, and 39mm wider at 1950mm.

The current A7 Sportback was only face-lifted last year, with the revised car shown at the 2014 Paris motor show before going on sale at the end of the year. The new version is expected to continue with the same five-door layout as the current model.