A NEXT-GENERATION Audi A7 Sportback has been snapped in saucy S7 guise doing the rounds of Germany’s famous Nurburgring race circuit, about a year before it is revealed.

Brandishing Audi’s new design direction under styling boss Marc Lichte and first seen in the 2014 Prologue Concept Car, the A7 Sportback looks sleeker and sharper than the existing six-year-old model, sitting on a longer wheelbase, wider tracks, with less rear overhang, and sporting more slender LED lighting.

Also tipped to grow inside, it will be part of a barrage of big, new Audis slated for launch over the next year or so, including the fifth-gen A8 limousine coming soon, as well as the Mk8 A6 four-door sedan and wagon on which the second A7 Sportback will basically be based.

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Along with the Mercedes-Benz CLS and BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe, this Audi will also contend with the Tesla Model S.

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Have spy pics of your own? We’d love to see them. Just email them to wheels@wheelsmag.com.au