Does anyone know why the A7 doesn't have a Sport Package choice with all-season tires? The same is available on the A6 and A8. I live in the Northeast and like the Sport Package features but don't want to hassle with winter tire changes...

Am I missing something?

Actually, it looks like the 2011 A8 doesn't have a Sport Package choice anymore...but the 2012 A6 does...as did my 2006 A8...

That's consistent across the line. Audi, as most luxury manufacturers, assumes that if you want performance suspension you also want dedicated Summer performance tires.

I use my 19" Sport package Summer tires, with a dedicated set of (smaller diameter 18" rim) Winter snow tires.

Does anyone know why the A7 doesn't have a Sport Package choice with all-season tires? The same is available on the A6 and A8. I live in the Northeast and like the Sport Package features but don't want to hassle with winter tire changes...

Am I missing something?

That's consistent across the line. Audi, as most luxury manufacturers, assumes that if you want performance suspension you also want dedicated Summer performance tires.

Actually, the Audi A6, Mercedes E and S class all provide a sport package (some combination of larger nicer wheels, paddle shifters, taughter suspension, etc.) with all-season tires...

The new A6 doesnt.


It seems manufacturers are starting to shy away from "all-season" tire options in performance/sports packages due to liability reasons.

There are a range of rubber properties available for "all-season" and because in Canada some are just too brittle
in winter they have been outlawed unless specifically compounded to be soft in colder temperatures (I think there is a symbol they then can use on the sidewall). Quebec, for example requires winter tires after extensive studies.
Ontario now is tracking type of tires on vehicles involved in winter time accidents because the stopping distance
differences are huge. Even without snow.

The new A6 doesnt.


It seems manufacturers are starting to shy away from "all-season" tire options in performance/sports packages due to liability reasons.

Audi does offer AS tires in the 18" Sport Pkg...from the Audi USA 2012 A6 configurator:

18" Sport Package
For more performance-oriented handling characteristics, the 18" Sport Package includes a specially tuned, lower, firmer sport suspension. The 18 " 5-double-spoke alloy wheels have a bold, aggressive design and come equipped with all-season tires. The Sport Package includes a three-spoke, multifunction steering wheel with shift paddles, allowing effortless, race-inspired gear shifting while enabling you to keep your hands on the wheel.

Overlooked that. Didnt think anyone would consider the 18" pkg. At the tire size offered in the 18" package, they're probably not as concerned as concerned with the "all season" performance.



What we were referring to is the lower profile "all season" tires with a profile of 40 or below. As mentioned above there's been concerns with these tires of the past few years and car companies are shying away from them now, offering summer tires and providing disclaimers that these tires are not suitable for winter weather driving.

Ie... they dont want you to think you can "cowboy" your car around in the snow just because it has Quattro or any other 4wd/AWD system along with "all season" tires.

What we were referring to is the lower profile "all season" tires with a profile of 40 or below..

I wasn't referring to 40 or below. What I was referring to was a way to get the other features of a sport package (eg, nicer wheels--even if not low profile; paddles; suspension; bodywork--sometimes) without needing to swap tires. My '06 A8 has just that and has been great in Boston winters. I've tried high performance tires on snow and they're useless. Hence my interest.

Actually, it looks like the 2011 A8 doesn't have a Sport Package choice anymore...but the 2012 A6 does...as did my 2006 A8...


Sport Package still available on D4 A8---but only on NWB cars ($5,900 retail); not available on LWB platform. From the 2011 & 2012 Order Guides:

Sport package (PPT -- n/a with WTH, PRK, PEZ)
-20" five-triple-spoke wheels with 265/40 R20 summer tires
-22 way sport/comfort seat with pneumatic lumbar support and multicontour
-Adaptive air suspension sport
-Front seat ventilation and massage
-Dynamic steering
-Valcona leather with sport stitched diamond look
-quattro sport differential

For LWB cars, you can order the Drive Select Plus package which does have the quattro sport differential and dynamic steering. I have that on my car, and it does significantly add to the car's handling and stability.

I asked the same thing... Live in Boston and want the A-7 with the sports package and all season tires. I don't want to change tires every season.

Lived in Boston as well, so I know the winters... Had a 3.2Q TT before and switched from all seasons to summer and winter tires. The difference is uncanny...

Perhaps you can work it out with your dealer to install the all season tires on your sport package wheels. I don't have the sport package but I have the 20 inch wheels with ultra high performance all season tires

I'd just say get the sprots package and then go and get a set of winter tires one size down IF you really need to have winter tires. All season tires do not have the required grip and traction to work in really winter/artic temps. They are a nice compromise if you get <1 or so of snow less than a handful of times a year and it really doesn't get cold where you live. BUT if you do get the white stuff and ice...and it goes below 30 frequently you NEED winter tires. Skimping on $1000 worth of winter tires will dwarf your repair bills when your A7 goes off the road or someone slides into you cause you couldn't get out of the way or you get yourself stuck and have to get towed out or have to abandon your vehicle in very bad winter weather. My 2 cents and experiences. :)