Thanks jerneric21...after hearing a few reports of good things about it, your experience puts me over the edge. Since I'm new to my city, I think it makes sense....
I have an impression that bnolan7534 lives in an Audi S4 infested neighborhood. I mean so many pull up next to his Benz... or maybe they are not S4 after all?
question (I don't have the numbers in front of me) if S4 is 2 seconds faster to 60mph than 300M and A6 2.7T is also 2 seconds faster to 60mph than 300M, then S4 and A6 2.7T have the same 0-60? But A6 is bigger and heavier...
Audi lists S4 0-60 as 5.9 secs. Audi lists A6 2.7T 0-60 as 6.0 secs.
Both have 250HP.
S4 is 3593lbs. 2.7T is 3759lbs.
Both are sticks. Neither includes very common options such as the sunroof.
Many people say they can do 0-60 in less than 5.9 in their S4's. I can't argue with that. some tests have even shown it lower. Aftermarket tests have shown the A6 2.7T figure to be spot on. They come up 6.0's every time. Anyway, I don't see enough consensus info yet to rate the S4 as anything but 5.9 0-60.
So, to make a long story short, they have similar weights and similar 0-60 times.
The Bridgestone Potenza reo40 stock tires are to soft for this car.I never had a new car with stock tires that were any good to begin with.It has been my experience that michelin makes the better so called all weather tire. Best rain tire you can buy, however you may give up some cornering grip. All depends wer and how one drives. In regards to s-4 cost, paid 1000 below msrp for a 2000 model aug. 6th 2000. In regards to acceleration who cares how fast it goes from 0-60, all I care about as to how fast it goes from 60-100 so I can get out of MB C43s'way.
I would love to learn how to drive stick (one attempt ended in the wall af a 16 story apartment building But wife hates stick, so I can only drive automatics.
A6 2.7T TIP (auto tranny) is 0-60 in 6.6 secs tests have backed that up also. S4 0-60 TIP is listed by Audi as 0-60 as 6.5 secs. I have seen no tests of Tiptronic S4's in magazines, so I don't know how accurate the figure is.
The choice of manual vs. stick is a free option on both the S4 and A6 2.7T. S4 is stick standard, TIP as a free option, A6 2.7T is the other way around.
Hi jat, my S4 uses german manufactured Michelin Pilot SX 225/45/ZR 17 MXX3 rated tyres. As mentioned before 40thousand km and wear tolerable. In the wet they're a magnificent tyre, the only problems are at speeds over 180kph due to aquaplaning (on good grip roads). These tyres have 3 smooth ribs around the circumference and these cause the problems.
I've spoken to people with Dunlops and they have aquaplaning problems at 120kph! Pirellis? leave the car in the garage in the wet, at least that's my experience with these, superb dry tyres but theres relatively little rain in Italy and they don't know how to make a rain tyre!
ONE problem with cross-atlantic recommendations though, I've spoken to Michelin Karlsruhe and have a friend in Michelin Nova-Scotia working in quality control. Theres a difference in rubber composition between Germany and North America. How far this affects the performance is unknown to me and to the Michelin people, at least they're not letting on!
I've almost always used Michelin on Audis (now my 14th audi) and always regretted using another tyre. Just one tip, don't ever use Continental they're the biggest load of crap ever to come off a production line. OK for tractors, benzs and other low-life!!! )
I was interested in your comment about Dunlop's performance in wet weather. First, The following comparisons were pulled from tirerack.com Both tires rated well overall, and the Dunlop is a very good wet weather tire. Second, I own a set of the 9000's and have run 100+ (that's mph) on a wet autobahn. Holds the road real well. An Audi TT spun out in front of me doing about 90mph. Guess he was running Pilot SX's! Two other tires compared with the 9000 were Yokohama AVS Sport and Bridgestone Potenza S-O2 Pole Position. Bottom line: these tires are good wet weather tires. The driver, depth of water on pavement, reaction to conditions, etc. are considerations never factored into the formulas. There are no "perfect conditions" on wet roads, meaning these tires are all going to get fairly decent ratings, to include Dunlop! Read on.
- The most immediately recognizable features of the SP Sport 9000 is its distinctive tread design. It has a distinctly directional pattern that is comprised of many relatively narrow "fingers" of varying lengths. In Dunlop's testing this design was shown to spray water to the sides of the tire enhancing hydroplaning resistance and wet traction. The SP Sport 9000 also features a tread compound that has a very high silica content to further enhance wet traction while improving wear and even reducing rolling resistance.
On the track the Pilot SX came into its element. Very crisp steering response and high levels of cornering and braking grip make the Pilot SX a favorite. While not tested this time, the Pilot SX's wide tread widths and rib type tread design make it more susceptible to high speed, deep water hydroplaning.
Hi bigcocont, Thanks for the input. We have no SP9000 here, perhaps they're the equivalent to the SP40 dunlops. Thats the comparison I was making! I digress.......... The TT has a tracking problem thats probably why it span out, thats also why they're so successful (not) at present in the present german sports car championships! Think about it even a benz is leaving them! They should go back to the A4 sport.
The Michelins are great, of course depending on the road surface, if one has a slick(smooth surface (as a lot of french motorways are) then the pre-aquaplaning speed is well down about 140kph. The same tyre on a local german motorway with similar rain conditions are ok for 180kph! But I'm NOT talking about tropical downpours with inches of water on the road!
The Michelins have also supoerior cornering abilities in the dry and the wet, try cornering on our black forest windy roads at speeds (illegal) of over 150kph with the dunlops!
I've driven in the Black Forrest, but only in my Golf GTI. I believe my S4 with the 9000's can hold most corners (speeding of course). Quattro is a wonderful thing and does wonders to reduce stress, like high speed cornering (I've experienced this a few times). As for the competition, a 911 backed off at 80mph on an exit ramp as I rolled by him at 100 (true story). That was before the Dunlops! Anyway, as mentioned before, only professionals under optimum conditions can determine a better tire for a given section of road. I'm not a pro and may never know the limits of my car and tires. We can only go by what the "tests" indicate. I recently added 70hp to my car bumping it to 320. Haven't put "her" through the paces (damn autobahn had too much traffic). On a side note: saw a S8 at the dealer yesterday. That car is a BEAST!!!!!!
Big Coconut Usually I lose 911s at our local interchange A5 to A98 from the north. In the S4 I can take this with a good margin of safety at 180kph. I last left a beetle sports (911 Carerra) hanging on the crash rails because he thought he could corner like the S4.
Mine has now 412 PS (local Tuner called Koch), after the 320PS Abt version was too slow. New coolers new exhaust manifold etc. 0-100kph (60mph) in 4,3 secs, without laying rubber, top end no faster due to rev blocker at 6800rpm but I'm looking for a longer 6th gear. Know anyone who does this?
Driven the S8 on the "Nordschleife" (the old 16 mile GrandPrix course) at Nurburgring in October '99 at the Audi advanced driver training. Took it as fast as I dared which was bl**dy quick, but afterwards Jocki Kleint (an ex works Golf world cup rally guy, who also did Pikes Peak 3 years on the trot) showed me, and 2 others in the car what real speed on that course was. I felt rather slow after that! When you're next in the black Forest e-mail me, we'll share comments....... ghg@ghg.de
Note well: Car and Driver magazine clocked the S4 6-speed at 5.5 secs in their 0-60 test. Audi specs say 5.9 seconds (and then says that lower times have been noted). I think the auto time was 6.4 seconds. In other words, the specs of this car ("only" 250hp) are very conservative. Note that a simple $500 microchip change in the engine compartment will reveal its true capabilities; namely, 305hp and 360 ft-lbs of torque!!! Check out audiworld.com for details.
Does anyone know if there is a kit to replace the bird's eye maple wood trim in the S4 with the brushed aluminum trim? I really like the aluminum, but I can't find a dealer in the Chicago area who has one in stock (Silver exterior, 6 speed, black with silver alcantara). I'd be willing to go with a silver exterior and black leather interior, but I really don't like the look of the wood. Any ideas?
I've ordered an S4 (currently in 93 90cs), I seem to go through a set of tires a year no matter what the tread life rating. What would be the best tire in a high desert environment (not a lot of bad weather).
Three of you have mentioned upgrades from 305HP/350Torque to 390HP with various chips. Can you guys tell me what parts you used in your S4's? Where I can find them? Thanks for your time and information!!!
At the moment I'm dealing with a company in D.C. called Autothority. You can check out the site at autothority.com. They claim their module (chip) and air filter will add approx 70hp and close to 80 ftlbs more torque. These guys know their stuff. The site also has some good info on the frequently asked Q & A's.
I would love to be in control of Australian roads with an S4. If I had all the money in the world, there would be an S4 parked outside my front door. But AUS$120,000 compared to my beloved Audi90Quattro.. how do you guys do it ? Own the S4 ?
i heard rumors the other day from my uncle who happens to work at an audi dealership that come 2002 audi will release an s4 convertible! this baby will retain its four doors with the rear ones being modified into a suicide door configuration. just like big old american convertibles. like i said, these are rumors, but id definately be first in line to get one of those suckers.
I'm an extremely satisfied S4 owner of almost 2 months (silver w/onyx, 6 spd). The more I drive it, the more I like it. Already going in for my 5000 mi check this weekend - gotta drive 3 hrs to do it!
I head up to Summit Co Colorado at least once a month (have cut the 475 mile trip to just under 7 hrs) and looking for appropriate tires for the high country. Leaning towards the Dunlop Winter Sport M2 (H-rated). Any comments? Know of any 'all season' compromises that are worthwhile?
Already have one windshield sacrificed to the rock god, but the front end is still in pristine shape, and I want to keep it that way!
Also bought the Mondial bike rack from Nashbar.com, but I confess haven't installed it yet.
I am a big fan of my V-1 radar detector too! I fly military jets, and like the "SA" that it gives me!! Unfortunately, I just got a speeding ticket tonight with "instant on". [I hate those road [non-permissible content removed]!] I was going home at a leisurely 70 mph in 55 at night. The detector went off, indicating a low power setting, and then went blank. I immediately downshifted (to avoid painting the countryside red with my brakelights) and slowed to 55. As the two cars passed me opposite direction (we're out in the middle of nowhere), I didn't see a cop. I shrugged my shoulders and began to resume speed again. It was the next car that was the wolf.
My V-1 lit up like a christmas tree and there was nothing I could do...67 in a 55, on a straight country backwoods road. What danger is that to anyone? Why can't I enjoy the simple freedom of enjoying something I have worked really hard to be able to afford, without being molested by the states nannys!! I really don't like how we try to legislate common sense in america... especially when they make it a source of revenue...end of the month, gotta make revenue, etc...
I feel better now...
Lesson learned: the V-1 is an increadibly sensitive machine... If you get what looks like a false alarm in a location you don't normally get false alarms, (I leave it in Logic mode, vs adv logic mode, for increased sensitivity) there's probably a "bogey" out there. I should have been more cautious, especially at night. I guess I was lucky I didn't fell like doing 90mph like I have other times!
At least I hope someone else will benefit from my little story, and won't let "the man" keep those of us able to think and drive at the same time down in our very capable machines!!
It looks kind of like an A6. I think that audi is going for that family resemblance look. Is the S4 going to look like an A6 too? Is that going to kill the already shakey resale of the current S4's? Does anyone have a link to pictures of the new A4?
The current A4 looks too old in the same way Lauren Hutton does. They are still both beautiful. Which is something I doubt is ever going to be said about the "updated" A4.
In the 12/00 European Car mag, pg.15. The new A4 looks to me a bit different than the ones on the websites. I think in this mag, it actually looks better. I wonder how many pounds it has dropped
I don't know guys, I'm not sold on the new A4's looks just yet. Looks like a baby A6, which in theory should make the new A4 gorgeous, but I don't know yet. I need to see the U.S. version with body color bumpers and front/rear ends.
I wouldn't agree. The 70's 240Z looks old in the way Lauren Hutton does (how about Isabella Rosalini?). Or a 56 'Vette. Or an old T-Bird. The old A4 doesn't look old like a Pontiac Transport looks old or a '90 Vette looks old, which is to say very dated. But it still is far too chunky in back. Stand about 10 feet out from the front fender at look at the rear quarter panel and how it blends (fails to) with the tail. That line formed by the bumper, tail, and tailights is nasty.
Most of the people who are complaing that the new A4 will never look classic are those who have the current A4. They are obviously biased, and having something vested in the A4 not changing much.
bollinger, there's undoubtedly some truth to what you said but as a non-owner of an A4 I can tell you that I don't think the new design stacks up at all compared to the current A4. The new design is OK but there's no way it will age as gracefully as the current A4 has in my opinion.
As the new A4 more greatly resembles the A6, below is Edmunds reviews of the A4 and A6 styling repectively. I doubt that the reviewers owns either car.
A4 As a single friend of mine once told me, "It doesn't matter how smart, funny, or well-mannered the person at the end of the bar is; if they aren't attractive enough to cause a stir, they are probably going to spend the night alone." From the reaction we've received on the road with our test car, we're fairly certain that this A4 won't be spending too many quiet nights at home. Like the cute, vivacious blonde you remember from your freshman year, the Audi A4 is wearing the latest clothes from the coolest stores. Its airy greenhouse sits like a cool pair of shades atop the A4's broad shoulders and well-rounded rump. Its strong nose extends out to the car's playfully grinning front end. The no-nonsense 5-spoke alloy wheels lend an air of serious sophistication to the A4, but we all know that this car will be the life of the party at fraternity blowouts. Unlike many cars, the A4 is able to incorporate functionality into its striking design. The A4's greenhouse gives passengers the impression that they are riding in larger car than they really are. The car's high roofline and wide doors make it easier to climb in and out of the A4 than most of its competition. The Audi's short front and rear overhangs make parallel parking the A4 a breeze. The deep trunk, which lends the car that beautifully bubbly rear-end, makes loading and unloading groceries into the A4 a back-saving operation.
A6 Next up on our hit parade is the styling. Audi departed rather drastically from the previous A6, as well as the A4 and A8, with this new design. Viewed from the side, the A6 is elegant, mainly due to its simple adornment, chrome window surround, and gracefully arcing greenhouse. But as you close in on the corners and ends of the car, it’s easy to get a bad taste for this latest Audi. Plainly, Audi is moving toward the stylistic theme set by the TT Coupe and Roadster concept cars of 1996. Nobody we know thought either of those models was attractive, and we’re having trouble finding anyone who thinks the new A6 is the hottest thing around. Several who viewed the car called it blob-like. Viewed straight on at the front, the car looks bulldogish, aggressive and fat at the same time. The rear is quite plain, and while others find the taillights attractive, they remind me of what you’d find on a current Chevrolet S-10 pickup. At night, the A6’s butt could be mistaken for that on a Dodge Avenger. Ah, wait, hold the e-mail folks. We know some of you love the look, and that’s your prerogative. We don’t, and that’s our prerogative
As the text you pasted mentioned, styling is subjective. and as to "from the response we've received from our test car, this car won't be spending any quiet nights at home". Well, I can simply say that the current A4/S4 gets absolutely no attention around here anymore. It turns far fewer heads than the A6.
Despite what people say, the new A4 styling is all that much like the A6 anyway. The front is radically different (A6 front end is snitched off a Camry as far as I can tell), and the rear end is much less round, and lacks the difficult-to-ignore (read ugly) big black license plate surround.
I can't see how so many people can condemn a car design they haven't even seen yet. Also, given how much A6 owners grow to like the styling on their cars (I hated the rear end initially), I think putting the new A4 down as never being a classic is incredibly premature.
Remember how the original Taurus was said to be spacey and super-round? Go back and look at it and look at it now. It's the squarest thing on the road.
I agree. I didn't like the styling at first, but then again most people don't like change. The more I looked at the new A4, the more I liked it maybe even better than my current A4.
I tend to agree with bollinger even tho I still think the new A4 look is blah comapred to the current and outgoing model. We just have to get used to it. However what bugs me is that, Audi is making pretty much all their car look too similar. Before that you can easily distinguish an A4 and an A6 to an A8. But now I would have a hard time trying to figure out which is which. Also not likt i's gonna happen. Some cheeko with a few well placed badges can make their Passat look like the new A4!
Take a look at the front end of an A6 (not 4.2) and a Camry from dead on. Try to ignore the huge four rings on the Audi.
If you look at them, the hood slopes down almost the same, the grille is similarly sloped and shaped. Bumper line is quite similar also.
They are very similar to my eye. Perhaps my eye isn't well trained.
I agree Audi's are looking pretty similar. From the front, they are at a crisis point. The A4 and A6 are almost identical (except the 4.2), you have to judge the tip in of the greenhouse and overall size to get an idea. The A6 4.2 front end is basically stolen off an A8, the area under the bumper is different, but since you rarely see A8's, it's tough to keep that straight in your head.
The new A4 front end looks less like the A6 or A8 than before due to the rounding, a little more like the TT, but it's far too large to be mistaken for one.
The back end of the new A4 and A6 seem similar at first glance, but aren't nearly close enough to mistake one for the other. The A4 has a different curve, some markings near the top of the curve, has visible exhausts, and most obviously lacks the license plate surround.
As to the Passat, at a glance, it is similar to the A6, because the taillights are in the same place, but the lack of any curve back there is a giveaway.
I'd say Audi is doing a decent job differentiating their cars (and the Passat), but I wouldn't exactly give them high marks. They could do a lot better.
Of course, MB stole the rear off the zillion dollar CL500 and threw in on the C-class derived CLK. Then they migrated the headlights (with changes) from the S500 to the new C class. They are mixing things up a little too much also, but nearly as much as Audi.
I don't see any resemblance at all between a Camry's front end and the A6's. The Camry has a tupperware front end with hardly any details and the Audi is the exact opposite. Mercedes has been using the styling cues for the biggest cars on their smallest ones for years. The 190 look like the S of the day, as did the previous C looked like a smaller 1992-1999 S-Class, this is not a new trend at Mercedes.
Our Italian friend over in the sports car conference mentioned something about the "new" s4 getting a 320 bhp w8. Is this most likely just media rumors? Seems a little early for anybody to even begin speculating. Of course, considering the source...
Has anyone noticed that your A4 or S4 sort looks like a Honda from the back. Many times I race up to a car that I think is an Audi - I'm just strange sometimes I like to drive next to other audi's - and I get real close and see that strange H symbol and realize it's a honda.
...so do many other cars. Both the Volvo S80 and BMW 5-series look a lot like Accords from the back. I think the reason is that Honda often immitates successul designs from European manufacturers. I can't say it bothers me.
Maybe I have to replace my batteries but the range on my key chain to disable/enable the alarm is pretty bad, depending on the day and angle I have to be at least w/in 5 feet from the car.
While my friends Honda can peg his car from 15+ away.
Comments
Has anyone driven an automatic and manual S4 to compare?
Thanks,
Ralph
question (I don't have the numbers in front of me)
if S4 is 2 seconds faster to 60mph than 300M and A6 2.7T is also 2 seconds faster to 60mph than 300M, then S4 and A6 2.7T have the same 0-60? But A6 is bigger and heavier...
Both have 250HP.
S4 is 3593lbs.
2.7T is 3759lbs.
Both are sticks. Neither includes very common options such as the sunroof.
Many people say they can do 0-60 in less than 5.9 in their S4's. I can't argue with that. some tests have even shown it lower. Aftermarket tests have shown the A6 2.7T figure to be spot on. They come up 6.0's every time. Anyway, I don't see enough consensus info yet to rate the S4 as anything but 5.9 0-60.
So, to make a long story short, they have similar weights and similar 0-60 times.
does anyone know the automatic times?
I would love to learn how to drive stick (one attempt ended in the wall af a 16 story apartment building
The choice of manual vs. stick is a free option on both the S4 and A6 2.7T. S4 is stick standard, TIP as a free option, A6 2.7T is the other way around.
my S4 uses german manufactured Michelin Pilot SX 225/45/ZR 17 MXX3 rated tyres. As mentioned before 40thousand km and wear tolerable. In the wet they're a magnificent tyre, the only problems are at speeds over 180kph due to aquaplaning (on good grip roads). These tyres have 3 smooth ribs around the circumference and these cause the problems.
I've spoken to people with Dunlops and they have aquaplaning problems at 120kph! Pirellis? leave the car in the garage in the wet, at least that's my experience with these, superb dry tyres but theres relatively little rain in Italy and they don't know how to make a rain tyre!
ONE problem with cross-atlantic recommendations though, I've spoken to Michelin Karlsruhe and have a friend in Michelin Nova-Scotia working in quality control. Theres a difference in rubber composition between Germany and North America. How far this affects the performance is unknown to me and to the Michelin people, at least they're not letting on!
I've almost always used Michelin on Audis (now my 14th audi) and always regretted using another tyre. Just one tip, don't ever use Continental they're the biggest load of crap ever to come off a production line. OK for tractors, benzs and other low-life!!!
I was interested in your comment about Dunlop's performance in wet weather. First, The following comparisons were pulled from tirerack.com Both tires rated well overall, and the Dunlop is a very good wet weather tire. Second, I own a set of the 9000's and have run 100+ (that's mph) on a wet autobahn. Holds the road real well. An Audi TT spun out in front of me doing about 90mph. Guess he was running Pilot SX's! Two other tires compared with the 9000 were Yokohama AVS Sport and Bridgestone Potenza S-O2 Pole Position. Bottom line: these tires are good wet weather tires. The driver, depth of water on pavement, reaction to conditions, etc. are considerations never factored into the formulas. There are no "perfect conditions" on wet roads, meaning these tires are all going to get fairly decent ratings, to include Dunlop! Read on.
- The most immediately recognizable features of the SP Sport 9000 is its distinctive tread
design. It has a distinctly directional pattern that is comprised of many relatively narrow "fingers" of varying lengths.
In Dunlop's testing this design was shown to spray water to the sides of the tire enhancing hydroplaning resistance
and wet traction. The SP Sport 9000 also features a tread compound that has a very high silica content to further
enhance wet traction while improving wear and even reducing rolling resistance.
On the track the Pilot SX came into its element. Very crisp steering response and high levels of cornering and braking
grip make the Pilot SX a favorite. While not tested this time, the Pilot SX's wide tread widths and rib type tread design
make it more susceptible to high speed, deep water hydroplaning.
thanks for the info. That was very helpful!
Thanks for the input. We have no SP9000 here, perhaps they're the equivalent to the SP40 dunlops. Thats the comparison I was making!
I digress..........
The TT has a tracking problem thats probably why it span out, thats also why they're so successful (not) at present in the present german sports car championships! Think about it even a benz is leaving them! They should go back to the A4 sport.
The Michelins are great, of course depending on the road surface, if one has a slick(smooth surface (as a lot of french motorways are) then the pre-aquaplaning speed is well down about 140kph. The same tyre on a local german motorway with similar rain conditions are ok for 180kph! But I'm NOT talking about tropical downpours with inches of water on the road!
The Michelins have also supoerior cornering abilities in the dry and the wet, try cornering on our black forest windy roads at speeds (illegal) of over 150kph with the dunlops!
I've driven in the Black Forrest, but only in my Golf GTI. I believe my S4 with the 9000's can hold most corners (speeding of course). Quattro is a wonderful thing and does wonders to reduce stress, like high speed cornering (I've experienced this a few times). As for the competition, a 911 backed off at 80mph on an exit ramp as I rolled by him at 100 (true story). That was before the Dunlops! Anyway, as mentioned before, only professionals under optimum conditions can determine a better tire for a given section of road. I'm not a pro and may never know the limits of my car and tires. We can only go by what the "tests" indicate. I recently added 70hp to my car bumping it to 320. Haven't put "her" through the paces (damn autobahn had too much traffic). On a side note: saw a S8 at the dealer yesterday. That car is a BEAST!!!!!!
Usually I lose 911s at our local interchange A5 to A98 from the north. In the S4 I can take this with a good margin of safety at 180kph. I last left a beetle sports (911 Carerra) hanging on the crash rails because he thought he could corner like the S4.
Mine has now 412 PS (local Tuner called Koch), after the 320PS Abt version was too slow. New coolers new exhaust manifold etc. 0-100kph (60mph) in 4,3 secs, without laying rubber, top end no faster due to rev blocker at 6800rpm but I'm looking for a longer 6th gear. Know anyone who does this?
Driven the S8 on the "Nordschleife" (the old 16 mile GrandPrix course) at Nurburgring in October '99 at the Audi advanced driver training. Took it as fast as I dared which was bl**dy quick, but afterwards Jocki Kleint (an ex works Golf world cup rally guy, who also did Pikes Peak 3 years on the trot) showed me, and 2 others in the car what real speed on that course was.
I felt rather slow after that!
When you're next in the black Forest e-mail me, we'll share comments....... ghg@ghg.de
At the moment I'm dealing with a company in D.C. called Autothority. You can check out the site at
autothority.com. They claim their module (chip) and air filter will add approx 70hp and close to 80 ftlbs more torque. These guys know their stuff. The site also has some good info on the frequently asked Q & A's.
arrgghhhhhh !!!!!
I head up to Summit Co Colorado at least once a month (have cut the 475 mile trip to just under 7 hrs) and looking for appropriate tires for the high country. Leaning towards the Dunlop Winter Sport M2 (H-rated). Any comments? Know of any 'all season' compromises that are worthwhile?
Also, for those interested, clear bras are very popular, but I found one place that makes a traditional bra (I intend to use on road trips only).... http://www.autob1.com/Html/Colgan/COLGAN_CUSTOM.html
Already have one windshield sacrificed to the rock god, but the front end is still in pristine shape, and I want to keep it that way!
Also bought the Mondial bike rack from Nashbar.com, but I confess haven't installed it yet.
I am a big fan of my V-1 radar detector too! I fly military jets, and like the "SA" that it gives me!! Unfortunately, I just got a speeding ticket tonight with "instant on". [I hate those road [non-permissible content removed]!] I was going home at a leisurely 70 mph in 55 at night. The detector went off, indicating a low power setting, and then went blank. I immediately downshifted (to avoid painting the countryside red with my brakelights) and slowed to 55. As the two cars passed me opposite direction (we're out in the middle of nowhere), I didn't see a cop. I shrugged my shoulders and began to resume speed again. It was the next car that was the wolf.
My V-1 lit up like a christmas tree and there was nothing I could do...67 in a 55, on a straight country backwoods road. What danger is that to anyone? Why can't I enjoy the simple freedom of enjoying something I have worked really hard to be able to afford, without being molested by the states nannys!! I really don't like how we try to legislate common sense in america... especially when they make it a source of revenue...end of the month, gotta make revenue, etc...
I feel better now...
Lesson learned: the V-1 is an increadibly sensitive machine... If you get what looks like a false alarm in a location you don't normally get false alarms, (I leave it in Logic mode, vs adv logic mode, for increased sensitivity) there's probably a "bogey" out there. I should have been more cautious, especially at night. I guess I was lucky I didn't fell like doing 90mph like I have other times!
At least I hope someone else will benefit from my little story, and won't let "the man" keep those of us able to think and drive at the same time down in our very capable machines!!
Ride, noise, and handling were good in dry.
Check this link:
http://www.audiworld.com/forum/m/s4/msgs/160604.phtml
Heard Dunlop SP5000 is good all season choice, but H-rated snows will be better in winter and probably handle almost as well IMO.
Is the S4 going to look like an A6 too? Is that going to kill the already shakey resale of the current S4's?
Does anyone have a link to pictures of the new A4?
As to looking like a Passat, only really in the taillights.
Which is something I doubt is ever going to be said about the "updated" A4.
M
Most of the people who are complaing that the new A4 will never look classic are those who have the current A4. They are obviously biased, and having something vested in the A4 not changing much.
bollinger, there's undoubtedly some truth to what you said but as a non-owner of an A4 I can tell you that I don't think the new design stacks up at all compared to the current A4. The new design is OK but there's no way it will age as gracefully as the current A4 has in my opinion.
Thanks.
-rdo
rdollie@home.com
A4
As a single friend of mine once told me, "It doesn't matter how smart, funny, or well-mannered the person at the end of the bar is; if they aren't attractive enough to cause a stir, they are probably going to spend the night alone." From the reaction we've received on the road with our test car, we're fairly certain that this A4 won't be spending too many quiet nights at home. Like the cute, vivacious blonde you remember from your freshman year, the Audi A4 is wearing the latest clothes from the coolest stores. Its airy greenhouse sits like a cool pair of shades atop the A4's broad shoulders and well-rounded rump. Its strong nose extends out to the car's playfully grinning front end. The no-nonsense 5-spoke alloy wheels lend an air of serious sophistication to the A4, but we all know that this car will be the life of the party at fraternity blowouts. Unlike many cars, the A4 is able to incorporate functionality into its striking design. The A4's greenhouse gives passengers the impression that they are riding in larger car than they really are. The car's high roofline and wide doors make it easier to climb in and out of the A4 than most of its competition. The Audi's short front and rear overhangs make parallel parking the A4 a breeze. The deep trunk, which lends the car that beautifully bubbly rear-end, makes loading and unloading groceries into the A4 a back-saving operation.
A6
Next up on our hit parade is the styling. Audi departed rather drastically from the previous A6, as well as the A4 and A8, with this new design. Viewed from the side, the A6 is elegant, mainly due to its simple adornment, chrome window surround, and gracefully arcing greenhouse. But as you close in on the corners and ends of the car, it’s easy to get a bad taste for this latest Audi. Plainly, Audi is moving toward the stylistic theme set by the TT Coupe and Roadster concept cars of 1996. Nobody we know thought either of those models was attractive, and we’re having trouble finding anyone who thinks the new A6 is the hottest thing around. Several who viewed the car called it blob-like. Viewed straight on at the front, the car looks bulldogish, aggressive and fat at the same time. The rear is quite plain, and while others find the taillights attractive, they remind me of what you’d find on a current Chevrolet S-10 pickup. At night, the A6’s butt could be mistaken for that on a Dodge Avenger. Ah, wait, hold the e-mail folks. We know some of you love the look, and that’s your prerogative. We don’t, and that’s our prerogative
M
Despite what people say, the new A4 styling is all that much like the A6 anyway. The front is radically different (A6 front end is snitched off a Camry as far as I can tell), and the rear end is much less round, and lacks the difficult-to-ignore (read ugly) big black license plate surround.
I can't see how so many people can condemn a car design they haven't even seen yet. Also, given how much A6 owners grow to like the styling on their cars (I hated the rear end initially), I think putting the new A4 down as never being a classic is incredibly premature.
Remember how the original Taurus was said to be spacey and super-round? Go back and look at it and look at it now. It's the squarest thing on the road.
Time changes things. Your eye will adjust.
Good analysis though!
M
If you look at them, the hood slopes down almost the same, the grille is similarly sloped and shaped. Bumper line is quite similar also.
They are very similar to my eye. Perhaps my eye isn't well trained.
I agree Audi's are looking pretty similar. From the front, they are at a crisis point. The A4 and A6 are almost identical (except the 4.2), you have to judge the tip in of the greenhouse and overall size to get an idea. The A6 4.2 front end is basically stolen off an A8, the area under the bumper is different, but since you rarely see A8's, it's tough to keep that straight in your head.
The new A4 front end looks less like the A6 or A8 than before due to the rounding, a little more like the TT, but it's far too large to be mistaken for one.
The back end of the new A4 and A6 seem similar at first glance, but aren't nearly close enough to mistake one for the other. The A4 has a different curve, some markings near the top of the curve, has visible exhausts, and most obviously lacks the license plate surround.
As to the Passat, at a glance, it is similar to the A6, because the taillights are in the same place, but the lack of any curve back there is a giveaway.
I'd say Audi is doing a decent job differentiating their cars (and the Passat), but I wouldn't exactly give them high marks. They could do a lot better.
Of course, MB stole the rear off the zillion dollar CL500 and threw in on the C-class derived CLK. Then they migrated the headlights (with changes) from the S500 to the new C class. They are mixing things up a little too much also, but nearly as much as Audi.
Thanks for your comments. ;-)
Pocahontas,
Edmunds.com/Roving Host
M
Negaro Blue, Onyx Tiptronic, sunroof etc
New in April 2000 - Still new in November with 200 miles. Estate car, will deal.
Interested? E- mail me at purestrt@nauticom.net
footage/videos on the S4?
I've got two pretty awesome videos that I play in real player on the RS4 (I not sure who did it, they sound english though)
I'd love to see some S4 footage.
Regards -Lener
2000 S4, Santorin Blue Pearl
but the range on my key chain to disable/enable the alarm is pretty bad, depending on the day and angle I have to be at least w/in 5 feet from the car.
While my friends Honda can peg his car from 15+ away.
Very embarassing