First of all, sorry no pics as I was traveling back from clients to make this event...

Review:
Sat in the new R8... if I had $140K, I would have one by February (instead of 18 month wait, pay $25K premium, done deal)... what a machine!! Pictures do not do justice. I would take it over ANY car no matter the price and I didn't even drive it, just rode in it!! Sound and handling incredible, spacious, yet on city street like riding a luxury sedan. Couldn't suggest enough adjectives...

Back to the real world:
A4- soon as I saw it in person, knew it was the car I was searching for (my "Car for $60K post"). Top quality fit, finish, size increase just right... now the drive: LIGHTS OUT INSANE HANDLING!! Drove 3.2 Quattro, could not lose it! 335i is faster off line, but in turns A4 was smooth as silk and hard to lose. Rep drove one out at SEMA 2 weeks ago and at 120mph+ and could break it loose, I can see why. Interior quality way ahead of MB and BMW, comporable to Acura and Lexus (but leather MUCH nicer), better than Infiniti. Closing the door you can sense the finish and fit. Logical buttons, easy when driving to locate without distracting from road. Trunk space good. Estimates 27mpg for 3.2 (265hp), 30mpg for 2.0 (211 hp but better torque. I didn't drive 2.0, arrives in 2 weeks. Again, gotta see it LIVE (you will see a patern...). $40K loaded out the door...knocked GS350, TL-S, RL, C350, M35x, and 335xi out of contention. For me, THE WINNER!!!

A5- for $10K more, not seeing the point to lose 2 doors (my criteria) for wheels and suspension difference. However, SHARP coupe beautiful finish and handling was good, still thought A4 outperformed.

S5- SCARY!!! Just arrived, did NOT drive as it was being prepped at the time but hear the engine Not a C63 but..... in person, was torn as to which I would have from outside vs one I saw and sat in at MB but the interior once inside... S5 wins!!

No Q5- not available til late winter to test

So to summarize, Audi is for real in their American assault to beat out MB and BMW. I have not been an Audi "fan" until I really started evaluating all the cars.

After 23 test drives over the last month+, Audi has me on for personal car and deals on the A4 convertibles will probably win me for my wife's upcoming "toy". Come next spring, I'm looking forward to testing the Q5 against the EX35 a nd new GLK350...

Lastly, am I glad this journey is over... but it was a LOT of fun!!!

 

The A4 doesn't compete with the GS it competes with the Is.
And unfortunately the R8 is a beautiful car it is very slow! And for that price sorry I would go for Turbo!

The S5 is a beautiful car but your comparing to the c63 is unfair since the c63 is a sedan and the C63 would kill it in performance and handling. Also look at c63 with Sahara interior and black wood the car is absolutely stunning!

 

I'm scheduled to test drive the 2009 A4 tomorrow 8-8-08.

question tho - what are the main differences between the S4 and RS4?

 

Going with my gut so I was not matching cars, the C63 in your pic is much nicer than what I saw!

 

Before you make that decision make sure you test drive both the S5 and the C63 so you don't regret your decision later. And you are absolutely correct the black interior c63 is pretty bland and boring but you can always get the Sahara interior if you decide on the C63

It's nice to have different options isn't!

 

Audi all the WAY!!!!.. you should wait for the newer A6... i love Audi , as i'm a 2.7T owner..

 

This process is KILLING me I'm not a fan of the (possible) gas guzzler tax ie poor mileage of the C63 (part of my criteria) and brake issues (that's a C-Classs issue) although it is a BEAST. Also not sure if waiting for the new A6 is an option.... but I can see the finish line

 

VAG builds their products the right way. Impeccable exterior gap tolorances, superb interior materials and fit and finish.

Audi sales have skyrocketed worldwide over the last two years, mainly form developing markets (china), but there is room in North America to grow too. They have publicly stated that they want to overtake BMW by 2015. Volkswagen AG is now the world's third largest automaker and want to sell one million vehicles in North America by 2018.

 

looks nice.

but how reliable is it?

volkswagens are pretty crappy. does the crap run in the family?

 

everything....



the S4 is a FWD car disguised as a AWD car, with a bigger engine than the rest of the A4 lineup.


the RS4 is a M3 fighter.

 

I also understand the RS4's ride will make your chiropractor very happy...

 

IMO all Audi's suffer from excessive weight and a complete lack of soul the definition of German appliance.