First drive (for me :-) -- A4 2.8 fwd

[Ti Kan]

Fisher, Scott writes:
> First impressions: has Audi's steering really become progressively softer
> since 1980, or is my weight-lifting program paying off? :-)  My 1980 4000
> had delightfully light but solid and direct steering, particularly
> ...

Audi steering systems did get lighter beginning the early 90s or so.
That said, the new A4/A6/A8 models with the virtual-axis geometry steering
gives a totally different feel than previous Audis in that the total
lack of torque steer and kickback makes it seem even lighter than it
really is.  However, the feel is there and once you get used to it, it's
actually nice.  You no longer fight with the steering, but still feel
in complete connection with what's happening at the wheels.  One thing,
though, I noticed, is that the steering feel becomes livelier with
the tire pressure on the high side of the recommended range.  Also, on
the A6 cars, disconnecting the servotronic relay makes it all better.
Also, the feel is model-specific.  The feel on my neu-S4 is quite a bit
better than the A4 2.8q I had.  This is partly due to the wheels/tires
but there is probably a different amount of assist dialed-in on the sportier
S4.

As to soft handling, the A4 2.8q you drove probably doesn't have the
factory sport suspension option.  There is a significant difference
there.  Also, again, much of this is also influenced by the tires.  Some
of the new Audis are now being equipped from the factory with more decent
tires but they are not the most sporting.

-Ti
01 S4 2.7 biturbo quattro
84 5000S 2.1 turbo
80 4000 2.0
-- 
    ///  Ti Kan                Vorsprung durch Technik
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