[s-cars] RS6 - USA - Press Release out...

[CyberPoet]

In Case you didn't catch the Audi official press release yet:
Full Version at:
http://www.audiusa.com/about_pressrelease_detail/0,,articleId-
20000462_countrycode-1_subUsageId-9999999398_,00.html

Note: anything surrounded by three asterisks (***) is commentary by me,
not part of the original press release.

--------------
Audi of America, Inc. Announces Pricing on 2003 RS 6 Sports Sedan
--------------
AUBURN HILLS, Mich., April 9, 2003
'Audi of America, Inc. today announced pricing for its most powerful
model ever: the extraordinary 2003 Audi RS 6.'

Audi set pricing for its thoroughbred sedan, which features a modified
Audi 4.2-liter, biturbo V8 producing an incredible 450 horsepower and
415 lbs. ft. of torque, at a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price
(MSRP) of $82,700. Inspired by Audi's Le Mans-winning R8 race car, the
RS 6 is among the fastest five-passenger sports sedans ever to enter
the U.S. market, with a 0-60 miles-per-hour time of just 4.6 seconds
and an electronically governed top speed of 155 mph.

*** 155 MPH GOVERNED -- WHICH WE ALL KNOW CAN BE YANKED BY PULLING ***
*** THE BRIDGE IN THE PASSENGER FOOTWELL. Expect real-world top    ***
*** speeds of 179 to 189 MPH with the governor bridge connector    ***
*** yanked, unless US final-drive gearing will be different than   ***
*** German spec gearing ***

The 2003 Audi RS 6 arrives in the U.S. in July 2003...
*** In Three Months!!! ***
*** [snip -- irrelevant stuff omitted] ***

The RS 6 is the first Audi to offer the company's innovative active
suspension system 'Dynamic Ride Control' (DRC) using diagonally
connected, hydraulically dampened shock absorbers.
*** Means very little corner dipping & body roll when cornering hard ***

Compared to the A6, the suspension is lowered by 25 millimeters and the
shocks have 40 percent increased compression damping. In addition, the
RS 6 has a 30 percent stiffer spring rate and is outfitted with larger
stabilizer bars.

The brake system incorporates 14-inch front and 13-inch rear discs of a
composite design; a cast friction ring is fixed to an aluminum
brake-disc hub by 14 pins.
*** THIS TECHNOLOGY HAS BEEN WIDELY IMPLEMENTED IN ***
*** COMMERCIAL MOTORCYCLE PRODUCTION, WHICH ALWAYS ***
*** LEADS CARS IN BRAKE DESIGN.                    ***
*** THE MAIN ADVANTAGE TO THIS TECHNOLOGY IS       ***
*** REDUCTION IN WARP-AGE IN THE ROTORS AND        ***
*** REDUCED HEAT TRANSFER TO THE WHEEL BEARINGS.   ***
*** Expect to see radial-mounted caliper systems   ***
*** in 3 to 6 years on then-current models         ***

The 'floating' configuration improves stability of the discs,
particularly when exposed to extreme loads and high temperature.

The RS 6 comes with a high level of standard features, including a
Tiptronic(tm) five-speed automatic transmission with 'Sport' setting;
18-inch cast-aluminum, nine-spoke wheels and 255/40ZR performance
tires; a six-disc in-dash Symphony II Radio; Bose' 200-watt premium
sound system with subwoofer; leather upholstery and a power glass
slide/tilt sunroof with sunshade, just to name a few.

*** Can I have it with a wide-spaced 6 speed instead, please?!?! ***

A short list of optional equipment includes a Warm Weather Package,
consisting of a solar sunroof, power rear window sun shade and manual
rear side window sun shades ($1,000), Audi navigation system ($1,350),
rear side airbags ($350), carbon fiber interior trim ($300), and sound
enhancing exhaust system with black exhaust tips ($950).
*** $950 for a better sounding exhaust? Note that there ***
*** was no comment about better performance exhaust --  ***
*** just better sounding [laughs]                       ***

*** REST OF THE RELEASE INTENTIONALLY OMITTED AS STANDARD FAIR:
Warrantee, roadside, trademark disclaimers ***