[s-cars] Ever wonder why the newer Audis (and other cars) are

[Eric Phillips]

>
> Date: Tue, 1 Aug 2006 15:06:46 -0400
> From: Ingo Rautenberg <i.rautenberg at waratap.com>
> Subject: [s-cars] Ever wonder why the newer Audis (and other cars) are
>        sooo    heavy?
> To: V8 Fans <v8 at audifans.com>, Quattro List <quattro at audifans.com>
> Cc: Urq List <urq at audifans.com>, s-car-list at audifans.com
>
> So does Csaba Csere of Car and Driver is his musings from October of
> last year:
>
> http://www.caranddriver.com/columns/9981/the-steering-column.html
>
> Personally, I'd rather have a car that doesn't do everything under
> the sun.  One who dabbles in many things but is master of none is
> considered a dilettante. And for a car to do the same is
> unconscionable.  And it directly impacts quality and reliability.
> Creature comforts are fine, but they should not come at the EXPENSE
> of reliability and hence value retention.  Toyota understands this.
> I wish Audi did.  People have been talking about Audi not getting
> their marketing strategy right -- but even with a great strategy, you
> need an excellent product if you want to succeed.  I suggest a
> serious re-examination by Audi of what Audi wants to be...
>
> Ingo
>
> PS  Sorry if this is catching some of you by surprise, but on the Urq
> List we've had a lively discussion about Audi's support (or lack
> thereof) for Urqs and future values of the newer cars and Audi's
> marketing strategy.


Ingo:

You're right.  I loved my '78 Scirocco - no electric anything in the cabin,
no auto dimming, electrically-adjusting, seat heating, navigation systemming
nothin' in that car.  1700lbs of automotive love.  A 2.0T from today in that
car would make it undriveable.  Well, I'd get so many tickets as to lose my
license.  :)

I drove that car like I stole it everywhere, and still it got over 30mpg.  I
gotta baby my S-car to get it to register 24 in mixed driving.  I can roll
down my own windows.  I can also select the proper temperature for the cabin
by sliding a lever.  Oh - fan speed?  Turn the dial.  I can dim the mirror.
I can adjust the seat after my wife drives it by using the levers.  I don't
mind cloth upholstry.  I have a nav system in the glove box.  People used to
call it a "map".

There is no such thing as a decontented car with a high-hp motor and sport
suspension.  At least, not that commoners can afford.  Even on the S-car,
I'd love to trade the electric windows for hand cranks.  And the Climate
Control system for manual controls.

No power assist on the steering might suck, but I needed a bit of a workout
anyway, LOL.

Eric