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

[LL - NY]

I had a similar experience with my A2 GTi, which I kept
trying to be competitive in SCCA Solo2 LONG after it
ceased to be (statistically, there have been few long
life Stock class cars that have remained competitive
in class, newer iron seems to just have better performance).

Reason why? Yes, it was no Miata. But it was still visceral,
direct. 2200 lbs on the scales with me in it and 1/4 tank of
gas. No power assist, except the brakes.  And I loved it
for that. Simple fun. And at least at the regional level, it
allowed me to run more than competitively long after it
should of. Of course it rode like it had cement in it's shocks,
rolled like a harpooned whale, and buzzed and droned like
a hive of angry bees.

Sadly, it got attacked by a freak "Jet Stream Fragment"
(above 100 MPH winds according to NWS) which dropped
a 40 ft maple on it. End of story.

I still miss that car. :-(


LL - NY

On 8/1/06, Eric Phillips <gcmschemist at gmail.com> wrote:
>
> >
> > 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
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