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

[Bill Noland]

Added creature comfort content is partly to blame, but added "safety" 
content is the real culprit. These days, the added "safety" content is as 
much a self-defense measure, as anything. Yor basic 2 1/2 ton SUV outweighs 
my (long departed) A1 and A2 GTI's by a factor of two or more!

Csaba is right -- the two-wheeled (sport bike) world has gone the opposite 
direction, mainly thanks to aluminum and plastic. My 03 CBR 954RR is close 
to 100 lbs. lighter than my (departed) 84 Honda Interceptor (some say the 
original sportbike) and a quantum leap performance-wise. Can't quite 
understand how the motorcycle manufacturers can whole heartedly (and 
economically) embrace the use of lighter materials on what are relatively 
low volume vehicles, but it is absolutely newsworthy, when an auto 
manufacturer includes an aluminum part on a new car.

Bill Noland


> 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...
>
>