[s-cars] The Audi as a Fiat

[Mike Fitton]

Freakin...well said!  I find myself eyeing modern Hondas because VW 
refuses to bring me the Lupo GTI.

Look at what Lincoln did with the LS.  They propagandized the 
availability of a stick when that car first came out, even though it 
could only be had with the Duraturd V6, and then quietly removed the 
option a couple years later...seems nobody wanted a stick in an SHO, let 
alone in a Lincoln.  I love that I have a scrappy high-strung sportscar 
engine in a 3800lb luxury sedan.  So inappropriate...it's great.

-Cheers!
Mike

Steve Voit wrote:
> S-Heads:
>
> I must admit that I've been lookin' this way and that at other cars,
> thinkin' my S-car is a bit long in the tooth.  M3s, M5s, all wheel
> E-classes, maybe even some newer Audis, although by and large the new cars
> (neu 3's and 5's included, certainly the neu A6/S6) have taken a left turn
> while I'm going straight ahead.  So on one hand I'm holding back and not
> breakin' loose the upgrade money (big list) on my S but at the same time I'm
> not moved by the newer cars.  What's wrong with me, I'm thinkin', why isn't
> anything stirring my auto-passion?  
>
> All that changed with the Fiat Croma turbo diesel.
>
>  
>
> A recent trip to Europe re-connected me with what I love; well-engineered,
> efficient, dynamic cars with a restrained but passionate aesthetic. Think
> Car & Driver 10 best from the 80's and 90's, not 00's.  Driving in rural
> italy reminded me why 'european' cars exist: 120 MPH on the Autostrada one
> minute, tight bends and brilliant twisties the next -oops, small parking
> spot - no sweat. While I was only behind the wheel for a few days it was a
> cathartic experience >> showing that all the MMI's/10 cyl/perforated air
> conditioned seats/slushbox trannies/ and other extravagant stuff was/is a
> complete diversion from what I love in the first place, a well-designed,
> dynamic, hands on, tactile car.  The new euro hardware featured in the US is
> fascinating, but it's a solution to a problem I don't have and don't value.
> For every A8 with over-the-top technology that product planners know we'll
> love in the US, Audi sells 50 A3 3 doors at home, any one of which I'd
> rather have.  We no longer get what I perceive as 'european' cars here in
> the states (OK, Canada too, Dave), we get their high-end wretched excess
> collection.  This shift toward high-end product is a defensible business
> move, I suppose, but it's leaving me behind. (and opening opportunity for
> others)
>
>  
>
> After 3 weeks away I savored being reunited with my car, and did so
> thoughtfully.  I liked the way it smelled, the super comfortable and
> functional interior, the perfect size, the smoothness and power, the
> steering/shifting/braking - and I loved the fact its over 10 years old and
> 'only' has a 2.2L motor.  I love the turbo surge, thinking about upgrades,
> keeping it 'new', and I love this silly list.  These reasons are why I
> bought the car in the first place and why I'll proceed with the upgrades,
> fun, and headaches.
>
>  
>
> These cars are not for everybody, and turnover on this list is high enough
> to suggest that not everyone finds the experience to be to their liking.  So
> while old M3's catch my eye they only have 2 doors.  The old M5's are very
> cool, but no all wheel setup.  Wish I could get a manual in an MB sedan big
> enough for my 6'6" frame, but I can't.  And none of these cars have the
> community and tune-ability upside of the S-Car.  Call me a sucker but I'm
> re-upping my slippery slope club card - and I promise I'll drive in Europe
> before making any future replacement decisions.
>
> Steve, goin' with the flow but not yet sick enough for the S-fest frenzy,
> from Seattle, V.
>
>  
>
>  
>
>  
>
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