AudiWatch Update (Tm) #48

[glen.powell@smc.com]

  AudiWatch Update (Tm) #48 1-5-95


  Nope, you haven't missed any AudiWatch Updates (Tm). This is the first
  one since November, 94, #47. I've moved and the holidays and work have
  kept me very busy.....we'll try to do better.....

  AUDI IN THE NEWS
  ----------------

  A4 AUDI'S SLEEK NEW SEDAN, _European Car_, Feb. '95 pg 50-55
  (nice big article w/color pics, the A4 in silver is strikingly
  beautiful, Ed.)

    It is perhaps ironic that, in its twilight years, Audi's bulbous
  80 has achieved its best-ever sales targets. Facelifted two years
  ago after much criticism for having a small trunk and underdeveloped
  suspension, it has blossomed into a car that customers now see as
  providing outstanding value, refreshingly different styling and a
  more socially acceptable image in post-recession Europe than a BMW
  or Mercedes.....the best looking car in its class.....struggled to
  find minus points.....hard pressed to elicit any major criticisms.....
  off to a good start.....excitement....mini version of the
  breathtakingly elegant A8.....proportions spot on....made the slab-
  sided 3-series look rather tired and over detailed......as fresh as
  the C-Class......A4 approaches perfection in both proportions and
  detailing from all angles.....1.5" wider and a tad taller than the
  80, as well as 100Lb lighter.....redcued the price of the A4.....
  ideal ride/handling comprimise.....2.8L V6, 174bhp.....fresh, modern
  and elegant cabin design.....all new car with fresh body, suspension
  and engines.....with the A8 and now the A4, they're out to show
  rivals how it should be done.....

  A Ring Cycle, pg 55
  Brief blurb on Audi's new corporate logo and the history behind the
  present and past Audi/Horch/Wanderer/DKW logos.

  PROJECT AUDI 4000 CS Quattro, pg 56-57
  (the project 4000Q was broken into (Ugh), so this month's project is
  on replacing door glass, Ed.)

  NEW AUDI PARTS SOURCES & SERVICES
  ---------------------------------

  COMPANIES *NOT* TO DO BUSINESS WITH
  -----------------------------------

  European Traffic aka Mid-Atlantic Automotive
  Parts screw-ups, shipping screw-ups, credit-card billing before parts
  actually ship, poor service, as reported on the .net

  SUPERCHIPS, grossly misleading advertising claiming CPU chip upgrades
  where, in fact, no CPU chip reprogramming is done in many applications,
  as discussed at great length on the .net

  AUDIS OF INTEREST FOR SALE/WANTED
  ---------------------------------

  Vorsprung durch Technik,

  -glen