Re: AUDI & Mercedes

["Psychos 'R Us" <honge@creighton.edu>]

> grit our teeth and be patient for now.  i would wager that 10 years
> from now we will have the same v6 with 5 valve heads and twin turbos..
> and excess of 300 bhp.  
> 
> the RS2 and original sport quattro will look tame in comparison.

I would more think about what the condition with petro reserve 10 years 
from now...

> that's if audi doesn't get too sidetracked trying to go after the
> lexus market.  i think they are lost right now... their motorsports
> achievements got them a lot of respect in enthusiast circles, but did
> not net too many well heeled suits that could make the US operation
> profitable.  they've abandoned the rally car flying sideways image
> into this abstract crap that is alienating the enthusiasts and not
> having much effect on the yups either, which are now going for
> 1940's technology f*** trucks.  sorta like paying $3500 for a 286 PC.
> a lexus and acura is now looking tasteful in comparison. 

That's the trouble with Audi in U.S. market -- they don't have an "image" 
to attribute the marque. MB is solid safe, while BMW is the ultimate 
yuppie machine -- but ask most people in U.S. of what Audi stands for, 
and they'll probably say unintended acceleration.

I would like to see Audi U.S. to give up on that abstract stuff (which is 
hard on the brains) and stick to what Audi is good at -- motorsport 
arena. Put some commercials made up with bits and pieces from the rallye 
or the touring car championships and stick to Audi's original motto of 
how technical progress will destroy other car makers... (now, isn't that 
a MOTTO or what?)

But of course, with all those push-rods still out there and selling, Audi 
may simply in the wrong market with that technical progress thing. Just 
look at Saturn -- it's not the car, it's the dealership (talking about 
dealers, my local Audi dealer is a dealer from hell). And I also couldn't 
figure how people here could put some Toyotas and Hondas in the same 
league as Audi, BMW, or MB. (And if you mention this, they'll stress that 
these are not Hondas nor Toyotas, but Acuras and Lexii -- with a 
straight face!!!)

Oh, yeah -- I just bought a brand, spanking-new 286 few months ago for 
$170. And yes, the year is 1995.

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